How to Use Dynamic Links with Countdown Timers

In email marketing, creating urgency is a proven way to boost engagement and drive conversions. Countdown timers are a popular tool for this, but what if you could take it a step further? With Dynamic Links, you can automatically redirect users to different URLs based on whether a countdown timer is still active or has expired. This feature is perfect for time-sensitive offers, personalized deadlines, and seamless user experiences.

In this guide, we'll explain what Dynamic Links are, how they work with countdown timers, and how you can use them to enhance your email campaigns. Whether you're new to countdown timers or looking to optimize your current strategy, this article will provide you with everything you need to know.

What Are Dynamic Links?

A Dynamic Link is a short link embedded in your email that redirects users to different URLs based on the status of a countdown timer in the same email. Here’s how it works:

  • Active Timer: If the timer is still counting down when the link is clicked, the user is directed to a specific "active" URL (e.g., a discount page).

  • Expired Timer: If the timer has expired, clicking the link routes the user to a different "expired" URL (e.g., an "offer ended" page).

This makes Dynamic Links ideal for time-sensitive offers, ensuring recipients always see relevant content based on the timer’s status. They’re easy to implement and pair perfectly with countdown timers for targeted redirection.

How Dynamic Links Work with Countdown Timers

Dynamic Links function as a team with countdown timers in your emails. Here’s the process:

  1. Pairing: Include both a countdown timer and a Dynamic Link in your email. They’re linked via a unique identifier, tying the link’s behavior to the timer’s status.

  2. Status Check: When the link is clicked, the system checks if the timer is active or expired.

  3. Redirection:

    • Active timer → Redirects to the "active" URL.

    • Expired timer → Redirects to the "expired" URL.

For example, you might send an email with a 24-hour discount offer. While the timer runs, clicking the Dynamic Link takes users to the deal page. After it expires, they’re sent to a "sorry, offer ended" page instead.

Personalizing Offers with Evergreen Timers

Dynamic Links become even more powerful when used with evergreen timers, which are unique to each recipient. Unlike fixed-date timers (same deadline for everyone), evergreen timers start counting down when the email is opened or sent, giving each user a personal deadline.

How It Works

  • Unique Identifier: Both the timer and Dynamic Link use a unique ID, often created using merge tags (e.g., {$email}). When the email is sent, your email marketing software replaces the tag with the recipient’s email address, generating a unique ID.

  • Timer Start: When the email is opened, the timer begins, and the system logs the start time with the unique ID.

  • Link Check: The Dynamic Link, sharing the same ID, checks the timer’s status when clicked and redirects accordingly.

This setup is perfect for marketing funnels—like abandoned cart emails or trial expirations—where each prospect’s deadline depends on their interaction.

Technical Details: URL Parameters

When a user clicks a Dynamic Link, they’re redirected to the target URL with additional parameters appended. These provide details about the timer and enable synchronization between your email and landing page.

Parameters Explained

  • cdm_status: Shows if the timer is active (1) or expired (0).

  • cdm_code: The timer’s identifier (e.g., 42w8f9).

  • cdm_seconds: Remaining time in seconds (e.g., 77049 for ~21 hours).

  • cdm_end: Exact expiration time (e.g., 2025-04-16T16:47:18+03:30).

  • cdm_params: Unique recipient ID, used to fetch the timer’s GIF image.

Example URL

To demonstrate how Dynamic Links function, consider the following example:

  • Initial Dynamic Link:
    https://link.countdownmail.com/42w8f9?id=$2y$10$@d/3hq.{$email}
    This link contains a merge tag, {$email}, which serves as a placeholder for the recipient's email address.

