Retargeting: definition, best practices and examples

Apr 2, 2025

If only we could target people who are already interested in our brand. Imagine the potential for conversion, brand recall, and even customer loyalty...
If you're here, you already know: it's possible.

But how? Explanations, key takeaways, and tools to successfully implement your retargeting strategy.

Table of Contents

Definition of Retargeting

Retargeting, also known as remarketing, is a digital advertising technique aimed at targeting users who have visited a website but did not complete a desired action (purchase, sign-up, download, etc.). By displaying personalized ads on other websites or social media platforms, this method helps reinforce engagement and encourage conversions.

How Does Retargeting Work?

The advertising targeting behind retargeting relies on the use of cookies or advertising IDs that track user behavior. When a visitor leaves a website without making a purchase, they can be re-engaged through various platforms, such as Google Ads and Facebook Ads.

Different Types of Retargeting

  • Cookie-based Retargeting: Uses cookies to display relevant ads to website visitors.
  • List-based Retargeting: Allows targeting a pre-acquired email contact list.
  • Dynamic Retargeting: Shows personalized ads based on the products viewed.
  • Social Media Retargeting: Recaptures visitors through social platforms like Facebook or Instagram.

Why Use Retargeting?

Retargeting is a powerful tool for optimizing the conversion funnel and maximizing the customer conversion rate. Here are some of its main advantages:

AdvantagesExplanation
Increased ConversionsBy re-engaging visitors, they are encouraged to complete their purchase.
Optimized ROITargeted advertising leads to a better return on investment.
Enhanced PersonalizationAds are tailored to users’ preferences.
Reduced Cart AbandonmentHesitant shoppers can be persuaded through retargeting ads.


Essential Retargeting Tools

  • Google Ads: A key platform for advertising retargeting on the Display Network and YouTube.
  • Facebook Ads: Allows retargeting a targeted audience through ads on Facebook and Instagram.
  • Criteo: A specialized solution for dynamic retargeting.
  • AdRoll: A multi-platform tool for web and social media retargeting.

Tips for an Effective Retargeting Strategy

  • Segment Your Audience: Tailor your ads based on visitor behavior.
  • Use Various Ad Formats: Test banners, videos, and carousel ads.
  • Limit Ad Frequency: Avoid overwhelming users with excessive ads.
  • Include Incentives: Offer discounts or exclusive deals.
  • Analyze Performance: Adjust your strategy based on collected data.

🔍 Monetize Your Website: Use the Right Emailing Solution

In Brief: What Is Retargeting?

  • Retargeting, or remarketing, is a digital advertising technique that helps re-engage visitors who didn’t convert.
  • It works through cookies or advertising IDs that track users after they leave a site.
  • There are different types of advertising retargeting: cookie-based, list-based, dynamic, and social media.
  • Benefits include increased conversions, improved ROI, and reduced cart abandonment.
  • The essential tools for retargeting include Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Criteo, and AdRoll.
  • An effective strategy involves audience segmentation, ad format variation, and performance analysis.