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Getting started with Countdown Timer

Introducing the Countdown Timer to boost all your marketing activities towards more conversion TABLE OF CONTENTS What is a Countdown Timer? Benefits of…

3 min read733 words9 explained imagesUpdated Thu, 19 Sep, 2024 at 6:11 AM
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On this page
  1. What is a Countdown Timer?
  2. Benefits of Countdown Timers -
  3. When should you add a timer?
  4. Types of Countdown Timers
  5. Key Considerations
  6. Countdown Timer Dynamic Links
  7. Steps to Create a Countdown Timer

Introducing the Countdown Timer to boost all your marketing activities towards more conversion

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is a Countdown Timer?

A countdown timer visually counts down to a specific deadline, creating urgency for users to act before time runs out. It’s commonly used for sales, launches, or limited-time offers.

Benefits of Countdown Timers -

  • Creates Urgency: Encourages immediate action by showing time ticking down.
  • Increases Conversions: Timers can boost conversion rates by up to 27%, according to VWO.
  • Promotes Exclusivity: Highlights limited-time offers, making deals feel special.
  • Enhances Engagement: Keeps users on your page longer, increasing interaction.

When should you add a timer? 

Countdown timers are incredibly versatile and can enhance various types of emails:

  1. Retail: Often used to indicate the time remaining for special promotions or to highlight delivery deadlines, such as “Two hours left for next-day delivery.”
  2. Fashion: Employed to build anticipation for new collections, events, or fashion shows.
  3. Travel: Can show the remaining time before departure.
  4. Media: Used to remind subscribers of the remaining time before their subscription expires.
  5. Events: Effective for counting down to an event or the end of ticket pre-sales.
  6. Non-profits: Can create urgency for donation matching opportunities with a timer.
  7. Transactional Emails: Used to build excitement for upcoming events, as demonstrated in emails to attendees of Litmus Live 2022.

In each case, countdown timers help drive action, create urgency, or build excitement, depending on the context.

Types of Countdown Timers

  1. Fixed Timer

    • Description: Counts down to a set date and time. Ideal for events like Black Friday sales or product launches.
    • Usage: "Black Friday Sale ends in 2 days!"

  2. Recurring Timer

    • Description: Resets after reaching zero, useful for ongoing promotions.
    • Usage: "Weekly classes countdown" (resets weekly for the next class).

  3. Dynamic Timer

    • Description: Personalized for each user based on actions, like email opens.
    • Usage: "Your special offer expires in 1 hour" (based on user behavior).

Key Considerations

  1. Design and Style: Ensure the timer aligns with your brand's look and feel.
  2. Placement: Position the timer prominently, such as at the top of an email or landing page.
  3. Redirections: Set up functional links for both active and expired states.
  4. Consistency: Keep timers consistent across emails and websites for authenticity.
  5. Expiry Image: Use an image or message to inform users when the timer ends.

  • Active Timer Link: This link directs users to the page where they can take advantage of the active offer, such as the offer or checkout page. It's best to use the same countdown timer on this page so that when the timer expires, users are automatically redirected to the expired page.

  • Expired Timer Link: This link takes users to a page indicating that the timer has run out. In emails, users will see an expired image, which links to the expired page. In funnels, the expired page will automatically display once the timer ends.

Ensure you add both the Links before saving to ensure the dynamic links work.