  • Merge Tag Replacement:
    When the email is sent, the email marketing software replaces {$email} with the recipient’s actual email address. For instance, if the recipient’s email is [email protected], the Dynamic Link in the email becomes:
    https://link.countdownmail.com/42w8f9?id=$2y$10$@d/[email protected]

  • Redirection Process:
    The Dynamic Link is configured to redirect to https://example.com/sale when the timer is active. If the recipient clicks the link while the timer is still running, the redirection occurs, resulting in a final URL like:
    https://example.com/sale?cdm_status=1&cdm_code=42w8f9&cdm_seconds=77049&cdm_end=2025-04-16T16%3A47%3A18%2B03%3A30&cdm_params=id=%242y%2410%24%40d%2F3hq.example%40site.com
    This final URL includes additional parameters (e.g., cdm_status, cdm_seconds) that convey timer-related information for further processing on the landing page.

This process highlights how Dynamic Links are personalized and dynamically redirect based on the timer’s status, delivering a tailored experience for each recipient.

Syncing Timers on Your Landing Page

You can use these parameters to enhance your landing page:

  • Custom Timer: Use JavaScript to read cdm_seconds or cdm_end and display a matching countdown.

  • Embed the Timer Image: Use cdm_params to show the email’s timer GIF.

Here’s a JavaScript example to embed the timer on your landing page:

Example


<script>
    // Get the current URL
    const currentUrl = new URL(window.location.href);

    // Extract 'cdm_code' and 'cdm_params' parameters
    const cdm_code = currentUrl.searchParams.get('cdm_code');
    const cdm_params = currentUrl.searchParams.get('cdm_params');

    // Check if this is a redirect through Dynamic Link
    if (cdm_code && typeof cdm_code === 'string' && cdm_code.length >= 1 && cdm_code.length <= 6) {
      // Create an <img> element
      const img = document.createElement('img');

      // Construct the timer URL
      img.src = `https://i.countdownmail.com/${cdm_code}.gif${cdm_params ? '?' + cdm_params : ''}`;

      // Insert the timer after the current <script> tag
      document.currentScript.insertAdjacentElement('afterend', img);
    }
</script>

This displays the same timer from the email on your webpage.

Real-World Examples

Here are some ways to use Dynamic Links:

  1. Limited-Time Discounts: Offer a 48-hour deal. Active clicks go to the discount page; expired clicks go to an "offer ended" page.

  2. Abandoned Cart Emails: Send a 24-hour coupon. The link applies the discount if clicked in time or shows an expiration notice if late.

  3. Automated Webinars: Give users a 72-hour viewing window. Active links lead to the webinar; expired links offer a replay signup.

These scenarios highlight how Dynamic Links create urgency and relevance.

How to Create a Dynamic Link

Follow these steps on countdownmail.com:

  1. Create a Timer:

    • Log in and make a new timer.

    • For personalized deadlines, choose "Evergreen."

  2. Generate the Link:

    • Enable the "Dynamic Link" option.

    • Set your "active" and "expired" URLs.

    • Copy the generated link.

  3. Add to Your Email:

    • Insert the timer and Dynamic Link, ensuring they share the same unique ID (e.g., via merge tags).

That’s it! Your campaign is now ready to deliver targeted, time-sensitive redirection.

How About Analytics?

When a Dynamic Link redirects to the target page, all parameters attached to the original link are preserved and passed along. This allows you to append custom parameters—such as UTM Source, UTM Term, or other tracking identifiers—to the Dynamic Link, and they will seamlessly transfer to your landing page. For instance, adding UTM parameters enables you to monitor campaign performance effectively using tools like Google Analytics.

Moreover, if your email marketing platform adds its own parameters (e.g., a client identifier), these will also carry over to the target page. This functionality lets you track click-through data directly within your email software, providing a clear view of user interactions.

Additionally, CountdownMail offers a dedicated statistics page within your account. This feature allows you to analyze the number of clicks on your Dynamic Links, with data segmented by day or any custom time range you select, empowering you to assess engagement and refine your time-sensitive campaigns with precision.

Conclusion

Dynamic Links are a simple yet powerful way to make your email campaigns more effective. By redirecting users based on a timer’s status, you can craft urgent, personalized offers that resonate with your audience. Pair them with evergreen timers and use URL parameters to sync experiences across platforms for maximum impact. Ready to boost your email marketing? Start using Dynamic Links today!

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