Back to blog

How to use retargeting to drive conversions

November 18, 2023 | Jimit Mehta

Are you tired of putting in all the effort to drive traffic to your website, only to see most of it disappear into the vast digital abyss without so much as a purchase? Don't worry, you're not alone. The average website conversion rate is a measly 2.35%, which can be discouraging. But, there's good news. Retargeting is a powerful tool that can help you turn those lost visitors into paying customers. In this article, we'll dive into the world of retargeting and show you how to use it to drive conversions and boost your bottom line. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Introduction to retargeting and its benefits

Retargeting is a form of online advertising that allows you to reach people who have already interacted with your website or business. Essentially, it's a way to bring back lost visitors and turn them into paying customers.

So, what makes retargeting so beneficial? For starters, it's a highly targeted form of advertising. Because you're only showing ads to people who have already expressed interest in your business, you know that your message is reaching the right audience. This not only increases the chances of conversions, but it also leads to higher engagement and a lower cost per click compared to traditional forms of advertising.

Retargeting is also incredibly flexible. You can use it to promote a wide range of offerings, from specific products to brand awareness. Plus, you have the ability to reach people across multiple devices, including desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. This makes it a highly effective way to drive conversions and achieve your marketing goals.

In short, retargeting is a powerful tool that can help you turn lost visitors into paying customers. And with its high level of targeting and flexibility, it's no wonder that it's becoming an increasingly popular method for driving conversions and boosting sales.

Personalize every website interaction
Try for free

Understanding your target audience

When it comes to retargeting, the key to success is understanding your target audience. After all, you can have the most compelling ads in the world, but if you're not reaching the right people, you're not going to see the results you're hoping for.

To understand your target audience, you need to have a clear picture of who they are, what their needs and desires are, and what motivates them to take action. This information will help you create retargeting ads that resonate with your audience and drive conversions.

There are a few ways to gather information about your target audience, including:

  1. Analyzing website data: Look at your website analytics to see who's visiting your site, where they're coming from, and what pages they're viewing.

  2. Conducting surveys: Ask your customers and prospects directly about their needs and desires. This can be done through online surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one interviews.

  3. Using customer personas: Create customer personas, or fictional representations of your ideal customers, based on the information you gather about your target audience.

Once you have a clear understanding of your target audience, you can create retargeting ads that speak directly to their needs and desires. This will help you drive conversions and achieve your marketing goals.

Setting up a retargeting campaign

Setting up a retargeting campaign can seem daunting, but it's actually a fairly straightforward process. Here are the steps you'll need to follow:

  1. Choose a retargeting platform: There are a number of retargeting platforms to choose from, including Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and AdRoll. Choose the platform that best fits your needs and budget.

  2. Install tracking code: You'll need to install a tracking code on your website to enable the retargeting platform to track visitors to your site. This code will place a cookie on the visitor's browser, allowing the platform to show them retargeting ads as they browse the web.

  3. Create a retargeting list: The next step is to create a list of visitors to target with your retargeting ads. This list is typically based on the visitors' behaviors on your website, such as the pages they viewed or the products they added to their cart.

  4. Design your ads: Once you have your retargeting list, it's time to create your retargeting ads. Make sure your ads are visually appealing, eye-catching, and include a clear call to action.

  5. Launch your campaign: The final step is to launch your retargeting campaign. This involves setting your budget, selecting your targeting criteria, and choosing the websites and apps where you want your ads to appear.

With these steps in mind, setting up a retargeting campaign is a straightforward process. By following these steps, you'll be able to reach your target audience with highly targeted and effective retargeting ads.

Choosing the right retargeting platform

When it comes to retargeting, choosing the right platform is crucial to your success. There are a number of retargeting platforms to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right platform for your needs:

  1. Reach: Consider the size of the platform's audience and how well it aligns with your target audience. For example, if you're targeting a younger demographic, a platform like Snapchat or Instagram may be a good fit.

  2. Cost: Retargeting platforms can vary widely in terms of cost, so be sure to consider your budget when making your choice. Some platforms, like AdRoll, offer flexible pricing options that can fit a range of budgets.

