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How to use Countdown Timers in Funnels?

Learn how to create and add countdown timers to GHL Customer Care funnels using built-in elements or embed code. Customize styling and timer types to boost urgency.

4 min read802 words8 explained imagesUpdated Tue, 12 May at 2:54 PM
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On this page
  1. Key Benefits of Countdown Timers
  2. How to Create a Countdown Timer
  3. Add the Countdown Timer to a Funnel
  4. Using the HTML Countdown Timer Element
  5. Use the Code Block Element
  6. Frequently Asked Questions
  7. Related Articles

Countdown timers help motivate visitors to take action by visually counting down to a deadline. Countdown timers are perfect for flash sales, limited-time offers, or event registrations. In GHL Customer Care, you can design your own countdown timers and easily add them to funnels or websites.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is a Countdown Timer?

Countdown timers visually track the remaining time until a specific event or deadline. In GHL Customer Care, these timers can be reused across sites, styled to match your brand, and configured to behave in different ways depending on your goals. You can use them to drive urgency during launches, offer expiration notices, or event registrations.

Key Benefits of Countdown Timers

  • Urgency and scarcity: Display real-time countdowns to drive immediate action.

  • Multiple timer types: Fixed, Recurring, and Dynamic timers support a range of campaign styles.

  • Reusable design: Use timers across multiple pages and funnels without rebuilding.

  • Styling control: Adjust font, size, color, and visible time units to match your brand.

How to Create a Countdown Timer

Start by designing and building your countdown timer inside the Marketing section before adding it to a funnel.

  1. Navigate to Marketing > Countdown Timers. Click the blue + New button to create a new countdown timer

    Step 1 of 5: Navigate to Marketing > Countdown Timers. Click the blue + New button… What this shows Step 1 of 5: Navigate to Marketing > Countdown Timers. What this shows Shows where to go for step 1 of 5 in the "How to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "How to use Countdown Timers in Funnels?". This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 5 in the "How to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "How to use Countdown Timers in Funnels?". At this point in the walkthrough you navigate to Marketing > Countdown Timers. Click the blue + New button to create a new countdown timer. The navigation path used here is Marketing > Countdown Timers. The next step is to choose a Countdown Time template and click Continue with Template. Step 1 of 5Path: Marketing > Countdown TimersImage 1 of 8 Where to goNavigate to Marketing > Countdown Timers. Click the blue + New button to create a new countdown timer
    Buttons and menus referenced Marketing > Countdown Timers+ NewContinue with TemplateGeneralTimer TypeEnd DateTime ZoneRedirect URLAdapt to Contact Time ZoneStyle
    Next stepChoose a Countdown Time template and click Continue with Template.
    All 5 steps in this procedure
    1. Navigate to Marketing > Countdown Timers. Click the blue + New button to create a new countdown timer this image
    2. Choose a Countdown Time template and click Continue with Template.
    3. Under the General tab on the top left, choose the Timer Type:
    4. Set the Timer End Date, select a Time Zone, and define the Redirect URL. When Adapt to Contact Time Zone is enabled, the timezone will adapt based on the user's timezone. For more information, see: Timezone Adaptation in Countdown Timers.
    5. Under the Style tab on the left, toggle which time units to display (e.g., hours, minutes, seconds) and customize the timer’s font, size, and color using the style controls.

  2. Choose a Countdown Time template and click Continue with Template.

    Step 2 of 5: Choose a Countdown Time template and click Continue with Template What this shows Step 2 of 5: Choose a Countdown Time template and click Continue with Template. What this shows Shows what to choose for step 2 of 5 in the "How to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "How to use Countdown Timers in Funnels?". This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 5 in the "How to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "How to use Countdown Timers in Funnels?". At this point in the walkthrough you choose a Countdown Time template and click Continue with Template. The navigation path used here is Marketing > Countdown Timers. The next step is to under the General tab on the top left, choose the Timer Type. Step 2 of 5Path: Marketing > Countdown TimersImage 2 of 8 What to chooseChoose a Countdown Time template and click Continue with Template.
    Buttons and menus referenced Continue with TemplateMarketing > Countdown Timers+ NewGeneralTimer TypeEnd DateTime ZoneRedirect URLAdapt to Contact Time ZoneStyle
    Next stepUnder the General tab on the top left, choose the Timer Type:
    All 5 steps in this procedure
    1. Navigate to Marketing > Countdown Timers. Click the blue + New button to create a new countdown timer
    2. Choose a Countdown Time template and click Continue with Template. this image
    3. Under the General tab on the top left, choose the Timer Type:
    4. Set the Timer End Date, select a Time Zone, and define the Redirect URL. When Adapt to Contact Time Zone is enabled, the timezone will adapt based on the user's timezone. For more information, see: Timezone Adaptation in Countdown Timers.
    5. Under the Style tab on the left, toggle which time units to display (e.g., hours, minutes, seconds) and customize the timer’s font, size, and color using the style controls.
  3. Under the General tab on the top left, choose the Timer Type:

    • Fixed – ends at a specific date and time.

    • Recurring – resets on a regular interval (e.g., daily, weekly).

    • Dynamic – adjusts per contact interaction (ideal for emails).

  4. Set the Timer End Date, select a Time Zone, and define the Redirect URL.
    When Adapt to Contact Time Zone is enabled, the timezone will adapt based on the user's timezone. For more information, see: Timezone Adaptation in Countdown Timers.
    Step 4 of 5: Set the Timer End Date, select a Time Zone, and define the Redirect… What this shows Step 4 of 5: Set the Timer End Date, select a Time Zone, and define the Redirect URL. What this shows Shows what to choose for step 4 of 5 in the "How to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "How to use Countdown Timers in Funnels?". This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 5 in the "How to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "How to use Countdown Timers in Funnels?". At this point in the walkthrough you set the Timer End Date, select a Time Zone, and define the Redirect URL. When Adapt to Contact Time Zone is enabled, the timezone will adapt based on the user's timezone. For more information, see: Timezone Adaptation in Countdown Timers. The navigation path used here is Marketing > Countdown Timers. The next step is to under the Style tab on the left, toggle which time units to display (e.g., hours, minutes, seconds) and customize the timer’s font, size, and color using the style controls. Step 4 of 5Path: Marketing > Countdown TimersImage 3 of 8 What to chooseSet the Timer End Date, select a Time Zone, and define the Redirect URL. When Adapt to Contact Time Zone is enabled, the timezone will adapt based on the user's timezone. For more information, see: Timezone Adaptation in Countdown Timers.
    Buttons and menus referenced End DateTime ZoneRedirect URLAdapt to Contact Time ZoneMarketing > Countdown Timers+ NewContinue with TemplateGeneralTimer TypeStyle
    Next stepUnder the Style tab on the left, toggle which time units to display (e.g., hours, minutes, seconds) and customize the timer’s font, size, and color using the style controls.
    All 5 steps in this procedure
    1. Navigate to Marketing > Countdown Timers. Click the blue + New button to create a new countdown timer
    2. Choose a Countdown Time template and click Continue with Template.
    3. Under the General tab on the top left, choose the Timer Type:
    4. Set the Timer End Date, select a Time Zone, and define the Redirect URL. When Adapt to Contact Time Zone is enabled, the timezone will adapt based on the user's timezone. For more information, see: Timezone Adaptation in Countdown Timers. this image
    5. Under the Style tab on the left, toggle which time units to display (e.g., hours, minutes, seconds) and customize the timer’s font, size, and color using the style controls.
  5. Under the Style tab on the left, toggle which time units to display (e.g., hours, minutes, seconds) and customize the timer’s font, size, and color using the style controls.
    Step 5 of 5: Under the Style tab on the left, toggle which time units to display… What this shows Step 5 of 5: Under the Style tab on the left, toggle which time units to display (e.g., hours, minutes, seconds) and customize the timer’s font, size… What this shows Shows what to choose for step 5 of 5 in the "How to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "How to use Countdown Timers in Funnels?". This screenshot accompanies step 5 of 5 in the "How to Create a Countdown Timer" section of "How to use Countdown Timers in Funnels?". At this point in the walkthrough you under the Style tab on the left, toggle which time units to display (e.g., hours, minutes, seconds) and customize the timer’s font, size, and color using the style controls. The navigation path used here is Marketing > Countdown Timers. Step 5 of 5Path: Marketing > Countdown TimersImage 4 of 8 What to chooseUnder the Style tab on the left, toggle which time units to display (e.g., hours, minutes, seconds) and customize the timer’s font, size, and color using the style controls.
    Buttons and menus referenced StyleMarketing > Countdown Timers+ NewContinue with TemplateGeneralTimer TypeEnd DateTime ZoneRedirect URLAdapt to Contact Time Zone
    All 5 steps in this procedure
    1. Navigate to Marketing > Countdown Timers. Click the blue + New button to create a new countdown timer
    2. Choose a Countdown Time template and click Continue with Template.
    3. Under the General tab on the top left, choose the Timer Type:
    4. Set the Timer End Date, select a Time Zone, and define the Redirect URL. When Adapt to Contact Time Zone is enabled, the timezone will adapt based on the user's timezone. For more information, see: Timezone Adaptation in Countdown Timers.
    5. Under the Style tab on the left, toggle which time units to display (e.g., hours, minutes, seconds) and customize the timer’s font, size, and color using the style controls. this image