Steps to Create a Countdown Timer

  1. Navigate to Marketing: Go to the "Marketing" section and select "Countdown Timer."

    Step 1 of 9: Navigate to Marketing: Go to the "Marketing" section and select… What this shows Step 1 of 9: Navigate to Marketing: Go to the "Marketing" section and select "Countdown Timer." What this shows Shows where to go for step 1 of 9 in the "Steps to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "Getting started with Countdown Timer". This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 9 in the "Steps to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "Getting started with Countdown Timer". At this point in the walkthrough you navigate to Marketing: Go to the "Marketing" section and select "Countdown Timer.". This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. The next step is to click on New: Click the "New" button to start creating your timer. Step 1 of 9Image 1 of 9 Where to goNavigate to Marketing: Go to the "Marketing" section and select "Countdown Timer."
    Fields in this part of the guide Configure Timer Details:
    Buttons and menus referenced Navigate to MarketingClick on NewSelect a TemplateChoose Timer TypeConfigure Timer DetailsFixed TimerRecurring TimerAdd LinksActive LinkExpired LinkCustomize StylingRename Timer
    Next stepClick on New: Click the "New" button to start creating your timer.
    All 9 steps in this procedure
    1. Navigate to Marketing: Go to the "Marketing" section and select "Countdown Timer." this image
    2. Click on New: Click the "New" button to start creating your timer.
    3. Select a Template: Choose a design template and click "Continue with this template."
    4. Choose Timer Type: Select the type of timer you want: Fixed, Recurring, or Dynamic.
    5. Configure Timer Details:
    6. Add Links:
    7. Customize Styling: Adjust the timer’s appearance, including colors, fonts, expiry image, and time display format.
    8. Rename Timer: Give your timer a descriptive name by click at the top
    9. Save: Click "Save" to finalise and activate your countdown timer.

  2. Click on New: Click the "New" button to start creating your timer.

    Step 2 of 9: Click on New: Click the "New" button to start creating your timer What this shows Step 2 of 9: Click on New: Click the "New" button to start creating your timer. What this shows Shows what to click for step 2 of 9 in the "Steps to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "Getting started with Countdown Timer". This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 9 in the "Steps to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "Getting started with Countdown Timer". At this point in the walkthrough you click on New: Click the "New" button to start creating your timer. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. The next step is to select a Template: Choose a design template and click "Continue with this template.". Step 2 of 9Image 2 of 9 What to clickClick on New: Click the "New" button to start creating your timer.
    Fields in this part of the guide Configure Timer Details:
    Buttons and menus referenced Click on NewNavigate to MarketingSelect a TemplateChoose Timer TypeConfigure Timer DetailsFixed TimerRecurring TimerAdd LinksActive LinkExpired LinkCustomize StylingRename Timer
    Next stepSelect a Template: Choose a design template and click "Continue with this template."
    All 9 steps in this procedure
    1. Navigate to Marketing: Go to the "Marketing" section and select "Countdown Timer."
    2. Click on New: Click the "New" button to start creating your timer. this image
    3. Select a Template: Choose a design template and click "Continue with this template."
    4. Choose Timer Type: Select the type of timer you want: Fixed, Recurring, or Dynamic.
    5. Configure Timer Details:
    6. Add Links:
    7. Customize Styling: Adjust the timer’s appearance, including colors, fonts, expiry image, and time display format.
    8. Rename Timer: Give your timer a descriptive name by click at the top
    9. Save: Click "Save" to finalise and activate your countdown timer.

  3. Select a Template: Choose a design template and click "Continue with this template."

    Step 3 of 9: Select a Template: Choose a design template and click "Continue with… What this shows Step 3 of 9: Select a Template: Choose a design template and click "Continue with this template." What this shows Shows what to choose for step 3 of 9 in the "Steps to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "Getting started with Countdown Timer". This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 9 in the "Steps to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "Getting started with Countdown Timer". At this point in the walkthrough you select a Template: Choose a design template and click "Continue with this template.". This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. The next step is to choose Timer Type: Select the type of timer you want: Fixed, Recurring, or Dynamic. Step 3 of 9Image 3 of 9 What to chooseSelect a Template: Choose a design template and click "Continue with this template."
    Fields in this part of the guide Configure Timer Details:
    Buttons and menus referenced Select a TemplateNavigate to MarketingClick on NewChoose Timer TypeConfigure Timer DetailsFixed TimerRecurring TimerAdd LinksActive LinkExpired LinkCustomize StylingRename Timer
    Next stepChoose Timer Type: Select the type of timer you want: Fixed, Recurring, or Dynamic.
    All 9 steps in this procedure
    1. Navigate to Marketing: Go to the "Marketing" section and select "Countdown Timer."
    2. Click on New: Click the "New" button to start creating your timer.
    3. Select a Template: Choose a design template and click "Continue with this template." this image
    4. Choose Timer Type: Select the type of timer you want: Fixed, Recurring, or Dynamic.
    5. Configure Timer Details:
    6. Add Links:
    7. Customize Styling: Adjust the timer’s appearance, including colors, fonts, expiry image, and time display format.
    8. Rename Timer: Give your timer a descriptive name by click at the top
    9. Save: Click "Save" to finalise and activate your countdown timer.

