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Guide: Dynamic Countdown Timer in Stack

Enhance your email campaigns with Stack's Dynamic Countdown Timer, a tool that personalizes the countdown for each contact based on when they receive or open your email. This feature allows you to create unique, time-sensitive experiences for each recipient, boosting engagement and encouraging immediate action.

Table of Contents​

What is a Dynamic Timer?​

A Dynamic Countdown Timer adjusts based on each contact's interaction with your email. Unlike static timers, which display the same countdown for all recipients, a dynamic timer starts counting down from the moment a contact opens or receives the email, creating a unique experience for each person.

Example​

  • Scenario 1: Duration set to 2 hours, triggered by "Email Opened", with no end time.
    • Contact A opens the email at 2 PM; their timer counts down from 2 PM to 4 PM.
    • Contact B opens the email at 5 PM; their timer counts down from 5 PM to 7 PM.
  • Scenario 2: Duration set to 2 hours, triggered by "Email Opened", ending at 12 AM.
    • Contact A opens the email at 2 PM; their timer counts down from 2 PM to 12 AM.
    • Contact B opens the email at 5 PM; their timer counts down from 5 PM to 12 AM.

Birthday Offer (Email Sent Trigger)​

Scenario: Send a birthday discount to customers, valid until midnight on their birthday.

  • How it Works: Email is sent at 11:59 PM the previous day.
  • Timer Duration: 24 hours.
  • Outcome: Each recipient has a full day from receiving the email to redeem their offer.

Black Friday Sale (Email Opened Trigger)​

Scenario: Offer a minimum 2-hour discount window after the email is opened.

  • How it Works: The countdown is triggered when the email is opened.
  • Duration: Minimum of 2 hours.
  • Outcome:
    • Contact A opens at 6 PM; timer ends at 11 PM.
    • Contact B opens at 10 PM; timer ends at 11 PM the next day.

Each user has a unique window to claim the offer.

What is "Countdown Timer Ends at Time"?​

The "Countdown Timer Ends at Time" feature ensures that the timer ends at a fixed, specific time, rather than after a set duration from when the email is opened. This creates a more authentic and realistic time-sensitive experience for your contacts.

Why is it Useful?​

The "Ends at Time" setting prevents timers from feeling like a marketing gimmick. For instance, if a user opens an email at 11:07 PM with a 2-hour duration, the timer would typically end at 1:07 AM. This could seem like an unrealistic extension just for that contact. By setting the timer to end at a specific time, such as 12 AM, you ensure the urgency feels genuine and consistent for all recipients.

Benefits​

  • Personalization: Create unique timers for each contact.
  • Urgency: Encourage immediate action with time-sensitive offers.
  • Flexibility: Set custom durations and triggers.

How to Use It​

  1. Create a Timer: Navigate to the Timer section and click "Create New Timer".
  2. Select Dynamic Timer: Choose the Dynamic Timer option.
  3. Set Duration & End Time: Define a duration (e.g., 2 hours) and an exact end time (e.g., 12 PM). Use the dynamic helper text to verify timer behavior.
  4. Customize Design: Adjust the timer's appearance to match your email style.
  5. Add Active/Expired Links: Specify actions for when the timer is active or expired.
  6. Save & Use: Save your timer and incorporate it into emails or funnels, or copy the code for custom templates.

By utilizing Stack's Dynamic Countdown Timer, you can create compelling, personalized campaigns that drive action and enhance user engagement.