Campaign start and end dates define when every linked notification is allowed to run. This guide covers how to set them correctly and how timezone works.
Set dates when Creating a Campaign or by editing an existing campaign from Notifal → Campaigns.
Where to set the schedule
Open a campaign in the editor. Below Campaign active you find:
| Field | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign start | Recommended | First moment the campaign window is open |
| Campaign end | Optional | Last moment the campaign window is open |
The edit screen also shows Current site time with your timezone label. Use it as a reference when picking dates.
Site timezone (important)
Campaign dates use your WordPress site timezone, set under Settings → General, not your personal computer clock.
This is the same behavior as notification schedules on the Timing tab. See Schedule Windows (Start/End Dates).
| Tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Check Settings → General before scheduling | Avoid surprises if server time differs from your local time |
| Compare your pick to Current site time on the campaign screen | Confirm the window starts when you expect |
| Schedule a few minutes early for launches | Small buffer for clock differences |
Start date only (no end)
- Set Campaign start.
- Leave Campaign end empty.
The campaign runs from that moment forward until you:
- Turn Campaign active off, or
- Set an end date later, or
- Delete the campaign
Linked notifications follow this open-ended window while the campaign is active.
Start and end (fixed window)
Example: a 48-hour flash sale.
- Set Campaign start to the sale opening time.
- Set Campaign end to when the sale closes.
- Save.
Before the start time, the list shows Scheduled. During the window, it shows Active. After the end passes, it shows Ended. See Campaign Status and Linked Notifications.
Validation rules
Notifal checks your dates when you save:
- Start cannot be after end. If they conflict, the end date is cleared so the schedule stays valid.
- Empty start means no start restriction (campaign can run immediately when active).
- Empty end means no automatic end.
If you edit an already-live campaign, you can save again without changing dates even when the start is in the past.
Campaign schedule vs notification Timing tab
When a notification is linked to a campaign:
| Setting | Controlled by |
|---|---|
| Start/end dates | Campaign |
| Show timing (delay, scroll, exit intent, etc.) | Notification Timing tab |
| Frequency limits | Notification Timing/Behavior tabs |
The campaign answers: "Is this promo allowed to run today?"
Show timing answers: "What should happen on this page visit?"
Both must pass. See When Should the Notification Show?.
No dates at all
If you leave both start and end empty:
- The campaign has no date window
- Campaign active on/off is the only schedule control
- Useful for ongoing groups you pause manually
Linked notifications inherit dates
When you link a notification:
- Its Enable Schedule on the Timing tab turns off
- A banner explains the campaign controls the schedule
- To use per-notification dates again, set Campaign to No Campaign on the General tab
See Linking a Notification to a Campaign.
Checklist
- [ ] I checked Settings → General for site timezone
- [ ] I used Current site time on the campaign screen as a guide
- [ ] Start and end dates match my promo plan
- [ ] I know show timing still comes from each notification's Timing tab
What to read next
Scheduling & Priority series
- Campaign Schedule and Timezone (you are here)
- Campaign Expiry and Auto-Deactivation
- Campaign Priority vs Notification Priority
Related
- Creating a Campaign
- Campaign Status and Linked Notifications
- Schedule Windows (Start/End Dates) , same timezone rules for standalone notifications