Wait, delay, and timing controls
Most automations need pauses between actions — you don't want to send 5 emails in 5 seconds. Wait actions give workflows their timing.
Wait types
| Wait type | Behavior | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| Wait fixed duration | Pause for X minutes/hours/days | Standard delays between touches |
| Wait until day/time | Pause until next Tuesday at 10 AM | Send during business hours regardless of when triggered |
| Wait until event | Pause until contact replies, books appointment, etc. | Conditional sequences that adapt to behavior |
| Wait until date field | Pause until | Birthday or anniversary messages |
| Wait business hours only | Skip nights and weekends in the count | Lead-response sequences |
Common cadence patterns
New lead nurture (7 days, 5 touches)
Trigger: Form Submitted
Action: Send SMS "Thanks for reaching out…"
Wait: 1 hour
Action: Send email with full info
Wait: 1 day
Action: Send SMS "Any questions?"
Wait: 2 days
Action: Send email "Did we miss you?"
Wait: 3 days
Action: Send SMS "Last check-in — still interested?"
Wait: 0 → Add tag "nurture-completed" → End
Appointment reminder cycle
Trigger: Appointment Booked
Action: Send confirmation email + SMS immediately
Wait until 24 hours before appointment → Send reminder SMS
Wait until 1 hour before appointment → Send final SMS
Wait until appointment ends → Send review request email
TIP — Send during business hours only
For most marketing/follow-up workflows, enable "Wait business hours only" so a Friday-evening trigger doesn't send SMS to your customer at 8 AM Saturday. Account-level business hours (Settings → Business Hours) define the window.
