Rolling date windows

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How do I use rolling date windows in relation to date-based fields?

Introduction

The Rolling Date Windows feature in ActiveCampaign provides a powerful way to automate actions based on date-related fields. This feature is significant because it enables users to create dynamic automations that react based on a contact's custom date field, such as birthdays or event dates. By using rolling date windows, you can configure your automations to trigger actions either before or after a specified date, enhancing your engagement with contacts by allowing timely communications, such as promotional offers or reminders.

How to access this feature

To access the Rolling Date Windows feature, you need to navigate within the Automation section of ActiveCampaign. Ensure you have the right permissions to create or modify automations. Once you are in the Automation interface, you can find options related to date-based fields that facilitate the rolling date window functionality.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these steps to set up rolling date windows in your automation:

1. **Create a new automation** or select an existing one where you want to apply the rolling date window. 2. **Add a wait condition** by selecting the "Wait" option in the automation builder. 3. In the wait condition setup, choose the option related to custom fields. Here, you will need to:

  - Select the specific custom field that contains the date you want to reference.
  - Specify the number of days before or after this date that you want the automation to wait. For instance, if you select a contact's birthday, you can set it to 7 days before to send a promotional coupon.

4. **Save** the automation to apply the changes. Ensure to test the flow to verify if it's functioning as intended.

By following these steps, you will successfully incorporate rolling date windows into your communications strategy.

Configuration options and settings

The main configuration options relevant to rolling date windows include:

- **Custom fields**: This enables the specification of the date fields you are basing your rolling windows on. - **Wait conditions**: In the automations, you can set up wait conditions for a certain number of days before or after the date stored in your selected custom field. - **Deal date-based fields**: If applicable, you can also utilize rolling date windows in combination with deal-related dates, such as the forecasted close date for tasks associated with a deal.

These configuration options allow you to tailor your automations according to specific timelines relevant to your audience.

Best practices and tips

To maximize the effectiveness of rolling date windows in your automations, consider the following best practices:

- **Segment your audience**: Use segments based on relevant date fields to ensure you send messages to the right contacts. - **Personalize messages**: Incorporate personalized content in your messages. For example, reference the contact's upcoming birthday in the promotional email to increase engagement. - **Test and optimize**: Regularly test your automations to see if the timing of communications aligns with your goals. Optimize based on performance metrics. - **Plan for different time zones**: If your contacts are spread across different regions, ensure your automations consider their specific time zones.

By following these practices, you can create more effective and timely automations.

Common use cases with examples

Here are some common scenarios where rolling date windows can greatly enhance engagement: - **Birthday Promotions**: Sending a birthday coupon seven days before a contact's birthday using the rolling date window can lead to increased sales and customer loyalty. - **Event Reminders**: If you're hosting an event, you can set up an automation to send reminders or follow-up emails a specified number of days before or after the event date. - **Subscription Renewals**: If you have subscriptions, you can use rolling date windows to notify contacts about impending renewals or expiration dates.

These examples illustrate the versatility of the rolling date windows feature in improving your marketing efforts.

Troubleshooting section

If you encounter issues while setting up rolling date windows, consider the following troubleshooting tips: - **Check date formats**: Ensure that the custom field you are using for the date is formatted correctly. Any discrepancies may lead to improper triggering of automations. - **Review automation flow**: Double-check the automation steps to ensure that the wait conditions and other actions are correctly configured. - **Test the automation**: Use test contacts to verify whether the rolling date windows activate as expected. This can help identify and resolve issues during the setup phase.

FAQ

What is a rolling date window?

A rolling date window is a feature that allows you to set waiting conditions based on a date stored in a custom field, adjusting the timing of actions based on that date relative to the current day.

How do I create a rolling date window in an automation?

You can create a rolling date window by selecting a wait condition in your automation and specifying the custom field and the number of days before or after that date you wish to wait.

Can I use rolling date windows for deal tasks?

Yes, rolling date windows can be used to update deal tasks based on deal date-based fields such as the forecasted close date.

What types of promotions can I automate using rolling date windows?

Rolling date windows can automate various promotions, including birthday coupons, event reminders, and subscription renewals.

Is rolling date windows available in all ActiveCampaign plans?

Yes, this feature is available for all ActiveCampaign plans, including Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise.

How do I ensure my automations are timing correctly?

Regularly test your automations with sample contacts and monitor engagement metrics to ensure that emails and notifications are sent at the appropriate times.

Can I use multiple rolling date windows in one automation?

Yes, you can incorporate multiple rolling date windows in a single automation by adding various wait conditions based on different custom fields as needed.

By understanding and utilizing Rolling Date Windows, you can enhance your marketing strategy, lead more timely engagement, and ultimately foster better client relationships. ```