eCommerce Retargeting: Best Strategies, Examples, and Tools

You’re leaving money on the table as retargeted users are 43% more likely to convert, while retargeting ads can boost conversion rates by up to 150%. That’s not just numbers; it’s potential. Imagine recapturing lost traffic, boosting brand recall, and slashing customer acquisition costs.

We see brands like Toroe Eyewear making $60k+ from recovered orders and Organi that added $25k monthly to their revenue.

This article highlights:

• Retargeting strategies that work.
• The best eCommerce retargeting channels.
• Real-world examples of successful campaigns.

Want to recover tens of thousands in lost revenue? We know you want impressive results—fast. That’s why we built TxtCart to be more than just an SMS marketing platform. It’s your personal growth partner. We help automate cart recovery with conversational AI, so you can focus on the bigger picture.

TL;DR

• Retargeting is a must. It brings back lost customers, boosts brand recall, and increases revenue. Tools like TxtCart make it easy to automate personalized campaigns and see a significant ROI.
• Choose the right channels. SMS, email, social media ads, and Google Ads all have their strengths. Use a mix that aligns with your goals and audience.
• Learn from the best. Brands like Joyride, Chewy, and Klarna are using retargeting to achieve impressive results. Take inspiration from their strategies.
• Segment, personalize, and test. Don’t treat all customers the same. Tailor your messages, use dynamic ads, and A/B test to optimize performance.
• TxtCart is your retargeting ally. With powerful features like AI-powered cart recovery, smart segmentation, and campaign analytics, TxtCart helps maximize your retargeting ROI.

Retargeting Customers is Producing $10000s for eCommerce Brands – How?

Retargeting campaigns see an average CTR of 0.7%, nearly 10x higher than standard display ads. And get this: 26% of users go back to a website as a result of remarketing.

Brands that use channels like SMS see some of the highest ROIs in their retargeting strategies.

• TxtCart helped PupSocks recover 3,300 orders, generating over $140,000 in revenue
• CROSSNET recovered 3000+ orders and generated $450k+ in revenue with TxtCart
• Haute Home recovered 32% of checkouts, generating over $40,000 in revenue using TxtCart

→ Recaptures Lost Traffic by Enhancing Brand Recall: Shoppers often browse, add items to their cart, and leave without purchasing. Most don’t buy on their first visit, so repeated exposure increases familiarity and trust, making them more likely to return and complete their purchase.

With TxtCart, you can schedule messages based on time zones. No more waking people up at 3 a.m. You send the right message, at the right time.

→ Lowering CAC & Improving Ad Efficiency: Retargeting focuses on engaged shoppers, unlike broad targeting, which wastes spend on uninterested audiences. This increases efficiency and reduces customer acquisition costs.Some brands report a drop of up to 50% in CAC with effective retargeting!

→ Reducing Cart Abandonment: Many shoppers abandon their carts due to distractions or uncertainty. A well-timed reminder or response to their concerns can encourage them to complete the purchase. TxtCart’s automated cart recovery sends personalized SMS reminders. The AI enables two-way communication, instantly answering queries about shipping or product.

Best eCommerce Retargeting Channels: A Comparative Breakdown

Marketing Channel	ROI	Cost-Effectiveness	Open Rates/Click-Through Rates	Key Benefits
SMS	$21 to $40 for every dollar spent	High	98% (branded messages)	Direct, personal, high engagement, time-sensitive offers, excellent for cart recovery, conversational AI with TxtCart.
Email	Varies (avg. $42 for every $1 spent)	Moderate	15-25% (retargeted emails can be higher)	Good for longer messages, detailed offers, personalized content, strong segmentation, newsletters.
Facebook & Instagram Ads	Varies	Moderate to High	CTR varies widely	Visual, highly targeted, good for brand awareness, remarketing based on website activity, social proof.
Google Ads (Display & Search)	Varies	Moderate to High	CTR varies widely	Wide reach, targets users based on search intent, product retargeting, dynamic remarketing, remarketing lists for search ads (RLSA).
Push Notifications (Web/App)	Varies	High	High (if users opt-in)	Instant reach, good for time-sensitive offers, app engagement, cart reminders, re-engagement.
YouTube Ads	Varies	Moderate to High	View rates vary	Visual storytelling, good for product demos, brand building, targets users based on viewing history.
LinkedIn Ads	Varies	Moderate to High	CTR varies	B2B retargeting, targets professionals, good for high-value products/services, lead generation.
Affiliate Marketing/Partner Networks	Varies	Performance-based	Varies	Leverage partner audiences, expand reach, performance-based costs, good for specific niches.
On-Site Retargeting (Pop-ups, Banners)	Varies	High	Varies	Targets users actively browsing your site, personalized offers, reduces bounce rates, collects email/SMS opt-ins.

