The Timer element creates powerful urgency that drives immediate action. Whether it’s a limited-time offer or expiring bonus, timers tap into fear of missing out (FOMO) to boost conversions.
Timer element configuration

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When to Use

Perfect for:
  • Limited offers - “50% off ends in…”
  • Expiring bonuses - “Free shipping for…”
  • Cart abandonment - “Your cart expires in…”
  • Webinar registration - “Starts in…”
  • Product launches - “Early bird pricing ends…”
Use timers ethically. False urgency damages trust and can harm long-term conversion rates. Always deliver on what the timer promises.

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Timer Types

Choose the right format for your use case:
TypeDisplayBest For
TextInline countdownHeadlines, paragraphs
ButtonCountdown on CTADirect action urgency
CompositeButton + TextMaximum visibility

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Text Timer

Embeds directly in your copy: 
"Offer expires in {{timer}} - Act now!"

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Button Timer

CTA with integrated countdown: 
Button: "Buy Now - {{timer}} left"

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Composite Timer

Both elements working together:
  • Text shows context
  • Button shows action
  • Both update in sync

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Configuration

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Duration Settings

Countdown Duration Set the timer length:
  • Minutes: For flash sales (30 mins)
  • Hours: For daily deals (24 hours)
  • Days: For launch periods (7 days)
Examples:
10 minutes = 600 seconds
24 hours = 86400 seconds
7 days = 604800 seconds
Persistent Timer Toggle persistence to maintain countdown across:
  • Page refreshes
  • Browser sessions
  • Different devices (with same ID)
Persistent timers use browser storage to remember the countdown state. Each visitor gets their own timer starting from their first visit.

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Display Format

The {{timer}} variable shows time as:
  • 23:59:59 (hours:minutes:seconds)
  • 1:45 (minutes:seconds when under 1 hour)
  • 59 (seconds only when under 1 minute)

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Timer Content

Text Content For text-type timers: 
"⏰ Hurry! Only {{timer}} remaining"
"Your discount expires in {{timer}}"
Button Content For button-type timers: 
"Claim Your Spot - {{timer}}"
"Get 50% Off - {{timer}} left"

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Triggers

Configure what happens at key moments:

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On Expire

Actions when timer reaches zero:
  • Navigate - Go to expired offer page
  • Hide element - Remove special pricing
  • Show popup - “Offer expired” message
  • Custom action - Track event, update variable

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On Press

For button-type timers:
  • Purchase - Process payment
  • Navigate - Go to checkout
  • Show popup - Capture email first
Combine triggers: On expire, hide discount and show “expired” message while navigating to regular pricing page.

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Psychology of Urgency

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Scarcity Principles

Time Scarcity “Only 2 hours left” creates stronger urgency than “Limited time offer” Loss Aversion People fear losing opportunities more than gaining benefits Decision Acceleration Deadlines force decisions, preventing endless consideration

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Optimal Timer Lengths

DurationPsychologyUse Case
5-15 minsImmediate actionCart abandonment
1-24 hoursConsidered urgencyFlash sales
3-7 daysPlanned actionLaunch offers
30+ daysAwareness buildingPre-launch
Shorter timers (under 1 hour) convert better but to smaller audiences. Longer timers (1-7 days) capture more people but with lower urgency.

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Mobile Optimization

Timers adapt perfectly to mobile: Visibility
  • Stays visible while scrolling (sticky option)
  • High contrast for readability
  • Large enough to tap (button type)
Performance
  • Lightweight JavaScript
  • No layout shifts
  • Battery-efficient updates
Formatting
  • Responsive text size
  • Clear time display
  • Touch-friendly buttons

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Advanced Strategies

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Evergreen Timers

Create personal deadlines: 
Duration: 72 hours
Persistent: Yes
Start: On first visit

Each visitor gets their own 72-hour window

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Recurring Timers

Daily/weekly offers: 
Reset timer daily at midnight
Show different offers each day
Track which users have seen which timers

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Progressive Urgency

Escalating countdown: 
Days 7-4: "Early bird pricing"
Days 3-2: "Last chance for bonus"
Day 1: "FINAL DAY - 50% off"
Last hour: "ENDING SOON"

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Common Patterns

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Webinar Registration

Timer: 48 hours until webinar
On expire: Close registration
Button: "Reserve Your Seat - {{timer}}"

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Cart Abandonment

Timer: 20 minutes
Persistent: Yes
Text: "Items reserved for {{timer}}"
On expire: Clear cart

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Product Launch

Phase 1: "Launching in {{timer}}" (countdown)
Phase 2: "Early bird ends in {{timer}}"
Phase 3: "Regular pricing starts in {{timer}}"

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Limited Bonus

Timer: 24 hours
Text: "Free shipping expires in {{timer}}"
On expire: Hide shipping banner

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Combining with Other Elements

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Timer + Plan Picker

Timer: "Pick your plan - Offer ends in {{timer}}"
Plan Picker: Shows special pricing
On expire: Switch to regular pricing

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Timer + Checkout

Timer: "Complete purchase in {{timer}} for bonus"
Checkout: Shows bonus item
On expire: Remove bonus from order

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Timer + Popup

Timer expires → Show popup
"Your special offer has expired"
"But wait! Here's a smaller discount..."

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Testing Timers

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Preview Mode

  • Test timer countdown
  • Verify expire actions
  • Check persistence
  • Test mobile display

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Quick Testing

Speed up testing: 
Set duration to 60 seconds
Watch full countdown
Verify expire trigger
Test persistence with refresh

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A/B Testing Variables

  • Timer length (5 mins vs 15 mins)
  • Display type (text vs button)
  • Placement (top vs bottom)
  • Persistence (yes vs no)
  • Expire action (hide vs redirect)

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Ethical Considerations

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Do’s

✅ Use real deadlines for real offers ✅ Honor the timer expiration ✅ Make timer purpose clear ✅ Allow users to dismiss if needed

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Don’ts

❌ Reset timers after expiration ❌ Show different timers to same user ❌ Create fake scarcity ❌ Hide important information

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Troubleshooting

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Conversion Impact

Typical improvements with timers:
PlacementConversion Increase
Checkout page+15-25%
Paywall+20-35%
Email capture+10-15%
Upsell+25-40%
Results vary by audience and offer. Always A/B test timer vs no timer to measure actual impact.

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Best Practices

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Clarity

  • State what expires clearly
  • Show timer prominently
  • Explain what happens after

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Credibility

  • Use for genuine limits
  • Be consistent with messaging
  • Don’t restart expired timers

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Design

  • High contrast colors
  • Readable font size
  • Mobile-friendly display
  • Accessible format

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Next Steps