Key Takeaways:
• Over 95% of visitors leave without converting — retargeting brings them back.
• Modern retargeting works across digital, video, email, text… and direct mail.
• AI and first-party data now drive the highest-performing campaigns.
• Personalization increases retargeting ROI dramatically.
• Omnichannel or multichannel retargeting produces the strongest long-term results.
• The right system can double or triple conversion rates.
Retargeting is one of the most powerful tools in modern marketing.
It allows you to:
1. Convert leads into buyers
2. Generate repeat sales
3. Reactivate old customers
Retargeting uses digital and direct media to “follow” your prospects after they’ve shown interest in your business.
It keeps reminding them of your value.
Again and again.
Where Retargeting Works Today
Retargeting can be used on:
• Google
• YouTube
• Facebook & Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Amazon
• CTV Streaming
• Email
• SMS/Text
• Direct Mail
Today’s best campaigns combine multiple channels.
Not just one.
Why Retargeting Is Critical
The truth is:
Over 95% of visitors leave without converting.
Even worse…
About 69% abandon their shopping carts.
Retargeting brings those prospects back.
And converts them into paying customers.
It also helps turn one-time buyers into loyal clients.
Here are 17 powerful retargeting strategies I use for my ad agency clients:
#1: Show the Product They Viewed
Display exactly what they searched for or viewed.
It reminds them:
“You still need this.”
#2: Promote Your Free Report
Remind them to download your free guide or special report.
This builds your email list and trust.
#3: Use Testimonials
Social proof builds credibility.
Video testimonials work best today. But we still use traditional testimonials.
#4: Promote Video Updates
Use “new update” videos to re-engage prospects.
Video keeps people connected to your story.
#5: Use Overlay Text on Images
Make your message impossible to miss.
Clear beats clever.
#6: Say “Thank You”
Thank them for visiting.
Then guide them to the next step.
#7: Recover Abandoned Carts
Ask simple questions like:
“Did you forget something?”
It works.
#8: Tell Old Customers You Miss Them
“We miss you” campaigns reactivate buyers.
Add a small incentive if needed.
#9: Promote Refills and Reorders
Remind customers when it’s time to reorder.
Automate this whenever possible.
#10: Renew Subscriptions
Retarget past and canceled subscribers.
Make renewal effortless.
#11: Ask for Reviews
Reviews boost conversions dramatically.
Ask soon after purchase.
#12: Upsell Related Products
Show complementary products.
Increase average order value.
#13: Direct Mail Retargeting
This is where your website or landing page visitor receives a direct mail piece often visiting.
Digital + physical mail = powerful combination.
Still works extremely well.
#14: Email Retargeting
Stay in touch with newsletters and updates.
Build long-term confidence.
#15: Text Message Retargeting
With permission, SMS delivers immediate response.
One of the highest ROI channels.
#16: AI-Powered Predictive Retargeting
Use AI to identify when prospects are most likely to buy.
Then hit them at the right moment.
This dramatically improves ROI.
#17: Answer Engine + Retargeting Integration (AEO)
Optimize content for AI search platforms.
Then retarget users who found you through ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot.
These prospects are your best converting prospects.
Retargeting is no longer optional.
It is a core growth system.
When done correctly, it:
• Increases lifetime value
• Lowers acquisition cost
• Improves conversion rates
• Builds brand loyalty
Make this a 2026 priotity.
ACTION: Implement High-Performance Retargeting Now
If your website is not converting at its full potential…
You are leaving money on the table.
Our team at Creative Direct Marketing Group specializes in building complete retargeting systems that work.
We:
- Design campaigns
- Integrate AI and automation
- Optimize funnels
- Test relentlessly
- Scale winners
We’ve tested over 10,000 variables.
We’ve won 124 marketing awards.
We know what works. And what doesn’t.
Call Michael at 615-933-4647 or email him now at [email protected] for Immediate Implementation.
Let’s turn your traffic into revenue.
FAQs:
What is retargeting?
Retargeting shows ads and messages to people who already interacted with your brand.
Does retargeting still work in 2026?
Yes — more than ever, when done correctly.
Which channel works best?
The best results come from combining multiple channels.
Is retargeting expensive?
No. It is usually cheaper than cold traffic.
Do small businesses benefit?
Yes. Retargeting levels the playing field.
About Craig Huey:
Craig Huey is President of Creative Direct Marketing Group (CDMGinc.com), a 30-year leader in direct response advertising and multi-channel marketing. Under his leadership, CDMG has:
- Tested more than 10,000 digital marketing variables.
- Mailed over 10 million pieces of direct mail in the last year alone.
- Won more than 120 awards for marketing excellence.
Craig is also the publisher of Direct Marketing Update, the trusted newsletter for company presidents and marketing directors looking to maximize ROI with cutting-edge, accountable advertising strategies.
Unlock Your Business Potential with CDMG, Inc.
Boost Your Brand. Maximize Your ROI. Drive Measurable Growth.
At CDMG, Inc., we don’t just run ads—we drive results. Our award-winning, data-driven strategies are designed to elevate your business, increase your leads, and maximize your bottom line. Led by marketing experts Craig and Caleb Huey, we’ve helped transform startups into multimillion-dollar powerhouses and scaled industry leaders to new heights.
Whether you need expert media buying, compelling copy, targeted D2C strategies, or cutting-edge testing, CDMG is your go-to partner in success.
Why Choose CDMG?
- Proven Success: With over 120 prestigious awards in 2024 alone, we know what works.
- Customized Strategies: Our data-driven approach ensures that every campaign is tailored to drive results.
- Expert Team: Tap into the expertise of seasoned veterans who’ve launched products, repositioned brands, and created e-commerce success stories.
- Let us help with your video needs!
We produce:
• Pre-roll videos
• Video sales letters (VSLs)
• TV commercials
• Infomercials
• Addressable TV
• Videologs
…and much more!
We’re not just another agency. We’re your growth partner—focused on delivering measurable results and long-term success.
Ready to Supercharge Your Business?
Don’t settle for ordinary. Let’s talk about how CDMG can help you accelerate your growth and achieve your marketing goals.
Contact Michael Oppenheimer today at 615-933-4647 or [email protected].
Start transforming your marketing today with CDMG, Inc.—where strategy meets success.