SMS:

• TxtCart provides conversational AI, which handles customer inquiries, further enhancing ROI.
• Campaign scheduling ensures messages are delivered at optimal times for each subscriber.

Email:

• Segmented email campaigns can dramatically increase open and click-through rates.
• Automated email flows can recover abandoned carts and drive repeat purchases.

Facebook & Instagram Ads:

• Retargeting based on custom audiences and website activity is highly effective.
• Dynamic product ads show users the exact items they viewed.

Google Analytics Ads (Display & Search):

• RLSA allows you to tailor search ads to users who have previously interacted with your site.
• Dynamic remarketing shows personalized ads based on viewed products.

Push Notifications (Web/App):

• Ideal for delivering time-sensitive offers and updates.
• App push notifications can re-engage inactive app users.

YouTube Ads:

• Effective for demonstrating product usage and building brand loyalty.
• Targets users based on their viewing habits and interests.

LinkedIn Ads:

• Ideal for B2B retargeting and reaching professional audiences.
• Targets users based on job title, industry, and company.

Affiliate Marketing/Partner Networks:

• Expands reach by leveraging the audiences of partner websites and influencers.
• Performance-based costs make it a cost-effective option.

On-Site Retargeting (Pop-ups, Banners):

• Reduces bounce rates by engaging users while they’re actively browsing.
• Collects valuable contact information for future retargeting campaigns.

Remember to analyze your audience and goals to determine the most effective combination of channels.

Read Next: Messenger Vs SMS Vs Email – Choosing the Right Marketing Channel for Your Store

5 Best eCommerce Retargeting Examples

Let’s get inspired. Sometimes, you need to see what’s possible. These brands nailed it. They used retargeting to boost sales and build relationships. Let’s see how they did it.

#1) JoyRide – Achieved 20X ROI Through TxtCart’s Smart SMS Retargeting

Joyride, a scooter company, wanted to boost holiday sales—so they teamed up with TxtCart. With conversational SMS, they engaged customers in real time, answered questions, and eliminated friction. The results? A 7.23% increase in conversions, $1,841,617 in SMS-attributed revenue, and a 20x ROI.

Think about that. 20x ROI. That’s the power of personalized engagement. By partnering with TxtCart’s team, Joyride optimized their SMS strategy with smart segmentation, automated campaigns, and perfectly timed offers.

The AI, trained on their store’s information, handled two-way conversations—helping customers get the answers they needed and nudging them toward checkout.

Joyride’s success is a testament to the power of SMS retargeting. It’s a direct line to your customers. It’s personal. It’s engaging. And with TxtCart, it’s incredibly effective.

Read more SMS retargeting stories: 

• CROSSNET recovered $453,185 from 2,400 abandoned cart orders using TxtCart
• TxtCart helped Chaser recover 54% of abandoned carts, totaling $207,341 in revenue
• PupSocks generated over $140k from 3,300 recovered orders with TxtCart

#2) Chewy: Evoking an Emotion

Chewy gets it. They know how to tug at your heartstrings. They use retargeting ads that speak to pet owners on an emotional level. Take this cart abandonment ad, for example. It reminds you of your furry friend. It evokes that parental instinct and makes you think, “Oh yeah, I need to get that for Sparky.”

Why We Love This

• It’s all about the dog. The copy focuses on the well-being of your pet. It’s not just about selling a product—it’s about caring for your furry companion.
• Savings are a bonus. The ad also highlights the savings you’ll get. This adds value to the proposition. You’re not just getting a great product for your dog; you’re getting a great deal too.