  4. Choose Timer Type: Select the type of timer you want: Fixed, Recurring, or Dynamic.

    Step 4 of 9: Choose Timer Type: Select the type of timer you want: Fixed… What this shows Step 4 of 9: Choose Timer Type: Select the type of timer you want: Fixed, Recurring, or Dynamic. What this shows Shows what to fill in for step 4 of 9 in the "Steps to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "Getting started with Countdown Timer". This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 9 in the "Steps to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "Getting started with Countdown Timer". At this point in the walkthrough you choose Timer Type: Select the type of timer you want: Fixed, Recurring, or Dynamic. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. The next step is to configure Timer Details. Step 4 of 9Image 4 of 9 What to fill inChoose Timer Type: Select the type of timer you want: Fixed, Recurring, or Dynamic.
    Fields in this part of the guide Configure Timer Details:
    Buttons and menus referenced Choose Timer TypeNavigate to MarketingClick on NewSelect a TemplateConfigure Timer DetailsFixed TimerRecurring TimerAdd LinksActive LinkExpired LinkCustomize StylingRename Timer
    Next stepConfigure Timer Details:
    All 9 steps in this procedure
    1. Navigate to Marketing: Go to the "Marketing" section and select "Countdown Timer."
    2. Click on New: Click the "New" button to start creating your timer.
    3. Select a Template: Choose a design template and click "Continue with this template."
    4. Choose Timer Type: Select the type of timer you want: Fixed, Recurring, or Dynamic. this image
    5. Configure Timer Details:
    6. Add Links:
    7. Customize Styling: Adjust the timer’s appearance, including colors, fonts, expiry image, and time display format.
    8. Rename Timer: Give your timer a descriptive name by click at the top
    9. Save: Click "Save" to finalise and activate your countdown timer.

  5. Configure Timer Details:

    • Fixed Timer: Set the end date and time.
    • Recurring Timer: Define the countdown duration and number of loops.

  6. Add Links:

    • Active Link: Specify the URL users will be directed to while the timer is active.
    • Expired Link: Specify the URL users will land on after the timer expires.
      Step 2 of 2: Expired Link: Specify the URL users will land on after the timer expires What this shows Step 2 of 2: Expired Link: Specify the URL users will land on after the timer expires. What this shows Shows what this covers for step 2 of 2 in the "Steps to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "Getting started with Countdown Timer". This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 2 in the "Steps to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "Getting started with Countdown Timer". At this point in the walkthrough you expired Link: Specify the URL users will land on after the timer expires. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. Step 2 of 2Image 5 of 9 What this coversExpired Link: Specify the URL users will land on after the timer expires.
      Fields in this part of the guide Configure Timer Details:
      Buttons and menus referenced Expired LinkNavigate to MarketingClick on NewSelect a TemplateChoose Timer TypeConfigure Timer DetailsFixed TimerRecurring TimerAdd LinksActive LinkCustomize StylingRename Timer
      All 2 steps in this procedure
      1. Active Link: Specify the URL users will be directed to while the timer is active.
      2. Expired Link: Specify the URL users will land on after the timer expires. this image

