What Does Retargeting Mean? | Social Media Glossary

"Retargeting" is the practice of targeting ads to users who have previously visited your website or engaged with your content, aiming to bring them back.

What does “Retargeting” mean?

Retargeting is a form of online advertising that targets users who have already interacted with your website, app, or social media content. This strategy aims to bring those users back to complete an action they may have previously abandoned, such as making a purchase, filling out a form, or subscribing to a service.

Retargeting works by using tracking technologies like cookies or pixels to follow users as they browse the internet, displaying tailored ads based on their previous interactions with your brand. It is commonly used in digital marketing campaigns to increase conversions and improve return on investment (ROI).

Example

I saw that ad for the shoes I was looking at last week—looks like they’re retargeting me. #Retargeting #DigitalMarketing

What are ways to use “Retargeting” in digital marketing?

Retargeting can be applied in various ways, such as:

Showing ads to users who abandoned their shopping cart.

Promoting a special offer to someone who visited your site but didn’t convert.

Using dynamic ads to show products that users previously viewed.

The goal is to keep your brand top-of-mind and encourage users to complete the actions they left unfinished, making it a highly effective strategy for boosting conversion rates.

Pro Tip

When setting up a retargeting campaign, ensure that your ads are relevant and not overly aggressive. Users should feel like your ads are helpful reminders rather than intrusive, spammy content.