Can you share an example of how you've used retargeting or remarketing effectively in your advertising? What were the results?

Question

Unlock the secrets to effective retargeting with insights from industry experts. This article delves into strategies to reduce cart abandonment, personalize ads, and more. Discover how to elevate your advertising game with expert advice on retargeting techniques.

Inali Patel · Answer

One of the most effective ways we've used retargeting in our advertising was for an e-commerce client struggling with high cart abandonment rates. Despite strong traffic and interest in their products, many visitors were leaving without completing their purchases. Our goal was to bring these potential customers back and convert them into buyers.
The StrategyWe developed a multi-stage retargeting funnel that addressed different levels of buyer hesitation. Here's how we approached it:
1. Dynamic Product Retargeting (Personalized Ads)Instead of showing generic ads, we used dynamic retargeting to display the exact products that visitors had viewed or added to their carts. This reminded them of their interest and increased the likelihood of conversion.
2. Urgency & Social Proof Ads (Encouraging Action)For users who had visited the product page multiple times but didn't purchase, we introduced ads that created urgency. These included:
Limited-time discounts (e.g., "Your item is still in your cart--complete your purchase and get 10% off today!")Low stock alerts (e.g., "Only 3 left in stock--don't miss out!")Customer reviews to reinforce trust and show social proof3. Email & Cross-Platform Retargeting (Multi-Channel Approach)We didn't just rely on one platform. We also:
Sent abandoned cart emails with a direct checkout link and a time-sensitive offer.Used Facebook, Instagram, and Google Display ads to retarget visitors across different platforms, ensuring they saw our message multiple times.The ResultsThis retargeting campaign significantly improved conversions and reduced wasted ad spend. Within 60 days, we saw:28% increase in cart recovery rate35% lower cost per conversion compared to cold audience targeting4.2x return on ad spend (ROAS)Higher engagement on retargeting ads compared to initial prospecting ads
Key TakeawaysPersonalization works - Showing people exactly what they were interested in increases the likelihood of them returning.Urgency boosts action - Time-limited offers and low-stock notifications helped overcome hesitation.Multi-channel retargeting keeps you top-of-mind - Some users converted through email, while others responded to social ads.Retargeting isn't just about reminding people--it's about removing friction and making it easier for them to say yes. By combining personalization, strategic messaging, and a multi-platform approach, we turned lost opportunities into real revenue.

Georgi Petrov · Answer

Retargeting has been a game-changer in my advertising strategy. One of the most effective campaigns I ran was for an e-commerce brand selling high-ticket wellness products. Instead of hitting all visitors with the same generic ad, we segmented based on behavior. If someone viewed a product but didn't add it to their cart, they saw an ad with a limited-time offer. If they abandoned their cart, they got a reminder with urgency and social proof.
The results were insane. Cart abandonment recovery shot up by 32 percent, and overall return on ad spend more than doubled. The key was personalization--people don't want random ads following them around, but they do respond to relevant messages that address their hesitation. Retargeting isn't just about being persistent, it's about being strategic. If you remind the right people at the right time with the right message, conversions skyrocket. It's like giving them that final nudge to make a decision they were already considering.

Linzi Oliver · Answer

Retargeting is most effective when it adds value rather than just repeating what users have already seen. One campaign that proved this was focused on buyers browsing horse trailers but hesitating to contact a seller. Instead of pushing the same listings, we built a remarketing strategy that provided useful content. The ads featured buying guides, financing tips, and real customer success stories.
We tested different ad formats, including carousel ads with educational content and short-form videos explaining what to consider when purchasing a horse trailer. People engaged more with these ads because they provided insights they might not have known before. Many users who had only been browsing started to take action after seeing financing options that made purchasing more accessible. The result was a 28% increase in inquiries, and many of those inquiries turned into actual sales. This campaign proved that people respond better when they feel informed rather than pressured. Retargeting should not just be about chasing users around the internet. It should help them take the next step by addressing their concerns and providing useful information.

