This guide explains how recurring countdown timers behave in both email campaigns and funnels, especially in relation to their wait, active, and expired states.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is a Recurring Timer?
A Recurring Timer is a countdown mechanism that resets based on a fixed recurring schedule (e.g., daily, weekly). Unlike one-time timers that expire permanently, recurring timers cycle through three states:
Wait – Before the active countdown starts.
Active – The countdown is visible and running.
Expired – The countdown ends and redirects or hides content.
When Should You Use a Recurring Timer?
Use a recurring timer when:
You want to create urgency on a regular basis (e.g., “Offer ends in 2 hours every day”).
You have time-sensitive promotions that reset daily, weekly, or monthly.
You’re running automated campaigns that require consistent, predictable behavior (e.g., flash sales, countdown to daily webinars, or course availability).
? Ideal for: Evergreen funnels, automated sales sequences, limited-time daily offers, or recurring event promotions.
Email Behaviour
Timer States:
Wait: The countdown has not yet begun.
Active: The timer is counting down.
Expired: The countdown has completed.
Behaviour Based on Timer State:
| Timer State | User Clicks on Email Link → | Redirected To |
|---|---|---|
| Wait | Dynamic Link Clicked | Expiry Page |
| Active | Dynamic Link Clicked | Active Page |
| Expired | Dynamic Link Clicked | Expiry Page |
⚠️ Note: In emails, users cannot access the Active Page if the timer is in Wait or Expired state. Only during the Active period will the user be redirected properly.
Funnel Behaviour
Currently funnels have slightly different behaviour
Case 1: Timer Becomes Expired While on Active Page
Behaviour: The user will be redirected automatically to the Expiry Page once the timer expires.
Case 2: Timer Enters Wait While User is on Active Page
Behaviour: The user remains on the Active Page.
Optional: Timer visibility during the wait state can be disabled using the “Hide Timer While in Wait State” checkbox when setting up the timer.
✅ Best Practice: Enable the “Hide Timer in Wait State” option to avoid confusing users with a non-functional timer before activation.
Recap: Key Limitations
Email: Redirection strictly follows the timer state at the time of the click.
Funnels: Users already on the page are affected by timer transitions in real-time, with controlled behavior during the wait period.
Additional Tips
Plan your timer start and expiration carefully to align with campaign timings.
Always test funnel behaviour during all three timer states to ensure an expected behaviour with current limitations in funnels