How to Create Urgency on Squarespace: Timers, Pop-Ups & Special Deals

Urgency sells. When shoppers see a deal ending soon or stock running low, they are more likely to buy. For business owners, this small shift can turn casual browsing into real sales. The best part is that you do not need complex tools to make it work. Squarespace gives you features like timers, pop-ups, and special discounts that create excitement and push customers to act. In this guide, you will learn how to use them step by step. Start today and watch how a little urgency can make a big impact on your business with Squarespace.

Timers (Countdown Blocks)

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A countdown timer is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools you can use to create urgency. When visitors see the clock ticking down, it signals that time is limited and encourages them to act before the opportunity disappears. This sense of anticipation works for sales, product launches, or special events, making it a versatile addition to any Squarespace site.

How to Use on Squarespace

Squarespace makes adding timers easy through its Countdown Block. You can place it on any page, from your homepage to a dedicated landing page, by clicking “Add Block” in the page editor and selecting “Countdown.” Set the date and time for your event or promotion, and the block will automatically track the countdown. You can also customize the style, font, and alignment so the timer matches your site’s branding.

Best Practices

For the biggest impact, use countdown timers on landing pages for limited-time offers and pair them with clear calls to action like “Shop Now” or “Claim Offer.” Timers are especially effective when combined with email campaigns. With Squarespace Email Campaigns, you can insert timers into your promotional emails to keep your message consistent across channels. This reminds subscribers of the deadline no matter where they see your brand.

Why It Works

Countdowns tap into the psychology of urgency, making shoppers feel that waiting means missing out. By placing them strategically, you guide customers toward quicker decisions and higher conversions.

Pop-Ups (Promotional Pop-Ups)

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Pop-ups are one of the fastest ways to grab attention. When used thoughtfully, they can grow your email list, highlight special deals, and encourage visitors to take immediate action. Instead of letting shoppers browse and leave, a well-designed pop-up gives them a reason to stay engaged.

How to Use on Squarespace

Squarespace includes a built-in Promotional Pop-Up feature that displays a modal window when visitors land on your site. You can control when it appears by adjusting the trigger timing—such as on page load, after a delay, or once the visitor scrolls. The pop-up itself is fully customizable with text, images, buttons, and even forms. You can also set the display frequency so it shows once per visit, once per day, or only on specific pages. To enable it, go to your dashboard and navigate to Marketing → Promotional Pop-Up.

Best Practices

Keep your message short and visually appealing so visitors understand the offer right away. A proven tactic is to exchange a discount code for an email sign-up—for example, “Join our list and get 15% off today.” You can also promote early access to Black Friday deals or flash sales by giving subscribers a head start. Always pair the pop-up with a clear call-to-action button like “Claim My Discount” or “Shop Now.”

Why It Works

Pop-ups capture attention at the exact moment visitors are exploring your site. By combining compelling offers with strategic timing, you create an incentive that feels immediate and hard to ignore.

Special Deals (Discounts & Offers)

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Discounts are one of the most effective ways to encourage purchases and build loyalty. Shoppers are more likely to complete their orders when they see added value, and a well-timed deal can turn hesitant browsers into buyers. By offering clear, time-sensitive promotions, you give customers a reason to act quickly while rewarding them for choosing your store.

How to Use on Squarespace

With Squarespace Commerce, you can create and manage deals easily using the Discounts feature. Options include percentage discounts such as “20% Off Storewide,” fixed amount discounts like “₱500 Off Orders Over ₱2,000,” and free shipping promotions. You can also choose between automatic discounts that apply at checkout or code-based discounts that customers enter manually. To get started, go to Commerce → Discounts in your dashboard.

Advanced Options

Squarespace also lets you add more flexibility to your offers. You can schedule start and end dates to run limited-time campaigns like flash sales or holiday weekend deals. Discounts can be targeted to specific products, categories, or minimum order values, giving you full control over your margins. For example, you might promote “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” only on seasonal products to clear inventory. To maximize visibility, pair discounts with promotional pop-ups and email campaigns so your customers never miss the message.

Why It Works

Deals create urgency and make customers feel rewarded. When promotions are easy to understand and time-limited, shoppers are more likely to complete their purchase before the opportunity slips away.

Combining Urgency Tactics for Maximum Effect

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Each urgency tool on Squarespace works well on its own, but they’re even more powerful when used together. Timers build anticipation, pop-ups capture attention, and special deals seal the decision to buy. When these elements are aligned, they create a smooth path that nudges shoppers from browsing to purchasing without feeling forced.

Example Flow

Imagine this sequence: A countdown timer appears on your homepage, showing that a sale ends in 48 hours. While browsing, visitors see a pop-up inviting them to sign up for early access. Those who join receive an exclusive discount code via email that’s valid for just 24 hours. The result? Customers feel motivated to act quickly, and you’ve not only made a sale but also grown your email list for future campaigns.

Why Consistency Matters

While urgency is key, consistency is just as important. Your timers, pop-ups, and discounts should all look and sound like they belong to the same brand. Stick to your chosen color palette, fonts, and tone of voice so that promotions feel trustworthy and professional. Disjointed designs or mismatched messages can confuse shoppers and reduce the impact of your efforts.

The Takeaway

By weaving timers, pop-ups, and deals into a single experience, you keep customers engaged from the moment they land on your site until they check out. Done right, this approach not only drives sales but also strengthens your brand presence.