A flow sends emails based on an event – either immediately or with a delay. This can mean that some emails are sent in the middle of the night. With a blackout period, you can ensure that emails are only sent at times you consider appropriate. This guide shows you how to set up a blackout period on your flow.
Step 1: Go to Restrictions
Create a flow. On the trigger page, you have the option to access Restrictions, which you can find here:
If you have already created the flow, click on the name of the flow in the overview. This will take you to the flow builder. To access Restrictions, click Change settings:
Then go to Restrictions, as shown in the first image in step 1.
Step 2: Enable the blackout period
Find the Blackout period field and select Yes.
Enter the time period during which emails should not be sent:
- Block from: The time when the blackout period begins
- until: The time when the blackout period ends
If the flow is triggered during this interval, the email will be held back and will not be sent until the blackout period ends. Finally, click Add restrictions and save your flow. The settings only take effect when you have done both.
Note: A blackout period can also fall within the same day, for example 01:00–06:00.
Note: The blackout period only applies to when the flow starts, that is, the first email in the flow. If the next email is sent 12 hours later, for example, it may be sent during the blackout period. If you want every email to reach recipients at the same time of day, use full days (24, 48 or 72 hours) for your delays.
Examples of use
- Blackout period 23:00–07:00 – Avoids emails at night
- Blackout period 11:00–10:00 – Ensures all emails are sent between 10:00 and 11:00
You are now ready
You have now set up a blackout period on your flow and can control when your emails are sent. This prevents recipients from receiving emails at inappropriate times and lets you time your sends to when your emails have the greatest impact. Try adjusting the blackout period to suit the habits of your target audience.