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Timed Delay Trigger

The Timed Delay trigger displays your popup after visitors have been on the page for a specified duration. This targets users who have shown initial interest by staying on your page.

Overview​

PropertyValue
Trigger Typetimed
TimingAfter set duration
User Action RequiredTime on page
Mobile SupportFull

When to Use​

Good Use Cases​

  • Engagement-based offers — After browsing
  • Support prompts — "Need help?"
  • Product tours — Introduce features
  • Timed promotions — During specific window
  • Mobile alternative — To exit intent

Benefits​

  • Simple to implement
  • Works on all devices
  • Targets interested users
  • Predictable behavior
  • Good mobile support

Configuration​

Setting the Delay​

  1. Go to Behavior tab
  2. Select Timed Delay from dropdown
  3. Enter delay duration in seconds

Delay Recommendations​

DurationUse Case
3-5 secondsQuick interactions
10-15 secondsStandard engagement
20-30 secondsDeeper interest
60+ secondsVery engaged users

Starting Point​

The timer typically starts:

  • When the page finishes loading
  • When the user lands on the page

Choosing the Right Delay​

By Page Type​

Page TypeRecommended Delay
Homepage10-15s
Blog post20-30s
Product page15-20s
Landing page10-15s
Checkout30s+ or avoid

By Goal​

GoalDelay
Quick offer5-10s
Newsletter15-20s
Support help30-45s
Exit alternative20-30s

Display Frequency​

SettingBehavior
Every pageShow after delay each page
Once per sessionShow once per visit
Once per dayShow once daily

"Once per session" works well for timed triggers — if users stay long enough once, they're engaged.

Best Practices​

Timing​

  1. Not too quick — Let users orient first
  2. Not too slow — Don't miss engaged users
  3. Test your timing — A/B test durations
  4. Consider content length — Match to page depth

User Experience​

  1. Don't interrupt reading — Smooth animation
  2. Easy dismiss — Clear close options
  3. Contextual content — Relevant to page
  4. Respect dismissal — Don't repeat immediately

Content​

  1. Acknowledge presence — "Since you're here..."
  2. Offer value — Worth the interruption
  3. Clear CTA — What to do next
  4. Time-relevant — May mention they've been browsing

Combining with Other Signals​

Timed delay works well with:

Combined WithEffect
Page typeDifferent delays per page
Return visitorShorter delay
Scroll depthAND condition
DeviceDifferent timing by device

Mobile Optimization​

Timed delay is excellent for mobile:

  • Works identically to desktop
  • Good alternative to exit intent
  • Test with typical mobile session length
  • Consider shorter mobile delays

A/B Testing Ideas​

  1. Delay length — 10s vs 20s vs 30s
  2. Content — Different offers by timing
  3. Frequency — Session vs daily
  4. Design — Full popup vs slide-in

Common Patterns​

Support Helper​

Delay: 45 seconds
Message: "Need help finding something?"
CTA: Start chat
Frequency: Once per session

Newsletter Signup​

Delay: 20 seconds
Message: "Enjoying our content?"
CTA: Subscribe for more
Frequency: Once per day

Limited Offer​

Delay: 15 seconds
Message: "Special offer for you!"
CTA: Claim 20% off
Frequency: Once per session

Exit Intent Alternative (Mobile)​

Delay: 25 seconds
Message: "Before you decide..."
CTA: Get our comparison guide
Frequency: Once per visit

Timer Behavior​

What Resets the Timer​

  • Page reload
  • Navigation to new page
  • Closing and reopening tab

What Doesn't Reset​

  • Switching tabs (usually)
  • Scrolling
  • Interacting with page
  • Opening other windows

Metrics to Track​

  • Time to trigger — Is delay right?
  • Conversion rate — By delay length
  • Engagement after — Did they interact?
  • Bounce correlation — Impact on exits

Troubleshooting​

Not triggering:

  • Wait for the full delay
  • Check page isn't reloading
  • Verify no cookie blocking it
  • Check trigger is enabled

Triggering immediately:

  • Verify delay setting
  • Check for conflicting triggers
  • Clear cookies and test

Inconsistent timing:

  • Might be normal (page load variation)
  • Check for JS errors
  • Test on different pages

Advanced: Inactivity Trigger​

For "idle" detection (no mouse/keyboard activity), combine timed delay with:

  • Longer delay (60s+)
  • Inactivity as condition
  • Re-engagement messaging