Retargeting ads are pretty much a game-changer for businesses looking to boost sales with lesser ad spent, because they let you reconnect with potential customers who have already shown interest in your products or services.
Instead of losing them after a quick website visit, you can bring them back and nudge them closer to making that purchase, and if you’ve been wondering how to make retargeting ads work for your business, this guide is for you.
These are the 10 actionable tips to help you use retargeting ads effectively and drive much more sales.
Tips to Use Retargeting Ads to Increase Sales
1. Leverage Lookalike Audiences
Once you see success with retargeting, consider expanding your reach, and use lookalike audiences to target people similar to those who’ve already interacted with your brand.
Platforms like Facebook allow you to create these audiences based on your retargeting data, and it’s a powerful way to attract new customers who are likely to be interested in your products, increasing your chances of conversion while scaling your campaigns.
2. Retarget Past Customers for Upsells
Retargeting shouldn’t be just for new customers, use it to reach people who have already purchased from you, and show them complementary products or upgrades they might be interested in.
For example, if someone bought a camera, retarget them with ads for lenses, tripods, or editing software. Upselling through retargeting is a smart way to boost your revenue while maintaining a good relationship with existing customers.
3. Retarget Across Devices
We all know that people switch between devices all the time, and they might browse your website on a phone but complete their purchase on a laptop. Now, to avoid losing them in the process, use cross-device retargeting.
This makes sure your ads reach users regardless of whether they’re on mobile, desktop, or tablet. Platforms like Google and Facebook offer tools to track and retarget users across multiple devices seamlessly.
4. Focus on Seasonal Campaigns
Tie your retargeting efforts to seasonal trends or holidays, like for example, during Black Friday or Christmas, create ads that tap into the festive shopping mindset.
Highlight special offers, gift ideas, or limited-time promotions. Seasonal retargeting ads feel timely and relevant, making them more likely to catch your audience’s attention and drive sales.
5. Cap Ad Frequency
Nobody wants to feel “stalked” online. One of the biggest mistakes in retargeting is overexposure, like I hate a pretty well-known grammar correction app now because how many ads I see of them (btw I have used that app and didn’t like it much).
Set frequency caps on your campaigns to limit how often people see your ads, and a good rule of thumb is to show your ad 3–5 times per week, this ensures your brand stays visible without becoming an annoyance.
Related: 10 Ways to Turn Leads Into Paying Customers Fast!
6. Use Video Retargeting Ads
Videos are engaging and effective for retargeting, a short video showcasing your product in action, explaining its features, or sharing a customer testimonial can leave a strong impression.
Platforms like YouTube and Facebook make it easy to create video retargeting campaigns. Make sure your video includes a clear CTA at the end, such as “Shop Now” or “Learn More” because CTAs work.
Videos also help humanize your brand, making it more relatable and trustworthy.
7. Use Sequential Messaging
Retargeting doesn’t mean showing the same ad repeatedly, it’s more about guiding your audience through a journey by using sequential messaging. Start with an ad that reminds them of the product they viewed.
Follow up with another ad that highlights customer reviews or benefits, then finally, show an ad with a discount or free shipping offer. This approach keeps your ads fresh and nudges users toward purchasing without feeling repetitive.
8. Monitor Competitor Trends
Keep an eye on your competitors’ retargeting strategies, and then analyze their ad designs, offers, and messaging. While you shouldn’t copy them, understanding what works in your industry can provide inspiration for your campaigns.
You might notice trends, like free shipping or bundle offers, that you can adapt to fit your brand’s unique style. Staying informed makes sure you remain competitive in the retargeting game.
9. Use Retargeting to Build Email Lists
In my opinion, retargeting should not be just about driving sales, you can also use it to grow your email list by offering a valuable lead magnet, such as a free guide, exclusive tips, or a discount code.
Your ad could say, “Sign up for our newsletter and get 15% off your first order!” Once users are on your email list, you can nurture them further through personalized email campaigns.
10. Re-engage Customers With Abandoned Cart Reminders
Cart abandonment is one of the most common issues for many online businesses, and here retargeting ads that remind users of their abandoned carts are highly effective.
Include a clear message like, “Your cart is waiting! Complete your purchase now.” Sweeten the deal with free shipping or a small discount to incentivize them to return and buy.
Related: 10 Tips for Writing Persuasive Sales Copy That Converts!
Conclusion
Retargeting ads can change those casual browsers into loyal customers if done right, so segment your audience, personalize your ads, and continuously optimize, so that you can maximize your sales potential, and also don’t forget to test and adjust your strategies as you go.
The beauty of retargeting lies in its ability to keep your brand in front of potential customers, and now with the tips above, you can create campaigns that not only grab attention but also drive real results.
Start today and see how retargeting can boost your business.