The call to action (CTA) is key. Chewy uses verbs that create a sense of urgency. “Don’t wait!” It’s a subtle nudge to complete the purchase. Remember the MIC framework:

• Motivate: Your CTA should give users a reason to act.
• Inform: Tell them what to do.
• Concise: Keep it short and sweet.

Chewy’s ad works because it combines emotional appeal with a clear CTA. It’s a winning formula for retargeting success.

#3) Klarna – Following up with Visitors via Discovery Ads

Klarna, the buy-now-pay-later giant, uses Discovery Ads to retarget website visitors. These ads appear on Google’s Discovery feeds (think YouTube’s home feed and Gmail’s Promotions and Social tabs). They’re visually engaging and blend seamlessly with the user experience.

Klarna’s Discovery Ads are clever. They remind you of what you were browsing. They offer flexible payment options and make it easy to complete your purchase. It’s like a gentle nudge saying, “Hey, remember that thing you wanted? You can get it now, and pay later.”

Why It Works

• Prime Placement: Discovery Ads reach users where they’re already spending time. They’re not intrusive. They’re part of the experience.
• Visual Appeal: These ads are visually rich. They showcase products beautifully and capture attention.
• Frictionless Payments: Klarna’s core offering is built into the ad. You see the product, you see the payment options, you click, you buy. It’s that simple.

Discovery Ads are a powerful retargeting tool. They’re great for brand awareness and driving conversions. They’re also highly effective for reaching mobile users. If you’re looking for a visually engaging way to retarget your audience, Discovery Ads are worth exploring.

#4) Madewell: Incorporating User Experience

Madewell understands user experience. They use retargeting ads that are visually clean, on-brand, and easy to navigate. Instead of cluttered banners, they keep it minimal yet effective—focusing on the product itself.

Why It Works

• Seamless Branding: The ads match Madewell’s aesthetic. They’re clean, modern, and aspirational.
• Easy Navigation: Users can easily browse products within the ad. It’s like a mini version of their website.
• Product-Centric Focus: The clean, studio-shot images keep the focus on fit, style, and pricing, making the purchase decision seamless.

User experience matters. Your retargeting ads should be visually appealing and effortless to navigate. They should reflect your brand identity and resonate with your target audience. Madewell nails this.

#5) Debenhams – Turning Browsing into Buying

Debenhams, the UK department store, uses dynamic retargeting ads. They show you the exact products you viewed on their website. This keeps those items top of mind. It’s like a gentle reminder saying, “Hey, you forgot about this.”

Why It Works

• Personalized: Dynamic ads are tailored to each individual. They show you what you’re interested in.
• Effective Reminders: They bring back those “almost” purchases. They re-engage users who showed intent.
• Increased Conversions: Dynamic retargeting can significantly boost conversion rates. It’s a proven tactic.

Dynamic retargeting is a powerful tool. It’s personalized, effective, and easy to implement. If you’re not using it, you’re missing out.

#6) Mott & Bow: Utilizing Social Proof for Retargeting

Mott & Bow, the denim company, leverages social proof in their retargeting ads. They showcase customer testimonials and reviews, reinforcing trust and credibility. The message is clear—people love their products.

Why It Works

• Trust Factor: People trust people. We’re more likely to buy when we see others having a great experience.
• Credibility Boost: Social proof adds credibility to your brand. It shows that you’re not just making claims; you’re delivering results.
• Reduced Risk: Seeing positive reviews reduces the perceived risk of buying. It makes people feel more confident in their purchase decision.

Social proof is a powerful persuasion tool. Use it in your retargeting ads to build trust, credibility, and drive conversions.

#7) Apple – Retargeting Existing Customers with New Offers

Apple, the tech giant, doesn’t just retarget new customers—they also use retargeting to engage existing customers with new offers and product upgrades. It’s how they keep you in their ecosystem.

Why It Works

• Customer Loyalty: Apple has a loyal customer base. They nurture that loyalty with targeted offers and personalized recommendations.
• Upselling & Cross-selling: Retargeting is a great way to upsell and cross-sell products to existing customers. Apple does this masterfully.
• Lifetime Value: By keeping customers engaged, Apple increases their lifetime value and strengthens long-term relationships.