  7. Customize Styling: Adjust the timer’s appearance, including colors, fonts, expiry image, and time display format.

    Step 7 of 9: Customize Styling: Adjust the timer’s appearance, including colors… What this shows Step 7 of 9: Customize Styling: Adjust the timer’s appearance, including colors, fonts, expiry image, and time display format. What this shows Shows what this covers for step 7 of 9 in the "Steps to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "Getting started with Countdown Timer". This screenshot accompanies step 7 of 9 in the "Steps to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "Getting started with Countdown Timer". At this point in the walkthrough you customize Styling: Adjust the timer’s appearance, including colors, fonts, expiry image, and time display format. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. The next step is to rename Timer: Give your timer a descriptive name by click at the top. Step 7 of 9Image 6 of 9 What this coversCustomize Styling: Adjust the timer’s appearance, including colors, fonts, expiry image, and time display format.
    Fields in this part of the guide Configure Timer Details:
    Buttons and menus referenced Customize StylingNavigate to MarketingClick on NewSelect a TemplateChoose Timer TypeConfigure Timer DetailsFixed TimerRecurring TimerAdd LinksActive LinkExpired LinkRename Timer
    Next stepRename Timer: Give your timer a descriptive name by click at the top
    All 9 steps in this procedure
    1. Navigate to Marketing: Go to the "Marketing" section and select "Countdown Timer."
    2. Click on New: Click the "New" button to start creating your timer.
    3. Select a Template: Choose a design template and click "Continue with this template."
    4. Choose Timer Type: Select the type of timer you want: Fixed, Recurring, or Dynamic.
    5. Configure Timer Details:
    6. Add Links:
    7. Customize Styling: Adjust the timer’s appearance, including colors, fonts, expiry image, and time display format. this image
    8. Rename Timer: Give your timer a descriptive name by click at the top
    9. Save: Click "Save" to finalise and activate your countdown timer.
    Step 7 of 9: Customize Styling: Adjust the timer’s appearance, including colors… What this shows Step 7 of 9: Customize Styling: Adjust the timer’s appearance, including colors, fonts, expiry image, and time display format. What this shows Shows what this covers for step 7 of 9 in the "Steps to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "Getting started with Countdown Timer". This screenshot accompanies step 7 of 9 in the "Steps to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "Getting started with Countdown Timer". At this point in the walkthrough you customize Styling: Adjust the timer’s appearance, including colors, fonts, expiry image, and time display format. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. The next step is to rename Timer: Give your timer a descriptive name by click at the top. Step 7 of 9Image 7 of 9 What this coversCustomize Styling: Adjust the timer’s appearance, including colors, fonts, expiry image, and time display format.
    Fields in this part of the guide Configure Timer Details:
    Buttons and menus referenced Customize StylingNavigate to MarketingClick on NewSelect a TemplateChoose Timer TypeConfigure Timer DetailsFixed TimerRecurring TimerAdd LinksActive LinkExpired LinkRename Timer
    Next stepRename Timer: Give your timer a descriptive name by click at the top
    All 9 steps in this procedure
    1. Navigate to Marketing: Go to the "Marketing" section and select "Countdown Timer."
    2. Click on New: Click the "New" button to start creating your timer.
    3. Select a Template: Choose a design template and click "Continue with this template."
    4. Choose Timer Type: Select the type of timer you want: Fixed, Recurring, or Dynamic.
    5. Configure Timer Details:
    6. Add Links:
    7. Customize Styling: Adjust the timer’s appearance, including colors, fonts, expiry image, and time display format. this image
    8. Rename Timer: Give your timer a descriptive name by click at the top
    9. Save: Click "Save" to finalise and activate your countdown timer.