Add the Countdown Timer to a Funnel

You can add a countdown timer to your funnel using two methods: the HTML Countdown Timer element or the Code Block element. The countdown timer element is ideal for quick drag-and-drop use inside GHL Customer Care, while the code block method is better for third-party platforms.

Using the HTML Countdown Timer Element

Best for users building entirely inside GHL Customer Care using the drag-and-drop funnel editor.

  1. Navigate to Sites > Funnels

  2. Select the desired site, then click Edit Page on the funnel step you want to update.

  3. In the top-left of the builder, click the plus (+) icon to open the Add Element panel. Select the Countdown Timers element.

    Step 3 of 4: In the top-left of the builder, click the plus (+) icon to open the… What this shows Step 3 of 4: In the top-left of the builder, click the plus (+) icon to open the Add Element panel. What this shows Shows what to choose for step 3 of 4 in the "Using the HTML Countdown Timer Element" section of "How to use Countdown Timers in Funnels?". This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 4 in the "Using the HTML Countdown Timer Element" section of "How to use Countdown Timers in Funnels?". At this point in the walkthrough you in the top-left of the builder, click the plus (+) icon to open the Add Element panel. Select the Countdown Timers element. The navigation path used here is Sites > Funnels Select. The next step is to choose from your list of previously created timers. Drag the selected timer into the correct section of the page. Step 3 of 4Path: Sites > Funnels SelectImage 5 of 8 What to chooseIn the top-left of the builder, click the plus (+) icon to open the Add Element panel. Select the Countdown Timers element.
    Buttons and menus referenced plus(+) iconCountdown TimersSites > FunnelsEdit Page
    Next stepChoose from your list of previously created timers. Drag the selected timer into the correct section of the page.
    All 4 steps in this procedure
    1. Navigate to Sites > Funnels
    2. Select the desired site, then click Edit Page on the funnel step you want to update.
    3. In the top-left of the builder, click the plus (+) icon to open the Add Element panel. Select the Countdown Timers element. this image
    4. Choose from your list of previously created timers. Drag the selected timer into the correct section of the page.

  4. Choose from your list of previously created timers. Drag the selected timer into the correct section of the page.

Use the Code Block Element

Embed your countdown timer using code, helpful if you're adding it to a third-party platform. For more info on copying code from a countdown timer, click here.

  1. Go to Marketing > Countdown Timers and click on the timer you want to use.

  2. In the top right, click the Copy Code button. Then click the blue Copy button on the popup.
     

    Step 2 of 6: In the top right, click the Copy Code button. Then click the blue Copy… What this shows Step 2 of 6: In the top right, click the Copy Code button. What this shows Shows what to copy for step 2 of 6 in the "Use the Code Block Element" section of "How to use Countdown Timers in Funnels?". This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 6 in the "Use the Code Block Element" section of "How to use Countdown Timers in Funnels?". At this point in the walkthrough you in the top right, click the Copy Code button. Then click the blue Copy button on the popup. The navigation path used here is Marketing > Countdown Timers. The next step is to open your funnel under Sites > Funnels. Step 2 of 6Path: Marketing > Countdown TimersImage 6 of 8 What to copyIn the top right, click the Copy Code button. Then click the blue Copy button on the popup.
    Buttons and menus referenced Copy CodeCopyMarketing > Countdown TimersSites > Funnelsplus (+) iconCode
    Next stepOpen your funnel under Sites > Funnels.
    All 6 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Marketing > Countdown Timers and click on the timer you want to use.
    2. In the top right, click the Copy Code button. Then click the blue Copy button on the popup. this image
    3. Open your funnel under Sites > Funnels.
    4. Click the plus (+) icon in the top-left to open the element panel.
    5. Select the Code element and drag it where you want the timer to appear.
    6. Click on the code block to open the editor, then paste the custom code you copied earlier.

