Why are countdown timers useful?
- The countdown clock makes it seem like shoppers only have a brief period of chance to grab an exceptional deal. Thus, it may easily create an emotion of fear of missing out.
- It can also make a good impression on buyers in anticipation of the new product’s release. If you have a time-sensitive offer, use a countdown to get people’s attention. Furthermore, if you want to let people know about an approaching event, all you have to do is make a countdown timer for it. Free countdown timer applications are abundant on Shopify, however, it’s important to remember that free apps aren’t always the best option.
- Furthermore, landing pages, which are created to promote sales or collect email addresses, are ideal locations for countdown timers. Including one in your marketing increases its effectiveness and encourages prospective customers to take the necessary next step.
- Potential buyers may stay on your product page for quite some time before making a decision, or they might become distracted and leave. A countdown timer may be used there to draw attention to a limited-time offer for free shipping or a small discount, increasing the likelihood that the customer will finish the purchase before the deal expires.
- Lastly, keeping a countdown on the checkout page gives a chance to win over the customer. Additionally, cart abandonment rates may be lowered by using this tactic.
How to add custom countdown timers by coding?
Log in to your Shopify store, go to Online Store > Theme. From the dropdown menu, click on edit code. Now, add a new snippet with the name countdown-timer. Thereafter, paste the code given below and customize it as per your requirements.
{% if end_date != blank %}
<div class=”timer”>{% if title != blank %}
<h4 class=”timer__title”>{{ title }}</h4>
{% endif %}
<div class=”timer-display”>
<div class=”timer-block”><span class=”timer-block__num js-timer-days”>00</span>
<span class=”timer-block__unit”>Days</span></div>
<div class=”timer-block”><span class=”timer-block__num js-timer-hours”>00</span>
<span class=”timer-block__unit”>Hours</span></div>
<div class=”timer-block”><span class=”timer-block__num js-timer-minutes”>00</span>
<span class=”timer-block__unit”>Minutes</span></div>
<div class=”timer-block”><span class=”timer-block__num js-timer-seconds”>00</span>
<span class=”timer-block__unit”>Seconds</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<style>
/* styles for timer */
.timer {
background: #fafafa;
padding: 10px;
margin: 10px 0;
}
.timer–expired {
display: none;
}
.timer__title {
@extend .paragraph;
text-align: center;
}
.timer-display {
display: -webkit-box;
display: -ms-flexbox;
display: flex;
-ms-flex-wrap: wrap;
flex-wrap: wrap;
-webkit-box-pack: justify;
-ms-flex-pack: justify;
justify-content: space-between;
margin-top: 5px;
}
.timer-block {
position: relative;
width: 25%;
padding: 0 10px;
&:not(:last-child):after {
content: ‘:’;
position: absolute;
right: 0;
top: 3px;
}
}
.timer-block__num,.timer-block__unit {
display: block;
text-align: center;
}
</style>
<script type=”text/javascript”>
var second = 1000,
minute = second * 60,
hour = minute * 60,
day = hour * 24;
var countDown = new Date(‘{{- end_date -}}’).getTime(),
x = setInterval(function() {
var now = new Date().getTime(),
distance = countDown – now;
document.querySelector(‘.js-timer-days’).innerText = Math.floor(distance / (day)),
document.querySelector(‘.js-timer-hours’).innerText = Math.floor((distance % (day)) / (hour)),
document.querySelector(‘.js-timer-minutes’).innerText = Math.floor((distance % (hour)) / (minute)),
document.querySelector(‘.js-timer-seconds’).innerText = Math.floor((distance % (minute)) / second);
}, second)
</script>
{% endif %}
Now, to put the snippet on any page, use the below-given lines.
{% include ‘countdown-timer’,
title: “Special Deal”,
end_date: “30-09-2023”
%}
How to add countdown timers without coding?
In case, you are not proficient with Liquid Coding and want to add countdown timers to your Shopify store, install an app, and fulfill the requirement. Some of the best apps for countdown timers are as follows:
- Essential Countdown Timer Bar: Customers are prompted to make a purchase immediately if they miss out on the sale price. You’re free to make as many timers as you want for your business with this app but don’t risk confusing your consumers. It has a 5-star rating on Shopify app store.
- Countdown Timer Ultimate: This app helps boost sales conversion. With so many options, you may personalize your timer so that it perfectly complements your space. The timer may be placed wherever you want on the page. It has gained a 4.9-star rating on the Shopify app store.
- Hextom: This app allows you to set recurring or one-time timers, as well as daily and weekly timers. You may put them to use in a variety of sales promotions. Geotargeting, client segmentation, page-specific targeting, and more are all available. Optimize your sales with country and customer-specific events
- Timer Plus: This app makes it simple to include stylish timers into your page in a matter of minutes. No prior knowledge of coding is necessary to use this app. It’s easy to make changes, start new timers, and include moving progress bars
Conclusion
Adding a countdown timer to your Shopify shop is a simple way to increase interaction and sales. Visitors are more likely to make a purchase choice in a timely manner when a countdown timer is present, which is good for both sales and income. It’s important to keep the timers in line with the store’s branding and marketing initiatives, as well as to continually try out new designs to see which ones work best.
FAQs
How do countdown timers work on a Shopify store?
Countdown timers are dynamic elements that display the remaining time for a limited-time offer or promotion. They create a sense of urgency among visitors, encouraging them to act quickly to take advantage of the deal before it expires.
Can I customize the design of countdown timers?
Yes, you can customize the design of countdown timers to match your store’s branding. Many Shopify themes offer built-in options for customization, or you can use apps to create unique timer designs that align with your store’s aesthetics.
Can I use countdown timers for different types of promotions?
Absolutely, countdown timers can be used for a variety of promotions, such as flash sales, product launches, holiday discounts, and more. Just ensure that the timer accurately reflects the duration of the promotion.
Are there any recommended apps for adding countdown timers to Shopify?
Yes, Shopify’s App Store offers various apps specifically designed for adding countdown timers. Some popular options include Hextom, Timer Plus, etc.
Are there any potential drawbacks to using countdown timers?
While countdown timers can create urgency, they should be used thoughtfully. Overusing them or displaying inaccurate timers can lead to mistrust among customers. Additionally, some shoppers might feel pressured, so strike a balance between urgency and customer experience.
Shivangi is a passionate Copywriter at Alian Software with expertise in technical copywriting. She shares information that is easy to understand regarding business, technology, and trends.