  3. Features: Consider the features offered by each platform and choose one that offers the tools and functionality you need to reach your marketing goals. For example, some platforms may offer advanced targeting options, while others may focus on delivering high-quality visuals.

  4. Integration: If you're using other marketing tools, like Google Analytics or your e-commerce platform, be sure to choose a retargeting platform that integrates well with these tools. This will allow you to get the most out of your retargeting efforts.

By considering these factors, you'll be able to choose the right retargeting platform for your needs. With the right platform in place, you'll be well on your way to driving conversions and achieving your marketing goals.

Creating compelling retargeting ads

Creating compelling retargeting ads is key to driving conversions and achieving your marketing goals. But what makes a retargeting ad truly compelling? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Target your audience: Make sure your retargeting ads are tailored to your target audience. Use the information you have about your audience to create ads that speak directly to their needs and desires.

  2. Use eye-catching visuals: Retargeting ads need to grab the attention of your target audience. Use eye-catching visuals, like high-quality images or short video clips, to make your ads stand out.

  3. Include a clear call to action: Your retargeting ads should have a clear call to action that motivates your target audience to take action. Whether you want them to make a purchase, sign up for your newsletter, or download a white paper, be sure your call to action is clear and direct.

  4. Test and optimize: Finally, be sure to test and optimize your retargeting ads. Use A/B testing to try out different versions of your ads and see what works best. This will help you fine-tune your retargeting efforts and drive even better results.

By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be able to create compelling retargeting ads that drive conversions and help you achieve your marketing goals. So, get creative and start crafting those ads!

A/B testing your retargeting campaigns

A/B testing is a crucial step in the retargeting process. It allows you to test different versions of your ads to see which ones perform best, so you can optimize your retargeting efforts and drive even better results.

Here's how A/B testing works:

  1. Choose the element you want to test: You can test anything from the visuals in your ad to the wording of your call to action. Choose the element you want to test based on what you think will have the biggest impact on your results.

  2. Create two versions of your ad: Once you've chosen the element you want to test, create two versions of your ad. Make a small change to one version and leave the other version as is.

  3. Run the test: Run the two versions of your ad in parallel and see which one performs better. You can use your retargeting platform's analytics tools to track the results of your test.

  4. Analyze the results: Once the test is complete, analyze the results to see which version of your ad performed better. Use the insights you gain from the test to optimize your retargeting efforts and drive even better results.

A/B testing is a simple but powerful way to optimize your retargeting efforts and drive conversions. By regularly testing and optimizing your retargeting ads, you'll be able to fine-tune your approach and achieve your marketing goals.

Maximizing the impact of retargeting through personalization

Personalization is a powerful tool that can help you maximize the impact of your retargeting efforts. By personalizing your retargeting ads, you can make a deeper connection with your target audience and drive even better results.

Here are a few ways to personalize your retargeting ads:

  1. Use dynamic content: Dynamic content allows you to display different versions of your ad based on the visitor's behavior. For example, you can display a different ad to someone who abandoned their shopping cart compared to someone who only viewed a product page.

  2. Personalize the messaging: Use the information you have about your target audience to personalize the messaging in your retargeting ads. For example, you can address the visitor by name or mention the products they viewed on your site.

  3. Show relevant offers: Use retargeting to show visitors relevant offers based on their behavior. For example, you can show someone who abandoned a shopping cart a special discount to encourage them to complete their purchase.

By using personalization in your retargeting efforts, you can make a deeper connection with your target audience and drive better results. Personalization can help you increase conversions, boost engagement, and achieve your marketing goals.

Measuring the success of your retargeting campaigns

Measuring the success of your retargeting campaigns is crucial to improving your results and achieving your marketing goals. By tracking key metrics, you can see what's working and what's not, and make data-driven decisions to optimize your efforts.

Here are a few metrics to track when measuring the success of your retargeting campaigns:

  1. Conversion rate: This is the number of conversions divided by the number of clicks on your retargeting ads. This metric will give you a good idea of how effective your retargeting efforts are at driving conversions.

  2. CTR: This is the number of clicks on your retargeting ads divided by the number of impressions. A high CTR indicates that your retargeting ads are engaging and relevant to your target audience.

