Blackout Dates allow you to prevent scheduled messages from being sent on specific days throughout the year. If a scheduled NurturePoint text or email falls on a blackout date, it will automatically be rescheduled to the next available day.
This is especially helpful for holidays, church events, or other occasions when you would prefer not to send automated communications.
How to Manage Blackout Dates
1. Navigate to Dashboard > Account > Manage Blackout Dates
2. Choose Message Channels
Select whether you want the blackout dates to apply to email, SMS, or both.
3. Select Predefined Blackout Dates
A list of common holidays is available for quick selection. Simply check the box next to any holiday you would like to prevent messages from being sent.
4. Add Custom Blackout Dates
You can also create your own recurring blackout dates.
- Enter the month, day, and optional label to identify the date.
- Select Add Date and Save.
- Custom blackout dates automatically recur every year.
5. Save Your Changes
After selecting your predefined holidays and adding any optional custom blackout dates, click Save to apply your changes. Your automated messages will now skip those dates and resume on the next available day.
How Blackout Dates Work
When a scheduled message falls on a blackout date:
- The scheduled message will not be sent on the blackout date. This includes NurturePoint Journey messages and scheduled mass messages.
- It will automatically be rescheduled for the next available day.
- Since ads are still live, if a new person requests information, the first automated message will be sent at the next available date.
- No manual adjustments are required after your blackout dates have been configured.