Michelle Merz · Answer

One of the most effective retargeting campaigns I ran was for a service-based business, and instead of just running the same ad over and over, we built a layered strategy that moved potential clients through a natural decision-making process.
We started by driving traffic to a free resource or valuable content related to the service. If someone clicked but didn't take action, they weren't hit with another sales ad--instead, they saw credibility-building content, like client success stories, industry insights, or a short video breaking down a common challenge they were facing.
For those who actually visited the website but didn't inquire, we took it a step further. Instead of assuming they weren't interested, we addressed potential hesitations--things like pricing concerns, how the process worked, or what kind of results they could expect. We also tested behind-the-scenes content to show what it was actually like to work with the business, which helped build trust and make it feel more personal.
Then, for those who had engaged multiple times but still hadn't booked a call, we shifted to a more direct approach--offering limited-time bonuses, reminding them of availability ("only a few spots left"), or inviting them to a low-commitment option like a free consultation.
What made this work so well was that it didn't feel like a constant sales push. Instead of just chasing them with the same ad, we matched the message to their level of interest, making it feel more like a conversation than a marketing campaign. That led to a 41% lower cost per lead and a big increase in booked calls--but more importantly, those calls were with people who already understood the service, making the sales process way smoother and more effective.

Aaron Whittaker · Answer

We've seen great success by focusing our retargeting campaigns on specific GEOGRAPHIC regions rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead of blasting ads at everyone who's come to our site, we focus on the areas that drive traffic over time.
From there, we create ads that speak to those local audiences -- mentioning local specifics and highlighting local amenities or events that may catch their attention. We also ensure that all of our landing pages mirror the ad's messaging -- if the ad talks about a special offer for people in Chicago, for example, the landing page will follow the same theme. This consistency proves to them that we're speaking to them, along with everyone else, but it helps to elevate our brand above the noise of the internet.
In a recent campaign across three major U.S. cities, our click-through rate increased by 35%, and our cost per acquisition dropped by almost 25%. Once we examined our PPC data, we saw an increased surge in traffic from those regions and thought, why not write hyper-localized ads that reflect the personality of each city.
When users clicked through, they hit pages that showcased local offers and testimonials from users near them. Results were amazing: people were more engaged than ever and we had a significant increase in conversions. And by leaning into this localized retargeting strategy, we converted casual shoppers into loyal customers who felt we really understood them.

Hugh Dixon · Answer

One of the most effective retargeting campaigns I worked on was for customers who visited our international removals website but did not complete a quote request. Many people researching international moves take time to decide, and we wanted to stay in front of them while they weighed their options.
We set up dynamic retargeting ads that showed visitors the specific destinations they had viewed. If someone looked at moving from the UK to Australia, they would later see an ad with tailored messaging about that route. The ads highlighted key benefits, such as affordable shipping rates and expert guidance, to reinforce our value. We also tested time-sensitive offers, like discounted container shipping for early bookings.
The results were strong. Click-through rates on the retargeting ads were nearly three times higher than standard display ads, and the conversion rate for quote requests increased by over 40 percent. Many customers told us they had intended to return but had forgotten, and the ad served as a reminder. Retargeting turned passive interest into actual leads, keeping our brand top of mind and driving conversions without requiring a big change in ad spend.

Loris Petro · Answer

I noticed that a lot of visitors to our site were spending time reading about different strains of Kratom but leaving without making a purchase. Instead of the usual retargeting ads that just show them the product they viewed, I tested something different. I ran a campaign that pushed educational content instead of direct product ads.
People who had browsed specific strains started seeing ads linking to blog posts explaining how those strains compared to others, how to choose based on personal needs, and even how Kratom works in general. The goal was to keep them engaged with the brand instead of just throwing discounts or reminders at them.
This approach worked better than I expected. Click-through rates on these content-driven retargeting ads were nearly double that of traditional product ads. More importantly, the conversion rate on users who came back through these ads was much higher because they felt more informed and confident in their choice. Instead of just reminding people that they had abandoned their cart, we helped them make a decision. That small shift turned hesitant browsers into buyers without making the ads feel too aggressive.

Dan Taylor · Answer

One of the most effective ways I've used retargeting was for a SaaS company looking to improve free trial conversions. The initial challenge was that while we were driving strong traffic to the trial signup page, many visitors weren't completing the process or weren't engaging enough after signing up.
To tackle this, we set up a multi-stage retargeting strategy. First, we ran dynamic retargeting ads on Facebook and LinkedIn for users who visited the signup page but didn't complete the form, offering them a limited-time incentive. Then, for users who did sign up but weren't active, we used behavior-based retargeting—showing ads with quick-start guides, customer testimonials, and feature highlights to encourage product adoption.
The results were significant. The trial signup completion rate increased by 32%, and activation among new users improved by 27%. By targeting users at different points in their journey with tailored messaging, we maximized conversions and improved overall ROI without increasing ad spend dramatically.