  3. Bounce rate: This is the percentage of visitors who leave your site after viewing only one page. A high bounce rate indicates that your retargeting ads may not be relevant to your target audience.

  4. Cost per conversion: This is the amount you spend on your retargeting campaigns divided by the number of conversions. Keeping this metric low will help you maximize the return on your investment.

By tracking these metrics, you'll be able to measure the success of your retargeting campaigns and make data-driven decisions to optimize your efforts. With the right metrics in place, you'll be well on your way to driving conversions and achieving your marketing goals.

Common retargeting pitfalls to avoid

Retargeting is a powerful tool for driving conversions, but it's not without its challenges. To get the most out of your retargeting efforts, it's important to avoid common pitfalls that can undermine your results.

Here are a few retargeting pitfalls to avoid:

  1. Over-targeting: Over-targeting can lead to ad fatigue, where your target audience becomes annoyed with the frequency of your ads. To avoid this, limit the number of times you show your ads to each visitor.

  2. Irrelevant messaging: Make sure your retargeting ads are relevant to your target audience. Irrelevant messaging can lead to low engagement and conversions.

  3. Poor ad quality: Poorly designed or low-quality ads can reflect poorly on your brand and turn off your target audience. Make sure your retargeting ads are visually appealing and include a clear call to action.

  4. Ignoring mobile: With more and more people accessing the web on their mobile devices, it's important to make sure your retargeting ads are optimized for mobile. This includes using mobile-friendly ad formats and ensuring your landing pages are mobile-responsive.

By avoiding these common retargeting pitfalls, you'll be well on your way to driving conversions and achieving your marketing goals. With the right approach, retargeting can be a powerful tool for driving results and boosting your bottom line.

Best practices for using retargeting to drive conversions

Retargeting is a powerful tool for driving conversions, but to get the most out of your efforts, it's important to follow best practices. Here are a few best practices to keep in mind when using retargeting to drive conversions:

  1. Know your target audience: Understanding your target audience is crucial to the success of your retargeting efforts. Use the information you have about your target audience to create retargeting ads that resonate with their needs and desires.

  2. Use dynamic content: Dynamic content allows you to show different versions of your ad based on the visitor's behavior. This can help you make a deeper connection with your target audience and drive better results.

  3. Personalize your messaging: Personalizing your messaging is a great way to make a deeper connection with your target audience. Use the information you have about your target audience to create retargeting ads that speak directly to their needs and desires.

  4. Test and optimize: Use A/B testing to try out different versions of your retargeting ads and see what works best. This will help you fine-tune your retargeting efforts and drive even better results.

  5. Keep it fresh: Over time, your target audience may become tired of seeing the same retargeting ads over and over. Keep your retargeting ads fresh by regularly updating your visuals and messaging.

By following these best practices, you'll be well on your way to using retargeting to drive conversions and achieve your marketing goals. With the right approach, retargeting can be a powerful tool for driving results and boosting your bottom line.

Final thoughts

Retargeting is a powerful tool for driving conversions, but to get the most out of your efforts, it's important to have a clear strategy in place. The key to success with retargeting is understanding your target audience and creating compelling ads that speak directly to their needs and desires.

When setting up a retargeting campaign, be sure to choose the right platform, design eye-catching ads, and launch your campaign with a clear call to action. To optimize your efforts, use A/B testing to try out different versions of your ads and use personalization to make a deeper connection with your target audience.

Finally, measure your success by tracking key metrics like conversion rate, click-through rate, and cost per conversion. By following these best practices, you'll be well on your way to using retargeting to drive conversions and achieve your marketing goals.

Want to optimize conversions using personalization? Try Markettailor for free.


Related posts

How to use email marketing to upsell and cross-sell to your customers

Picture this: You're in a department store, browsing through the aisles, looking for a specific product. As you approach the checkout counter, the sales associate recommends a complementary item that goes perfectly with your purchase. Intrigued, you decide to add it to your cart. That's...

Read more

Maximizing the Power of UTM Tagging for Your Business

Have you ever wondered why some websites seem to track your every move and serve you with highly relevant ads, while others just seem to be a hot mess of random advertisements that have nothing to do with your interests? The answer to this lies in the use of UTM tagging.

UTM tags, or Urchin...

Read more