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Workflow Action: Wait

The Wait action is an essential feature in automation workflows within Stack, allowing you to control when the subsequent steps occur. By pausing an action, you can ensure that interactions with your contacts are both timely and relevant. This guide will walk you through configuring the Wait action, with step-by-step instructions and practical examples to illustrate its benefits.

What Is the Wait Action?​

The Wait action holds a contact in the workflow for:

  • A specified amount of time (e.g., 1 day, 1 hour).
  • Until a condition is met (e.g., a contact replies or a specific event occurs).
  • During a specified time window (e.g., between 9 AM and 5 PM on weekdays).

This feature helps ensure your communications or processes are perfectly timed, enhancing efficiency and user experience.

When Should You Use the Wait Action?​

The Wait action is particularly useful in scenarios such as:

  1. Timely Follow-ups: Quickly respond to customer inquiries or send an email or SMS at an appropriate time.
  2. Conditional Triggers: Hold a contact until a certain condition is met, like completing a form or making a payment.
  3. Controlled Scheduling: Avoid sending messages during off-hours or weekends by resuming the workflow during specified times.

Step-by-Step: Configuring the Wait Action​

Here's how you can set up the Wait action in your workflow:

Add the Wait Action to Your Workflow​

  1. Navigate to the Workflows area in the Automation section.
  2. Click the + Create Workflow button at the top right corner. From the dropdown menu, select + Start from scratch.
  3. Set up the trigger for the workflow. For example, use the Contact created trigger.
  4. To add the Wait step, click the + icon. From the actions menu, scroll down or search for the Wait action.

Name the Action​

Provide a descriptive name for the action (e.g., "Wait - 1 Day After Sign-Up"). This helps you easily identify the action when reviewing the workflow.

Choose the Wait Type​

Click the dropdown to view and select the type of wait action based on your objective:

  • Time Delay: Specify a fixed duration to wait (e.g., 1 day, 1 hour, 5 minutes).
  • Condition: Set a condition to resume the workflow. For example, the workflow could continue only if the answer to a question is "Yes".
  • Contact Reply: Pause until the contact interacts with your email or message.

Set Additional Options (Optional)​

  • Resume On: Choose specific days to resume the action (e.g., weekdays only).
  • Resume Between Hours: Define the time window for resuming the action (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM).
  • Additional Filters: Add more granular conditions, such as holding a contact until a specific date to send personalized workflows like birthday wishes.

Save and Test​

Save the workflow and test it to ensure the Wait action performs as expected.

Real-Life Examples of the Wait Action​

Example 1: Welcome Email After Sign-Up​

Scenario: A new customer signs up on your website.

How It Works:

  1. Trigger: The automation starts when a new contact is added.
  2. Wait: Add a 1-day delay before sending the email.
  3. Action: Send a personalized welcome email.

Result: The delay gives the new customer time to explore your brand before receiving the email, making the interaction feel thoughtful and intentional.

Example 2: Follow-Up After a Newsletter Sign-Up​

Scenario: A lead signs up for your newsletter.

How It Works:

  1. Trigger: The automation begins when a lead subscribes.
  2. Wait: Hold for 1 minute before sending the first email.
  3. Action: Send a "Thank You for Signing Up" email with a link to your latest newsletter.

Result: The brief delay ensures your email doesn’t appear robotic or instant, creating a more humanized experience.

Example 3: Abandoned Cart Recovery​

Scenario: A customer adds items to their cart but doesn’t complete the purchase.

How It Works:

  1. Trigger: A cart is abandoned.
  2. Wait: Pause for 20 minutes to give the customer time to reconsider.
  3. Action: Send a gentle reminder email with a discount offer.

Result: The strategically timed follow-up increases the likelihood of conversion.