Time-based workflows allow you to automate many different processes. With a time-based workflow, you can set an action to occur when a user, visitor, or other party engages with your content in a specific way. Setting up an automated time-based workflow to take the place of having to manually respond to every engagement or interaction will save an untold amount of time and, ultimately, help your bottom line. This article will provide an overview on time-based workflow content, as well as how to tie time-based action groups—or action groups based on a specific date and time field—into SharpSpring's other automation processes.Article Contents |
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Creating DateTime Custom Fields
Time-based automations require DateTime fields. To create a custom DateTime field, do the following:
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Creating Visual Time-Based Action Groups
To create a time-based action group in the visual editor, do the following:
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Important: The Visual Workflow Builder is not supported in Internet Explorer 11. Use one of the other browsers supported by SharpSpring to create visual workflows.
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Note: Action groups need to be a part of a visual workflow with triggers in order for the action group to fire.
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Creating Email Reminders
To create an email reminder workflow, do the following:
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In SharpSpring's top toolbar, click |
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Under Start or an applicable workflow branch, |
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In the Lead section, select has the field. |
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In the Field Name text box, type the name of the desired custom DateTime field. |
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Select the desired dates and times. |
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In the Comparison drop-down menu, select the desired operator. |
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Click OK. |
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Under the added trigger, click + Add > Action Group. |
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Type the name of the desired time-based action group. |
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Click OK. |
Available Date/Time Options
When creating Date/Time automation, the following options are available:
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Description |
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Select Date/Time |
All standard times that can be selected through SharpSpring's calendar date and time clock features. |
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Custom Date/Time |
Allows for specific, custom dates and times to be entered. The date and time should be entered in the following format: YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm:ss This format requires a four-digit year value, a two-digit month value, a two-digit day value, a two-digit hour value, a two-digit minute value, and a two-digit second value |
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Empty |
Removes the Date/Time date and time information entirely. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the differences between action groups and branches?
A: Reusable action groups are a collection of standalone events that can be referenced within a visual workflow or be manually scheduled to a list. Branches are not action groups. Branches refer to a collection of actions created for use only within a visual workflow. As the name implies, this collection of actions branch out from the action group and are dependent upon additional criteria in order to function. Branches will not be added as reusable, standalone action groups.
Q: When is the cut-off period is for contacts entering the action group and receiving reminder emails?
A: Contacts will receive an email if they join the action group within 48 hours of the date and time of the event.
Q: I used a date field in my time-based action group, but something is not right. What am I doing wrong?
A: Often, a date field is used in place of a DateTime field. DateTime is required.
Q: Can I create a birthday email?
A: Yes. However, SharpSpring does not have a birthday custom field. You would have to manually change the DateTime field to reflect the birthday period. The year would have to be the current year or the next year the individual has a birthday. Consider the following example:
DateTime field has XX/XX/2018 00:00:00
The Action Group is
`one week after DateTime field send email "Birthday week"`
Q: How do I change the format of the DateTime field?
A: You can change this field in the Custom Field Manager.