Brenton Thomas · Answer

A successful retargeting campaign focused on recovering abandoned carts through dynamic Facebook and Instagram ads. By segmenting users based on browsing behavior, we displayed personalized product ads with limited-time discounts. Additionally, an automated email sequence reinforced the offer, creating urgency. This multi-touch approach increased conversion rates and reduced cart abandonment. The key takeaway was that combining retargeting ads with email reminders keeps potential customers engaged, ultimately driving more sales and maximizing return on ad spend.

Sean Clancy · Answer

Retargeting has been one of the most effective ways to recover lost conversions. One campaign that delivered outstanding results was for an e-commerce client selling high-end kitchen appliances. We noticed that a large number of visitors were browsing products but not completing their purchases. Instead of running general ads, we set up a dynamic retargeting campaign that displayed the exact products users had viewed. We combined this with a limited-time discount and a message that emphasized the product's unique features.
To maximize visibility, we ran these ads across Google Display Network, Facebook, and Instagram. The ads were customized based on user behavior. If someone abandoned their cart, they saw a reminder with a direct link back to checkout. If they only browsed, the ad highlighted product benefits, customer reviews, and real-life usage scenarios. This approach made the ads feel relevant rather than repetitive. Within 30 days, the campaign increased the conversion rate by 32%. The return on ad spend more than doubled because we focused on people who had already shown intent. Instead of trying to reach new customers, we capitalized on warm leads who just needed a reason to finalize their purchase.

Casen Brown · Answer

A great example of using retargeting is how we used it when running our own ads for our agency. After running ads and seeing which people engaged and resonated with our content and message about paid advertising, we started retargeting campaigns for our followers, people who interacted with our content, and anyone who had seen it before. Our ad frequency shot up, and people were seeing our ads more and more, sometimes over 10 times. This is called the "hammer them" method. We had to continually make new videos and creatives so that people didn't get ad fatigue from the same videos, but after a while, this strategy started to work. We got people on calls who said things like "I've seen your ads all over the place" and "I see your ads everywhere." We needed to become familiar to our potential clients and get in front of them as much as we could. This strategy worked beautifully and is now one of the main methods we use for client acquisition.

Jehann Biggs · Answer

Many shoppers browse with interest but hesitate before committing to a purchase. One of our most successful retargeting campaigns focused on re-engaging visitors who had spent time on our website but left without buying. Instead of simply displaying the same products, we shifted the strategy to storytelling. We created a series of ads that explained the process behind our sustainable throws, from recycled materials to ethical production. The goal was to remind them why they were interested in the first place.
We ran these ads on Facebook, Instagram, and eco-conscious blogs where our audience spent time. Some ads featured short videos showing the craftsmanship behind each throw, while others included customer testimonials sharing why they loved the quality and sustainability. The emotional connection made a difference. Instead of feeling like another company pushing a sale, we became a brand with a mission that aligned with their values. This campaign brought a 40% increase in returning visitors. More importantly, it led to a measurable lift in completed purchases. It showed that retargeting works best when it strengthens a customer's original interest rather than simply reminding them of what they already saw.

Matt Little · Answer

Retargeting has been a game-changer, particularly on social media. People might visit our site, check out some string lights, maybe add them to their cart, and then life happens. They get distracted and don't complete the purchase.
With retargeting ads, the ad will specifically show those same lights that they were looking at or similar products. It's like a gentle reminder. I remember one time we ran a retargeting campaign around Christmas, and the ROI was through the roof. We saw a 300% increase in conversions from those ads compared to our regular ads.

Alex Cornici · Answer

Absolutely, retargeting has been a game changer in my digital marketing strategy, particularly when I managed the campaign for an online boutique that sells custom-made jewelry. After launching an initial campaign that attracted decent traffic but not as many conversions as we hoped, we implemented a retargeting strategy. By placing cookies on our site, we were able to follow up with visitors who didn't make a purchase the first time around. We crafted personalized ads based on the items they viewed or added to their cart but didn't buy, and displayed these ads on various platforms they visited afterward.
The results were truly impressive. The retargeting campaign saw a 50% increase in return visitors and a 30% boost in conversions, significantly enhancing the ROI. Customers often need a gentle nudge to make a purchase decision, and seeing the jewelry again reminded them of what they had loved about the products initially. The key takeaway here is that retargeting can be incredibly effective in capturing potential customers who are still in the decision-making phase, turning them into actual buyers.

