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Control Your Outreach: Set Blackout Dates for Effective Communication

Ensure your marketing messages reach clients at the right moment by effectively managing blackout dates.

Why This Feature Matters

Managing client communications can be challenging, especially during sensitive times. Blackout dates allow you to:

  • Avoid sending marketing messages on holidays or sensitive dates, which can be off-putting to recipients.
  • Maintain a professional and respectful cadence in your communications.
  • Automatically delay scheduled action plan messages, ensuring they don't go out during undesirable times.
  • Take full control over when your communications are sent out, allowing you to prioritize client relationships.

Real-world Examples:
Imagine a client receiving a holiday-themed message on a day they prefer quiet reflection; this could lead to dissatisfaction. By using blackout dates, you can enhance your professionalism and client satisfaction.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Access Blackout Date Settings

  • Go to LEADS → Action Plans → Action Plan Settings

  • Scroll to the Blackout Dates section

2. Add a New Blackout Date

  • Click + Add New Date

  • Enter a name for the blackout date

  • Select the month and day

  • Click Save to activate it immediately

3. Manage “System” Blackout Dates

  • Preloaded dates (e.g., national holidays) are called System blackout dates

  • Toggle ON/OFF to activate or deactivate them for your account

4. Manage “Custom” Blackout Dates

  • Custom blackout dates are created manually

  • You can Edit or Delete any custom blackout date directly in the settings

5. Understand Regional Holiday Defaults

  • U.S.-based clients will see U.S. holidays

  • Canadian clients will see Canada-specific holidays

  • Shared holidays like New Year’s Day appear for all users

  • “Rolling” holidays (like Thanksgiving) update each year automatically

Best Practices

  • Use blackout dates for major holidays, long weekends, or local observances

  • Review and update blackout dates annually to reflect your business needs

  • Combine blackout dates with other communication best practices (like avoiding early-morning sends)

  • Double-check auto-execute settings in traditional action plans to ensure blackout compliance

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: An action plan message sent on a blackout date

Solution: Ensure the message is part of a fully automated plan or a traditional plan set to auto-execute. Other tools like saved searches or market reports are not covered.

 

Issue: A holiday didn’t trigger a blackout

Solution: Check if the holiday is toggled on in the System Blackout Dates list or manually add it as a custom date.

FAQs

Q: Do blackout dates stop all emails in Sierra?

A: No. They apply only to fully automated action plans and auto-executing emails/texts in traditional action plans.

Q: Are voicemail drops paused on blackout dates?

A: Yes, if they are part of a fully automated plan. Manually triggered voicemail drops are not affected.

Q: Will saved search alerts or market reports be paused?

A: No. Blackout dates do not apply to saved searches, drip campaigns, or market reports.