How to use retargeting to Re-Engage lost customers and boost conversions

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Have you ever visited a website, browsed around, and left only to see an ad for that exact product pop up later? That’s retargeting in action! Many potential customers leave without converting, but retargeting allows businesses to bring them back and increase conversions.

The Effectiveness of Retargeting

Retargeting is one of the most effective digital marketing strategies. Studies show that retargeted visitors are 70% more likely to convert than first-time visitors. Since these users have already expressed interest, well-placed ads can gently nudge them toward completing their purchase or signing up.

An infographic of a funnel illustrating how retargeting turns website visitors into conversions, with a 70% increased likelihood to convert

Types of Retargeting

Site Retargeting

This method tracks visitors on your website and serves them ads related to the pages they viewed. If someone browses a product but doesn’t buy, site retargeting can remind them of it later.

Email Retargeting

Ever left an item in your cart and received an email reminder? That’s email retargeting. Personalized emails can boost conversion rates, especially when paired with discounts or testimonials.

Social Media Retargeting

Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn offer powerful retargeting tools. Businesses can create custom audiences based on website visits, engagement, or customer lists.

Search Retargeting

Google Ads allows businesses to retarget users based on their previous search behavior. This is useful for capturing high-intent leads who have searched for related products or services.

Best practices for Retargeting Ads

Comparison of a generic ad versus a well-crafted retargeting ad with persuasive language and attractive visuals.

Crafting Compelling Ad Copy

Your ad copy should remind users why they were interested in your product. Use persuasive language, urgency, and social proof (e.g., “Only 3 left in stock!” or “Join 10,000+ happy customers!”).

Choosing the Right Visuals

Images and videos matter. A/B testing different visuals helps identify what resonates best with your audience.

Segmenting your audience

Not all users are the same. Retargeting should be customized based on where users are in the customer journey. For example:

Cart abandoners → Show a discount ad

Content readers → Offer a free eBook

Optimizing frequency and timing

Showing ads too frequently can annoy users, while showing them too late can reduce effectiveness. The sweet spot is 5-7 impressions per week per user.

Tools and platforms for effective retargeting

To implement retargeting successfully, use:

  • Google Ads for site and search retargeting
  • Facebook Pixel for social media ads
  • LinkedIn Matched Audiences for B2B campaigns
  • Email automation tools like Mailchimp or HubSpot

Next Steps

Close-up of a hand clicking a mouse with a glowing 'Buy Now' button on a screen

Retargeting is a game-changer for businesses looking to re-engage lost customers and increase conversions. By using the right strategies, segmenting audiences, and optimizing campaigns, you can turn lost leads into loyal customers. Don’t leave money on the table and start leveraging retargeting today!

FAQs

What’s the difference between retargeting and remarketing?

Retargeting focuses on displaying ads to past visitors, while remarketing typically involves re-engaging users via email.

How long should a retargeting campaign run?

A retargeting campaign should run continuously but with periodic adjustments based on performance data, if you want a tailored strategy contact MoreKeting

Can retargeting work for small businesses?

Absolutely! Even small budgets can achieve great results with well-optimized retargeting strategies.

How much does retargeting cost?

Costs vary depending on the platform and competition, but CPCs (cost-per-click) are usually lower than standard ads.

How do I measure the success of a retargeting campaign?

Key metrics include click-through rates, conversion rates, return on ad spend (ROAS), and customer acquisition costs.

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