  8. Rename Timer: Give your timer a descriptive name by click at the top

    Step 8 of 9: Rename Timer: Give your timer a descriptive name by click at the top What this shows Step 8 of 9: Rename Timer: Give your timer a descriptive name by click at the top What this shows Shows what to click for step 8 of 9 in the "Steps to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "Getting started with Countdown Timer". This screenshot accompanies step 8 of 9 in the "Steps to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "Getting started with Countdown Timer". At this point in the walkthrough you rename Timer: Give your timer a descriptive name by click at the top. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. The next step is to save: Click "Save" to finalise and activate your countdown timer. Step 8 of 9Image 8 of 9 What to clickRename Timer: Give your timer a descriptive name by click at the top
    Fields in this part of the guide Configure Timer Details:
    Buttons and menus referenced Rename TimerNavigate to MarketingClick on NewSelect a TemplateChoose Timer TypeConfigure Timer DetailsFixed TimerRecurring TimerAdd LinksActive LinkExpired LinkCustomize Styling
    Next stepSave: Click "Save" to finalise and activate your countdown timer.
    All 9 steps in this procedure
    1. Navigate to Marketing: Go to the "Marketing" section and select "Countdown Timer."
    2. Click on New: Click the "New" button to start creating your timer.
    3. Select a Template: Choose a design template and click "Continue with this template."
    4. Choose Timer Type: Select the type of timer you want: Fixed, Recurring, or Dynamic.
    5. Configure Timer Details:
    6. Add Links:
    7. Customize Styling: Adjust the timer’s appearance, including colors, fonts, expiry image, and time display format.
    8. Rename Timer: Give your timer a descriptive name by click at the top this image
    9. Save: Click "Save" to finalise and activate your countdown timer.

  9. Save: Click "Save" to finalise and activate your countdown timer.

    Step 9 of 9: Save: Click "Save" to finalise and activate your countdown timer What this shows Step 9 of 9: Save: Click "Save" to finalise and activate your countdown timer. What this shows Shows how to confirm for step 9 of 9 in the "Steps to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "Getting started with Countdown Timer". This screenshot accompanies step 9 of 9 in the "Steps to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "Getting started with Countdown Timer". At this point in the walkthrough you save: Click "Save" to finalise and activate your countdown timer. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. Step 9 of 9Image 9 of 9 How to confirmSave: Click "Save" to finalise and activate your countdown timer.
    Fields in this part of the guide Configure Timer Details:
    Buttons and menus referenced SaveNavigate to MarketingClick on NewSelect a TemplateChoose Timer TypeConfigure Timer DetailsFixed TimerRecurring TimerAdd LinksActive LinkExpired LinkCustomize Styling
    All 9 steps in this procedure
    1. Navigate to Marketing: Go to the "Marketing" section and select "Countdown Timer."
    2. Click on New: Click the "New" button to start creating your timer.
    3. Select a Template: Choose a design template and click "Continue with this template."
    4. Choose Timer Type: Select the type of timer you want: Fixed, Recurring, or Dynamic.
    5. Configure Timer Details:
    6. Add Links:
    7. Customize Styling: Adjust the timer’s appearance, including colors, fonts, expiry image, and time display format.
    8. Rename Timer: Give your timer a descriptive name by click at the top
    9. Save: Click "Save" to finalise and activate your countdown timer. this image

Quick Links:
1. How to use Countdown Timer in Emails
2. Syn your Countdown Timer in Websites and Funnels
3. How to copy code of a timer?

Frequently asked questions

What is a Countdown Timer?
A countdown timer visually counts down to a specific deadline, creating urgency for users to act before time runs out. It’s commonly used for sales, launches, or limited-time offers.
When should you add a timer?
Countdown timers are incredibly versatile and can enhance various types of emails: Retail : Often used to indicate the time remaining for special promotions or to highlight delivery deadlines, such as “Two hours left for next-day delivery.” Fashion : Employed to build anticipation for new collections, events, or fashion shows. Travel : Can show the remaining time before departure. Media : Used to remind subscribers of the remaining time before their subscription expires. Events : Effective for counting down to an event or the end of ticket pre-sales. Non-profits : Can create urgency for donation matching opportunities with a timer. Transactional Emails : Used to build excitement for upcoming events, as demonstrated in emails to attendees of Litmus Live 2022. In each case, countdown timers help drive action, create urgency, or build excitement, depending on the context.

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