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Mastering Retargeting Ads: How to Turn “Maybe Later” into “Yes!”

  • Writer: William Wooldridge
    William Wooldridge
  • Nov 15
  • 2 min read

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Most website visitors don’t convert on their first visit — and that’s totally normal.

But what if you could bring them back, keep your brand top-of-mind, and gently guide them toward a decision? That’s exactly what retargeting ads are built for.


Let’s break down how retargeting works, why it’s so effective, and how you can use it to turn cold traffic into paying customers.


1. What Are Retargeting Ads?

Retargeting (also called remarketing) is a digital advertising strategy that shows ads to people who’ve already interacted with your website, content, or brand.

Ever looked at a product online and then saw an ad for it hours later on Instagram or YouTube? That’s retargeting.


2. Why Retargeting Works So Well

It’s simple: familiarity builds trust. When people see your brand more than once, they’re more likely to:

  • Remember you

  • Click again

  • Convert when they’re ready

Stat: Retargeting ads can lift conversion rates by up to 70% compared to standard display ads.


3. Best Ways to Use Retargeting

→ Abandoned Carts: Nudge shoppers to come back and finish their purchase. Offer a time-sensitive discount or reminder.

→ Service-Based Follow-Ups: If someone visited your booking page or pricing section, remind them you’re still here to help.

→ Content-Based Retargeting: Re-engage users who viewed a blog, watched a video, or downloaded a free guide with related offers.


4. Where to Retarget

You can run retargeting campaigns on:

  • Google Display Network (banners across the web)

  • Facebook & Instagram (great for visual products or storytelling)

  • YouTube (video-based reminders)

  • LinkedIn (ideal for B2B retargeting)

Pro Tip: Use different ad formats depending on where the user is in the funnel.


5. Retargeting Ad Best Practices

  • Use short, direct messaging that reminds them what they were interested in

  • Include urgency (“Still thinking it over? Offer ends Friday!”)

  • Add social proof like reviews, case studies, or client logos

  • Keep your creative fresh — update ads regularly to avoid fatigue


6. Don’t Forget Frequency + Burn Windows

You don’t want to overdo it. If someone sees your ad 10 times in 3 days, it feels spammy. Set smart frequency caps and a “burn window” to stop retargeting after a set period.


Turn Your Traffic Into Revenue

At Eleven65, we build retargeting ad strategies that reconnect with your audience, rebuild trust,

and boost your ROI. If you’re already driving traffic, don’t waste it — retarget it.

💡 Let’s turn your "almost" clients into loyal customers.

 
 
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