In anticipation of Black Friday / Cyber Monday (BFCM) we’re thrilled to announce a new email marketing feature to help drive urgency and awareness for upcoming and important dates: countdown timers.
What is a countdown timer?
A countdown timer is clock that counts down to a point in time. For example, counting down to Black Friday / Cyber Monday.
Below is an example of a countdown timer that randomly sets a new date and time to count down to:
In this example, the countdown timer is an animated GIF.
The animated GIF is generated dynamically upon request and features a 60-second countdown. This approach is used because emails do not support JavaScript or video, making GIFs the best available option for delivering animation within emails.
DailyStory includes a countdown timer free for customers, whereas other email platforms charge for the use of a countdown timer provided by 3rd parties.
Using a countdown timer in your email marketing
Using a countdown timer in your DailyStory emails is easy: Just drag-and-drop the widget into your email, then configure the parameters, and send your email.
Why use a countdown timer in your email?
Let’s look at some reasons why you want to include a countdown timer in your next email marketing campaign.
Create Urgency
One of the most impactful benefits of using a countdown timer is its ability to create a sense of urgency. When recipients see a timer ticking down, it visually communicates that the offer or event is time-sensitive, pushing them to act sooner rather than later. This is especially useful for:
- Limited-time offers: Discounts or special deals that expire soon.
- Event reminders: Webinars, flash sales, or product launches.
- Holiday campaigns: Timed around special occasions like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
Urgency often leads to higher click-through rates and conversion rates, as people are more inclined to act before time runs out.
Improve Engagement
Countdown timers make your emails more interactive, even if they aren’t technically interactive elements. The dynamic movement of a timer captures attention better than static images or plain text. This is especially helpful in the increasingly crowded inbox, where you’re competing for attention.
Timers can draw the recipient’s eye toward the most important part of your message—whether it’s the expiration of a deal, the start of an event, or the closing of a registration window.
Boost Conversion Rates
By adding a countdown timer, you create a sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), which is a powerful psychological trigger in marketing. People are more likely to take immediate action when they feel they might miss out on something valuable.
For example, e-commerce platforms often use countdown timers in emails to remind users that a sale is ending soon, leading to a significant boost in purchases before the sale period ends.
Encourage Faster Decision-Making
Countdown timers can help eliminate the decision paralysis that many customers experience when faced with multiple options or promotions. By introducing a limited timeframe, you encourage your audience to make quicker decisions, thereby speeding up the buyer’s journey.
Instead of hesitating or deferring the decision to purchase, register, or take part in an event, the timer creates a compelling reason for them to act now.
Increase Click-Through Rates
Emails with countdown timers tend to generate higher click-through rates (CTR). The movement of the timer grabs the attention of recipients and drives curiosity, leading them to click through to the offer or landing page. In campaigns where time-sensitive deals are key, adding a countdown timer can significantly increase CTR.
Flexibility Across Campaign Types
Countdown timers are versatile and can be used in various types of campaigns, such as:
- Flash Sales: A timer can highlight how long the sale is running, urging immediate purchases.
- New Product Launches: Build excitement by counting down to the launch date.
- Special Events: Remind users how much time they have left to register for a webinar or event.
Visual Appeal Without JavaScript or Video
Emails don’t support JavaScript or video in most cases, limiting how you can present dynamic content. Countdown timers, typically animated GIFs, provide an alternative way to deliver dynamic visual content. Since most email clients support GIFs, countdown timers can function effectively across different platforms, maintaining the visual appeal without requiring advanced email features.
Real-Time Updates
Some countdown timers can update dynamically to show real-time data, meaning that even if a user opens the email a day or two after it’s sent, the timer will reflect the actual remaining time left for the offer or event.
Conclusion
Incorporating countdown timers into your email marketing campaigns is a highly effective way to engage your audience, drive urgency, and boost conversions. Whether you’re running a time-limited sale, promoting an upcoming event, or encouraging sign-ups, countdown timers can enhance the effectiveness of your email content.
By tapping into the power of urgency and visual engagement, you can see a marked improvement in both click-through and conversion rates, making countdown timers a valuable tool in your email marketing arsenal.
Best of all? Countdown timers are included for free in the DailyStory platform.