Michael Lazar · Answer

We once ran a campaign promoting a new webinar on content marketing trends. We initially targeted a broad audience of marketing professionals through social media and Google Ads. However, we noticed that a significant portion of visitors to the landing page left without registering for the webinar. To re-engage these individuals, we implemented a retargeting strategy.
Here's what you need to know: we used pixel-based retargeting to track visitors who landed on the webinar page but didn't convert. We then created targeted ads showcasing the webinar's key benefits and testimonials from past attendees. These ads were displayed to the retargeted audience as they browsed other websites and social media platforms.
Alternatively, we also segmented the retargeted audience based on their behavior on the landing page. For example, we created separate ads for those who spent a significant amount of time on the page but didn't click the registration button, versus those who clicked the button but didn't complete the form.

Matt Bowman · Answer

I realized during our first expansion that we would be out of business in days if we just bid on competitor keywords. So, instead we opted to take a more targeted approach, retargeting people who had previously visited our product pages but not scheduled a call or filled out a form. 
We gained their trust by tailoring our display ads to their original interests, allowing them to return again. This approach helped us avoid the astronomical bids on our competitors' terms, while also allowing us to find people who were already in the market for what we sell. This was a smart and personal way to get more precise.
After a few weeks, our CPA (cost per acquisition) dropped by 28% and conversions increased by 32%. It was wonderful to see how those returning visitors reacted to the content in our ads, demonstrating that the retargeting approach had a positive impact on them. It demonstrated that gentle nudges can bring people back, especially when you message with their old browsing habits in mind.
If you're looking to boost your own campaigns, consider retargeting as a method for remaining top of mind without breaking the bank. Know what new customers you want to target, and by bringing them to your brand and showing them your worth, you will gain trust, avoid expensive competitor bids, and reap the rewards with higher sales.

Dhari Alabdulhadi · Answer

In a recent campaign for an e-commerce client, we implemented a strategic retargeting initiative aimed at users who had visited product pages but left without purchasing. We crafted personalized ads showcasing the specific items they viewed, coupled with a limited-time discount to create urgency.
By utilizing dynamic ads on social media and Google Display Network, we reached these potential customers across multiple platforms. The results were impressive: we saw a 35% increase in conversion rates from the retargeted audience compared to our standard campaigns. Additionally, the cost per acquisition dropped by 20%, demonstrating the effectiveness of tailored messaging.
This experience reinforced the power of retargeting in nurturing leads and converting interest into sales, ultimately enhancing our client's ROI and customer engagement.

Paul DeMott · Answer

I used retargeting effectively with a client selling high-end coffee machines. We created ads based on how people interacted with our site--like watching videos or visiting specific product pages. Then, we targeted them with relevant messages, like customer testimonials or offers for expert consultations. This approach really worked: our conversion rates jumped by over 150% among retargeted users, and it was more cost-effective too.

Lawrence Harmer · Answer

Retargeting--or remarketing--is a powerful way to stay connected with people who have already expressed interest in your brand. 
By serving relevant ads based on user's previous interactions, you can keep your products or services top of mind. This approach can be highly cost-effective, as you're focusing marketing spend on an audience that has a higher likelihood of converting. 
It's also a helpful tool for moving visitors from an initial phase of awareness to the point where they're ready to take concrete actions, such as making a purchase or booking a consultation.
Effective retargeting requires a clear understanding of user behavior. Tracking which pages people visit, how long they stay, and the actions they take helps you tailor your ads to highlight content or offers that resonate most. 
You can then segment audiences--for instance, by those who abandoned their shopping carts versus those who just visited a product page--and show messages that directly address their stage in the buyer journey. 
By connecting your strategy to specific behaviors, you're more likely to deliver ads that feel relevant, boost engagement, and ultimately drive higher conversions.

Mark Sanchez · Answer

Real estate buyers spend a lot of time searching before making a move. One of the best-performing retargeting campaigns I ran focused on people who had viewed multiple listings on our site but had not scheduled a showing. Instead of showing them the same properties again, we built a campaign that highlighted price drops, new listings, and upcoming open houses in the areas they searched. This approach gave them a reason to re-engage without feeling like the same ad was following them.
Timing played a big role in the success of this campaign. We made sure that ads were shown within a few days of their initial visit, keeping the homes fresh in their minds. We also included a clear call to action, such as "See this home before it's gone" or "Tour homes this weekend." This sense of urgency encouraged people to take action rather than continue browsing. The campaign led to a 25% increase in scheduled showings, and several of those turned into closed deals. It worked because it spoke directly to what the buyer wanted instead of just reminding them of what they had already seen.

