Wait is a unique type of workflow action designed to pause the contact at a specific step in the workflow until a desired condition is met. This useful tool is handy when waiting for a certain time, a contact reply, or an event that needs to be completed before moving the contact forward in the workflow.
To insert this action between workflow steps, click the plus sign between the steps and select "Wait" from the options.
📌NOTE: The Wait Step can be set up using two distinct types of events, let's take a closer look!
For A Set Period Of Time
This allows you to set a determinate amount of time before the contact moves to the next step. To set it up, add the amount of time the workflow should wait before moving the contact forward.
Until a Specific Date/Time
When setting a Wait step for an event, add the action Set Event Start Date first. Set the time you want the contact to move forward in the workflow.
Select whether the date and time should be set as a standard or dynamic value.
Set your desired date and time or date custom value.
Select when the contact should proceed in the workflow (1) and what should happen if the contact enters the workflow after the date has passed (2).
Until A Recurring Window Opens
If you'd like to limit how often the contact will advance, use this option.
First, select if you want the advance to happen weekly, monthly or yearly.
Select the weekdays, day of the month or specific date you want the advance to occur on.
Set the time of day the event should occur on.
Then, select when the contact should proceed in the workflow.
Until a Scheduled Date/Time
This allows you to make the workflow send messages at a set time relative to an event or appointment; for example, one day before an appointment.
First, select the type of appointment.
Then, select when the contact should proceed in the workflow.
Finally, set what should happen if the contact enters the workflow after the date has passed.
Until The Contact Replies
This option will keep the contact in the wait step until they respond to a previously sent message.
To use it, select the step you want the contact to have replied to.
Until The Contact Takes A Specific Action
This option will keep the contact in the wait step until they interact a certain way with a previously sent email or Trigger Link.
Select which of the two options you want.
Then select the event to wait for and the action you want the contact to have performed if using an email event.
Condition
This feature allows you to pause the automation until the contact completes or updates a specific field of information. To configure this, select the contact detail you wish to monitor.
Select the operator, then add the response you want.
Timeout
If the condition needs to be met on a specific schedule, you can set a timeout by toggling the option and setting the timeframe.
Saving The Wait Action
Once you've set the conditions for your Wait action, click Save action and you're done.
Now you can set up wait steps whenever needed, ensuring that the contact moves through the workflow actions at the right time, maximising the effectiveness of your communications and streamlining your process.