This guide provides a full overview of how to set up and customize a countdown timer action in Personyze, along with its available features and best practices.
Overview
The Personyze countdown timer is a powerful tool for creating urgency in your on-site campaigns. It can be used in banners or popups to drive conversions around promotions, limited-time offers, or registration deadlines.
Where to Find It
Navigate to the campaign editor, then click into the Actions tab and add a new action of type Countdown Timer. From there, follow the setup steps below.
Step 1: What to Present
In this step, define the visual layout and components of the timer:
- Banner Container – Enables/disables the overall banner styling.
- Close Button – Allows users to close the banner/popup.
- Logo/Image – Add a logo or visual. You can control direction (left/right) and mobile behavior.
- Headline & Subheading – Customize the main message (e.g., “Get Your Tickets Now”).
- Timer Component – Configure countdown logic, style, and behavior.
- CTA Row – Add one or two call-to-action buttons (e.g., “Buy Now”, “Learn More”).
- Decorative Shapes – Optional design enhancements.
- HTML Source (Advanced) – For custom edits (not required in most cases).
Timer Logic Settings
Choose how the timer behaves:
- Fixed Date – Countdown to a specific date/time.
- Cookie-Based – Starts per user when first seen.
Restart Modes:
- Restart After End – Restarts automatically when time expires.
- Restart Every Time – Starts fresh each session.
You can also define what to display when countdown ends (e.g., hide, reset, or show zeroes).
Step 2: Choose Placement
This determines when and where the timer appears:
Display Location
- Show in Placeholder – Embed inside a page element.
- Show in Popup – Float over the page.
Display Triggers
- On Page Enter – Show immediately.
- Idle – Show after X seconds of inactivity.
- Scrolled % of Page – Based on scroll depth.
- Rescrolled to Top – Show again when user scrolls up.
- Text Copied – Show when text is copied.
- On Predicted Leave Intent – Exit-intent trigger.
- Show Timer After Delay – Delay appearance by X seconds.
- Autoclose Timer – Automatically hide after set time.
Don’t Show If…
- Closed or clicked previously.
- Shown X times already.
- Other action already shown.
Targeting Settings (Target Tab)
Define who sees the timer based on:
- Pages Visited – Specific URL matches.
- Countries/Cities – Geo targeting.
- CRM/ABM Profile – Use user-specific attributes.
- Device/System – Mobile, tablet, desktop targeting.
- Visit Type – New vs. returning visitors.
- Date & Time – Schedule availability.
Reporting and Google Analytics
Enable the checkbox for Google Analytics Reporting to track impressions and clicks inside your GA dashboard.
Best Practices
- Use urgency-driven language and headlines.
- Match timers to actual deal expiration to build trust.
- Ensure mobile-friendly sizing and spacing.
- Include prominent, contrasting CTA buttons.
- Use A/B testing to iterate and improve performance.
Resources
Need help implementing your first countdown? Reach out to the Personyze team or explore templates in your dashboard.