Don’t forget about your existing customers. Retargeting can be a powerful tool for driving repeat purchases and increasing customer lifetime value.

#8) BullStrap – Retargeting with a “Recently Viewed” Carousel

Bullstrap, a men’s leather goods brand, enhances the shopping experience with a “Recently Viewed” section on their website. This is a form of on-site retargeting—reminding you of the products you’ve explored and making it easy to pick up where you left off. It’s like a personal shopper saying, “Still thinking about these?”

Why It Works

• Convenience: The section is easy to spot, letting users quickly revisit products without searching again.
• Personalization: It shows products you’ve already shown interest in. It’s tailored to your browsing history.
• Increased Engagement: The carousel keeps users engaged with the site. It encourages them to explore more products.

On-site retargeting is a valuable tool. It’s a subtle way to remind users of their interests and encourage them to take action. Bullstrap’s “recently viewed” carousel is an example of this in action.

Best eCommerce Retargeting Strategies

Retargeting is all about strategy. It’s about using the right tactics to reach the right people at the right time. Let’s explore some strategies that work.

Segmenting Audiences

Don’t blast everyone with the same message. It’s like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping it sticks. Segment your audience to target specific groups with personalized messages.

• New Visitors: Welcome them with a discount or exclusive offer.
• Cart Abandoners: Remind them of what they left behind. Offer a helping hand.
• Repeat Customers: Reward their loyalty with special deals or early access to sales.
• High-Value Customers: Give them the VIP treatment. Offer personalized recommendations and exclusive perks.

TxtCart makes segmentation easy. You can filter audiences by purchase behavior, engagement levels, and more. You can even combine segments for hyper-targeted campaigns. This ensures your messages resonate with each group.

Using Dynamic Ads to Personalize Customer Journeys

Dynamic ads are like magic. They show people the exact products they viewed. It’s like saying, “Hey, remember this? You loved it.”

• Product Retargeting: Show them the product they viewed, along with similar items.
• Cart Abandonment Retargeting: Remind them of what’s in their cart to make it easy to complete the purchase.
• Cross-selling & Upselling: Suggest complementary products or upgrades.

Dynamic ads are highly effective. They’re personalized and relevant. They keep people engaged. They drive conversions.

Read Next:

• How to Send Personalized Text Messages That Sell
• Why Personalized Marketing Services Are So Important

A/B Testing Retargeting Messages for Higher ROI

Don’t guess. Test.

A/B testing is your friend. Try different messages, different visuals, different CTAs to see what works best.

• Test Subject Lines: For email retargeting, the subject line is crucial. Test different options to see what gets opened.
• Test Ad Copy: Experiment with different copy to see what resonates with your audience.
• Test CTAs: Try different calls to action to see what drives the most clicks.

TxtCart lets you A/B test your SMS campaigns. With real-time data on metrics like click-through rates and conversion rates, TxtCart automatically identifies the top-performing message, ensuring you get the best possible results—without any guesswork.

Aligning Retargeting with Seasonal and Promotional Marketing

Timing is everything. Align your retargeting campaigns with your seasonal and promotional marketing efforts.

• Holiday Sales: Ramp up your retargeting during key shopping seasons. Remind people of your offers.
• Product Launches: Use retargeting to generate excitement for new products. Target people who have shown interest in similar items.
• Flash Sales: Create a sense of urgency with time-sensitive retargeting campaigns.

By aligning your retargeting with your overall marketing strategy, you create a cohesive and effective customer experience.

Retargeting Based on Website Behavior

Think of your ecommerce website as a treasure map—every click leaves a clue. Use that data! Retargeting based on website behavior lets you personalize the experience.

• Viewed Specific Products: Someone browsed that new jacket? Show them ads featuring it, along with similar styles or accessories.
• Added to Cart but Didn’t Buy: A gentle nudge via SMS or email can be all it takes to recover that sale. TxtCart’s AI is trained on your store’s information, enabling two-way communication that answers queries instantly—whether about shipping, sizing, or product specs. The result? More recovered carts and higher conversions—effortlessly.

• Visited Key Pages: Did they check out your “About Us” or “FAQ” page? They’re showing interest. Tailor your retargeting messages to address their potential concerns or highlight your brand values.