  3. Open your funnel under Sites > Funnels.

  4. Click the plus (+) icon in the top-left to open the element panel.

  5. Select the Code element and drag it where you want the timer to appear.
     

    Step 5 of 6: Select the Code element and drag it where you want the timer to appear What this shows Step 5 of 6: Select the Code element and drag it where you want the timer to appear. What this shows Shows what to choose for step 5 of 6 in the "Use the Code Block Element" section of "How to use Countdown Timers in Funnels?". This screenshot accompanies step 5 of 6 in the "Use the Code Block Element" section of "How to use Countdown Timers in Funnels?". At this point in the walkthrough you select the Code element and drag it where you want the timer to appear. The navigation path used here is Marketing > Countdown Timers. The next step is to click on the code block to open the editor, then paste the custom code you copied earlier. Step 5 of 6Path: Marketing > Countdown TimersImage 7 of 8 What to chooseSelect the Code element and drag it where you want the timer to appear.
    Buttons and menus referenced CodeMarketing > Countdown TimersCopy CodeCopySites > Funnelsplus (+) icon
    Next stepClick on the code block to open the editor, then paste the custom code you copied earlier.
    All 6 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Marketing > Countdown Timers and click on the timer you want to use.
    2. In the top right, click the Copy Code button. Then click the blue Copy button on the popup.
    3. Open your funnel under Sites > Funnels.
    4. Click the plus (+) icon in the top-left to open the element panel.
    5. Select the Code element and drag it where you want the timer to appear. this image
    6. Click on the code block to open the editor, then paste the custom code you copied earlier.

  6. Click on the code block to open the editor, then paste the custom code you copied earlier.

    Step 6 of 6: Click on the code block to open the editor, then paste the custom code… What this shows Step 6 of 6: Click on the code block to open the editor, then paste the custom code you copied earlier. What this shows Shows what to copy for step 6 of 6 in the "Use the Code Block Element" section of "How to use Countdown Timers in Funnels?". This screenshot accompanies step 6 of 6 in the "Use the Code Block Element" section of "How to use Countdown Timers in Funnels?". At this point in the walkthrough you click on the code block to open the editor, then paste the custom code you copied earlier. The navigation path used here is Marketing > Countdown Timers. Step 6 of 6Path: Marketing > Countdown TimersImage 8 of 8 What to copyClick on the code block to open the editor, then paste the custom code you copied earlier.
    Buttons and menus referenced Marketing > Countdown TimersCopy CodeCopySites > Funnelsplus (+) iconCode
    All 6 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Marketing > Countdown Timers and click on the timer you want to use.
    2. In the top right, click the Copy Code button. Then click the blue Copy button on the popup.
    3. Open your funnel under Sites > Funnels.
    4. Click the plus (+) icon in the top-left to open the element panel.
    5. Select the Code element and drag it where you want the timer to appear.
    6. Click on the code block to open the editor, then paste the custom code you copied earlier. this image

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the difference between Fixed, Recurring, and Dynamic timers?

Fixed timers ends at a specific global date/time. Recurring timers reset after a defined interval (e.g., every day at 9 AM). Dynamic timers are personalized countdown that begins when a contact opens an email or visits a page.

Q: Can timers be used in multiple funnels?
Yes, once a timer is created, you can reuse it in any funnel or website via either method.

Q: Can I use timers in third-party website builders?
Yes. Use the Copy Code feature and paste the snippet into your preferred platform.

Q: Can I update the timer without breaking it in existing funnels?
Yes. Any updates made to the timer will automatically reflect wherever it’s placed. To update a countdown timers, navigate to Marketing > Countdown Timers then click Edit on the timer to be updated.

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