Daniel Vasilevski · Answer

I have used retargeting to bring back potential customers who showed interest in our services but didn't follow through. One of the best examples was a campaign we ran for emergency electrical repairs. People would visit our website, check out our services, and even click on our contact page, but many would leave without booking. To get them back, we set up a retargeting campaign that reminded them of the urgency of electrical issues.
We created ads that were highly specific based on the page they visited. If they looked at our emergency repair page, they would see an ad that said, "Electrical issues won't wait--call now for 24/7 service." If they checked out our switchboard upgrades, they would see an ad about the dangers of outdated wiring. These ads followed them across social media and websites they visited, keeping Bright Force Electrical in their mind.
Because of that, we saw a strong increase in conversions, with many customers clicking the ad and calling us directly. The cost per lead dropped because we weren't targeting random people but those who had already shown interest. Many customers mentioned that our ad reminded them to book, which proved how effective it was. Retargeting made sure we didn't lose potential jobs just because someone got distracted before booking.

Daniel Roberts · Answer

It's been an essential tool for us, especially in the highly competitive roofing market, where decision-making can take time. We launched a retargeting campaign focused on people who had visited our website but hadn't yet requested a quote or scheduled a consultation. We created ads that showcased specific services or highlighted testimonials from satisfied customers, bringing potential clients back to our site. This approach made a significant difference. In just two months, we saw a 21% increase in conversions from retargeted ads alone. Even more interesting, the cost per conversion dropped by about 18%, which was a nice bonus. Retargeting has allowed us to stay top of mind without constantly spending money on new leads. It's all about reminding potential customers of the value you provide and making it easy for them to take that next step.

Oliver Morrisey · Answer

Law firms don't typically think of remarketing as a key strategy, but I've used it to keep potential clients engaged and it's worked better than I expected.
One of the biggest challenges in estate planning is that people put it off. We had visitors coming to our website, reading about wills and trusts, but not booking consultations. So, we set up a retargeting campaign focused on these visitors. Instead of generic ads, we showed them client testimonials and a short video on what happens if you don't have a will in place.
The results were hard to ignore. Consultation bookings from returning visitors jumped by 53% over three months. The cost per acquisition dropped by 27% compared to cold traffic ads because we were targeting people already interested. One of the most effective tweaks? Adding a "Schedule Your Free Consultation" CTA directly in the ad, rather than making people click through multiple pages.
If you're thinking about remarketing, don't just remind people you exist, give them a reason to take action.

Sebastian Wade · Answer

I recently worked with a client who was looking to sell an investment property. We used retargeting to re-engage potential buyers who had shown interest in similar properties before but did not take the final step. After setting up a series of follow-up ads targeting these people, we saw a significant uptick in inquiries. This approach led to a 30% increase in lead conversions compared to our regular advertising. It's a great reminder that with the right follow-up, you can reignite interest and turn a cold lead into a committed buyer.

Odellé Joubert · Answer

Our company uses retargeting to provide personalized recommendations based on what users have browsed on our site. Many visitors explore treatment options but do not book an appointment right away, so we track their interests and show them tailored ads featuring alternative treatments or related services. If someone looks at dental implants but does not proceed, they might later see an ad about less invasive options like all-on-four implants or high-quality dentures.
This keeps potential patients interested and helps them make informed decisions without feeling pressured. We saw a noticeable increase in conversions, especially among users who had visited multiple treatment pages but had not booked a consultation. Presenting them with additional options gave them more confidence in choosing the right treatment. Retargeting also improved our return visits, as users were more likely to come back to the site when they saw recommendations that matched their needs.

How to Use Retargeting Effectively in Advertising

How to Use Retargeting Effectively in Advertising

Reduce Cart Abandonment With Retargeting

Personalize Retargeting For Conversions

Provide Value With Retargeting Content

Guide Clients With Layered Retargeting

Target Ads To Geographic Regions

Use Retargeting To Drive Conversions

Educate Customers With Retargeting

Improve Free Trials With Retargeting

Combine Retargeting With Email

Run Dynamic Retargeting Campaigns

Retarget To Build Familiarity

Tell Stories With Retargeting Ads

Use Retargeting As Reminders

Craft Personalized Retargeting Ads

Segment Your Retargeting Audience

Target New Customers With Retargeting

Nurture Leads With Retargeting

Target Ads Based On User Behavior

Re-Engage Users With Retargeting

Target Ads Based On User Searches

Remind Customers Of Your Services

Stay Top Of Mind With Retargeting

Re-Engage Potential Clients With Ads

Re-Engage Potential Buyers With Ads

Provide Personalized Recommendations