Here are some examples of where you might want to add a countdown timer:
Sales or discounts that are only available for a limited time.
Upcoming events, such as webinars or product launches.
Deadlines for registration or sign-ups.
Reminders for subscription renewals or payment deadlines.
Urgent notifications or important updates.
Add a Fresh Relevance Countdown SmartBlock
The simplest way to include a countdown timer in your email campaign is to sync a Slot containing a Countdown SmartBlock from Fresh Relevance to Dotdigital.
A Countdown SmartBlock is an HTML block that displays a countdown timer, using real-time data to show the remaining time until an event starts or ends. The Fresh Relevance-Dotdigital integration allows you to use your Fresh Relevance content directly in the Dotdigital EasyEditor as App blocks.
Learn more
Countdown SmartBlocks (Fresh Relevance help article)
Add a countdown timer code snippet
Another option is to use an online countdown timer generator that provides an HTML embed code you can add to your email campaign.
Go to your countdown timer generator and create and copy your embed code.
In Dotdigital, go to Campaigns > Email, and either edit or create a new campaign.
In EasyEditor, drag a Text block onto the canvas. Place it where you want your countdown timer to appear.
Select the text box and select the Edit HTML icon in the top toolbar.
Paste your Countdown timer embed code into the HTML box.
Select APPLY. You should now see a countdown timer in your text box.
Select SAVE and continue designing your campaign.
Compatibility with email clients
Most email inboxes show countdown timers correctly, but you should be aware that some contacts might have errors that cause them to see the wrong countdown time or no time at all.
We're aware of the following email clients that might cause countdown timer errors:
Apple Mail
If you use a countdown timer that counts down from the open time, then Apple mail users might see the wrong time on the timer. Apple's privacy features mean that emails are pre-opened and all opening details are masked. It's possible that this pre-open could trigger your countdown from the pre-open time rather than the contact opening time.
Microsoft Outlook
Older versions of Microsoft Outlook (2013 or older) can’t play animated GIFs. Since most countdown timers display as a GIF, contacts using these email clients only see the first frame.