In the finest retail stores, experienced associates know the perfect moment to approach shoppers with assistance or advice. The same is true at a gourmet restaurant, where waitstaff bring the dessert menu just as diners finish their main course.
What is Retargeting?
Retargeting campaigns reconnect with users whose online behavior shows purchasing intent or product interest. For example, a visitor might browse products but leave the site without purchasing. Retargeting campaigns display ads later on other websites, reminding them to return and buy. It’s also effective for abandoned carts—offering a discount or reminder often recovers potential lost revenue.
How Retargeting Works
- Digital retargeting relies on data from tracking cookies and pixel tags to create audience segments for targeted ads
- Beyond on-site activity, retargeting can use external signals—such as social media interactions or video views—to serve relevant ads.
- It doesn’t stop at your website: it also tracks external interactions such as likes and video views.
Best Channels for Retargeting
- Google Ads: Capture customers already searching for related products.
- Social Media: Facebook and Instagram are ideal for visually engaging, product-specific ads.
- Display Networks: Extend reach across multiple publishers and mobile apps.
What is Remarketing?
Remarketing focuses on re-engaging past customers, encouraging repeat purchases and higher spending.
How Remarketing Works
It leverages first-party data (purchase history, loyalty program info, contact details) to create personalized campaigns.
Data like email addresses or phone numbers lets brands send targeted messages, offering exclusive deals or product recommendations.
Best Channels for Retargeting
Email Marketing: Personalized newsletters and promotions., SMS e push notification.
Push Notifications: Real-time alerts for sales and new arrivalsGoogle Search and Display Ads: Show tailored offers to returning customers.
Retargeting vs. Remarketing: Key Differences
- Retargeting: Targets prospects browsing products but not yet purchasing. Uses paid ads (search, social, display) to bring them closer to checkout.
- Remarketing: Targets existing customers who may not have returned. Uses owned channels (email, SMS) to foster loyalty and repeat sales.
- Retargeting requires programmatic bidding and behavioral analytics.
- Remarketing relies on CRM and customer data platform insights.
When to Use Retargeting vs. Remarketing
Retargeting is Ideal for:
- Brand Recall: Keeps your brand top-of-mind for undecided shoppers.
- Boosting Conversions: Drives CTRs to checkout pages.
- Personalized Engagement: Displays ads for products customers already explored.
Remarketing is Ideal for:
- Reactivating Lapsed Customers: “Win back” campaigns inform them of new products or promotions.
- Cross-Selling and Upselling: Suggest complementary items or upgrades.
- Promoting Loyalty Programs: Keeps customers engaged through rewards and incentives.
How Highstreet.io Supports Retargeting Campaigns
Highstreet.io simplifies retargeting by:
- Automating Feed Management: Creating and customizing product feeds for channels like Google, Facebook, and display networks.
- Real-Time Inventory Sync: Ensuring product availability when customers click ads.
- Multi-Market Campaigns: Automating language and currency adjustments for global audiences.
- Advanced Analytics: Connecting major analytics platforms for product-level and channel-level performance tracking.
FAQs: Retargeting and Remarketing
Can they be used together?
Yes. Start with retargeting for first-time buyers, then remarketing to build deeper, long-term relationships.
How to create an effective retargeting strategy?
- Segment audiences with cookie or pixel data.
- Craft highly relevant ads.
- A/B test campaigns to optimize creatives.
How to create a successful remarketing strategy?
- Use first-party data to define goals (win-back, upsell, loyalty).
- Personalize messages (“We’ve missed you,” “We found something for you”).
- Continuously refresh ad content to maintain engagement.
Ready to boost conversions?
Connect with Highstreet.io to master retargeting and turn more browsers into buyers.