This approach shows you’re paying attention. It makes the customer feel seen, leading to higher engagement and conversions.

Retargeting with Social Media Ads

Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest… these aren’t just platforms for sharing memes. They’re retargeting goldmines!

• Custom Audiences: Upload your customer list to create personalized ads or targeted ads for people who already know your brand.
• Website Traffic: Use a Facebook Pixel to track website visitors and show them relevant ads on their feeds.
• Lookalike Audiences: Find new customers who resemble your existing ones. This expands your reach while maintaining targeting precision.

Social media retargeting leverages social proof and seamlessly integrates with the user experience.

Retargeting with Google Display Ads

Cast a wider net. Google Display Network reaches over 90% of internet users globally. That’s a lot of eyeballs!

• Brand Awareness: Keep your brand top of mind with visually appealing and personalized retargeting ads on websites your audience frequents.
• Product Promotion: Showcase specific products or deals to people who have shown interest in them.
• Remarketing Lists for Search Ads (RLSA): Tailor your search ads to people who have previously visited your website. This boosts your Quality Score and improves ad performance.

Display ecommerce retargeting ads offer broad reach and diverse formats, making them ideal for various retargeting and remarketing goals.

Retargeting with Video Ads

Video is king. It’s engaging, informative, and memorable. Use it to your advantage.

• YouTube Retargeting: Create retargeting ads for people who have watched your videos or visited your channel.
• Website Visitor Retargeting: Create video ads that showcase your products or brand story and target them to website visitors.
• Cart Abandonment Retargeting: Use video to remind users of the items they left behind and highlight their key features or benefits.

Video retargeting allows you to tell a story, demonstrate your products, and build deeper connections with your audience.

Retargeting with Push Notifications

Want to deliver instant messages? Push notifications are your go-to.

• Time-Sensitive Offers: Announce flash sales or limited-time promotions.
• Cart Reminders: Nudge users to complete their purchases with a friendly reminder.
• App Re-engagement: Bring back inactive app users with personalized messages or exclusive offers.

Push notifications are direct and attention-grabbing. They’re perfect for time-sensitive messages and re-engaging users who have already shown interest in your brand.

Remember, the key is to experiment and find the right mix of retargeting strategies for your business. Analyze your data, test different approaches, and optimize your remarketing campaigns to achieve the best results.

TxtCart – the #1 SMS Retargeting Tool On the Market Right Now

TxtCart isn’t just another SMS platform. It’s your secret weapon for retargeting success. It’s built for eCommerce. It’s powered by AI. It’s designed to get you results.

Key Features

You’ve seen the power of retargeting. You’ve seen the results it can bring. Now, you need the right tool to make it happen. Enter TxtCart.

Campaign Planning & Performance Optimization:

• Smart Segmentation: Target the right people with the right message. Segment audiences by behavior, purchase history, and more.
• Personalized Messages: Use AI-assisted templates to craft messages that resonate.
  • Pro Tip: Combine segments for hyper-targeted campaigns. Target those who abandoned their cart and have been texted more than once. This boosts engagement.

Campaign & Revenue Analytics:

• Real-time Insights: See how your campaigns are performing. Track revenue, engagement, and more.
• Actionable Data: Get insights on subscriber behavior and top-performing products. Optimize your strategy for maximum impact.

Cart Recovery with Conversational AI:

• Recover Lost Sales: Automatically send personalized SMS reminders to cart abandoners.
• AI-Powered Conversations: The AI handles customer questions in real-time. This removes friction and boosts conversions.
• Cost-Effective: AI-powered conversations cost just $0.50 per resolution, compared to the $16 most platforms charge for human agents—that’s a 32x savings.

Automation:

• One-Click Automation: Trigger SMS messages based on customer actions. Welcome new subscribers, send birthday messages, or promote flash sales.
• Increased Efficiency: Automate your SMS marketing and free up your time.
• Improved ROI: Automation ensures you’re always sending the right message at the right time.

TxtCart is more than just a tool. It’s a partner in your eCommerce success. Are you ready to take your retargeting to the next level?

Read Next: 12+ Best Shopify Abandoned Cart Apps (Top Picks for 2025)