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Link Scheduling

Link Scheduling allows you to control exactly when your links are accessible. This is perfect for time-sensitive campaigns, product launches, and limited-time offers.

How Scheduling Works

You can set two types of dates for any link:

  1. Activation Date: The date and time when the link becomes active.
  2. Expiration Date: The date and time when the link stops working.

Before Activation

If a user clicks a link before its activation date, they will see a default "Link not yet active" page (or a custom redirect if configured).

After Expiration

If a user clicks a link after its expiration date, they will see a "Link expired" page. You can also configure a custom fallback URL to redirect users to a different page (e.g., your homepage or a "Campaign Ended" page).

Setting Up a Schedule

When creating or editing a link in Advanced Create:

  1. Scroll to the Scheduling section.
  2. Activation Date: Click to select a date and time from the calendar.
  3. Expiration Date: Click to select a date and time.
  4. Time Zone: By default, schedules use your account's time zone. You can adjust this if needed.

Expiration Redirects

When a link expires, you don't want to leave users at a dead end.

  • Default: Shows a generic FWURL "Link Expired" page.
  • Custom Redirect (Pro): Enter a fallback URL (e.g., https://mysite.com/sale-ended). Users who click the expired link will be automatically redirected there.

Use Cases

1. Product Launches

Create your links in advance and set the Activation Date to the exact moment of your launch. You can distribute the link early in emails or press releases, knowing it won't work until the launch time.

2. Limited-Time Offers

Set an Expiration Date for the end of your sale (e.g., midnight on Sunday). After that time, the link automatically stops working or redirects to a "Sale Over" page, preventing users from accessing expired discounts.

3. Event Registration

Set the link to expire when registration closes. Redirect late clickers to a "Waitlist" page.

4. Seasonal Campaigns

Schedule links for holiday promotions that automatically turn on and off without manual intervention.