Countdown Timers in Emails
How to create countdown timers that drive urgency in your email campaigns — perfect for early-bird deadlines, limited spots, and flash promotions.
Countdown Timers in Emails
A countdown timer is a ticking clock you can add to your emails. It creates urgency and encourages people to take action before time runs out — perfect for early-bird deadlines, limited retreat spots, or flash promotions.
Creating a countdown timer
Go to Countdown Timers
Navigate to Marketing → Countdown Timers. Watch this step (0:12)
Add a new timer
Click Add Countdown Timer and pick a pre-made template to start from. The Minimalist style works well for most emails. Watch this step (0:22)
Configure the timer
Choose how your timer counts down: Watch this step (0:30)
- Fixed date — counts down to a specific date and time (e.g., "Retreat registration closes March 31")
- Recurring date — resets on a schedule (e.g., every Monday, every month)
- Dynamic date — counts down a set duration from when each person opens the email (e.g., "48 hours from now")
Then style the timer to match your brand — colours, fonts, and layout.
Save your timer
Click Save. Your timer is now ready to use in any email campaign. Watch this step (1:08)
You can also copy the timer link to use it outside of emails — on your website, landing pages, or anywhere else you want to show a countdown.
Adding a timer to an email campaign
Once your timer is created, adding it to an email is simple. Watch this step (1:26)
In the email editor, click the + button to add elements. You'll see Countdown Timers as an option. Select the timer you created, and it drops right into your email.
You can only edit a countdown timer before it's been used in a campaign. Once it's live, the settings are locked. If you need a different date, create a new timer.
When to use countdown timers
| Scenario | Timer type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Retreat early-bird deadline | Fixed date | "Early-bird pricing ends March 31" |
| Flash sale or promotion | Fixed date | "50% off coaching — ends Friday" |
| Limited spots remaining | Fixed date | "Only 3 spots left — registration closes Sunday" |
| Recurring weekly offer | Recurring | "This week's group session — book by Thursday" |
| Personalised urgency | Dynamic | "Your exclusive offer expires in 48 hours" |
The dynamic timer is especially powerful — since it starts counting from when each person opens the email, every recipient feels the same urgency regardless of when they check their inbox.
Managing your timers
You can edit, clone, or delete any timer from the Countdown Timers page. Watch this step (2:00)
- Clone — duplicate a timer and change the date (fastest way to make a new one)
- Edit — update the style or settings (only before it's used in a campaign)
- Delete — remove a timer you no longer need
- Copy code — get the embed code for using the timer on your website
What to read next
Creating a Campaign
The full guide to designing and sending email campaigns.
Brand Boards
Set up your brand colours so your timers match your style.
This feature is part of our Growth Tools package. Interested in adding it to your setup? Send Korneel a message on Slack and we'll walk through whether it's a good fit for your business.
Need help? If you get stuck, send Korneel a message on Slack and we'll sort it out together.
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