Retargeting is one of the most powerful strategies in digital marketing. No matter how strong your ad campaigns are, not every visitor converts the first time they land on your website. Studies show that over 95% of users leave a website without taking any action—whether that’s filling a form, making a purchase, or subscribing to a newsletter. Retargeting helps bring those users back by showing them personalized ads across different platforms.
But here’s the big question: In how many ways can we retarget ads?
The truth is, there are multiple strategies, channels, and formats through which retargeting can be executed. In this blog, we’ll cover the most important ones in detail.
1. Pixel-Based Retargeting
Pixel-based retargeting works by placing a small piece of code (called a pixel) on your website. This pixel tracks visitors and allows you to show them ads later on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google Display Network, or LinkedIn.
Example:
If someone visits your product page but leaves without buying, the pixel will trigger ads that follow them across the internet, reminding them about your product.
Best For:
- E-commerce stores
- SaaS free trial campaigns
- Landing pages
2. List-Based Retargeting
Instead of tracking visitors with a pixel, list-based retargeting uses customer data you already have, such as email addresses or phone numbers. Platforms like Facebook and Google allow you to upload this list and serve ads directly to those users.
Example:
If you run a B2B service, you can upload a list of past leads and retarget them with new offers or case studies.
Best For:
- Email subscribers
- Past customers
- High-value leads
3. Dynamic Retargeting
Dynamic retargeting shows ads tailored to each individual’s browsing behavior. Instead of generic ads, users see the exact product or service they viewed.
Example:
If a visitor checks out a blue t-shirt on your store but doesn’t buy, they’ll later see an ad with that exact blue t-shirt, sometimes along with a discount.
Best For:
- E-commerce
- Travel bookings
- Real estate listings
4. Search Retargeting
Search retargeting targets users based on the keywords they searched for on Google or Bing. Unlike pixel-based retargeting, this strategy doesn’t rely on prior visits to your website.
Example:
If someone searches for “best SEO agency,” you can run search retargeting ads that remind them about your SEO services—even if they haven’t visited your site yet.
Best For:
- B2B services
- Lead generation
- Competitive industries
5. Video Retargeting
With platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, video retargeting has become a game-changer. You can retarget people who watched your video ad (fully or partially) with a follow-up ad.
Example:
If a user watches 50% of your YouTube ad about a new course, you can retarget them with another video that highlights testimonials and pricing.
Best For:
- Awareness-to-conversion funnels
- Course creators
- Brand storytelling
6. Email Retargeting
Email retargeting combines display ads with your email campaigns. When a user opens your email but doesn’t take action, you can retarget them with related ads on other websites.
Example:
If you send a promo email about a limited-time discount and the user doesn’t click, email retargeting ensures they see ads about that discount elsewhere.
Best For:
- E-commerce
- SaaS upgrades
- Seasonal campaigns
7. Social Media Retargeting
Social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok provide robust retargeting options. You can create custom audiences based on actions like:
- Website visits
- Engagement with posts
- Form submissions
- Video views
Example:
On LinkedIn, you can retarget professionals who visited your case study page with ads about booking a demo call.
Best For:
- B2B lead generation
- Brand engagement
- Community building
8. Cross-Device Retargeting
Today’s consumers use multiple devices—desktop, tablet, and mobile. Cross-device retargeting ensures users see consistent ads regardless of which device they switch to.
Example:
If someone checks your product on their phone but doesn’t buy, you can retarget them later when they log in from their laptop.
Best For:
- E-commerce
- Multi-touch sales funnels
- Global campaigns
9. Contextual Retargeting
Unlike behavioral retargeting, contextual retargeting shows ads based on the content of the website a user is browsing. If your audience is reading about “digital marketing tips,” your retargeted ads related to SEO can appear there.
Best For:
- Content-driven businesses
- Niche products
- Informational campaigns
10. CRM-Based Retargeting
With CRM tools, you can segment your audience and run retargeting campaigns based on lead stage, purchase history, or engagement score.
Example:
If your CRM shows a customer abandoned checkout twice, you can run a high-intent ad with a stronger offer.
Best For:
- High-ticket sales
- B2B services
- Repeat buyers
11. Retargeting by Funnel Stage
Every customer is at a different stage of the buying journey: awareness, consideration, or decision. Retargeting can be customized accordingly.
- Awareness: Show ads with blog posts, explainer videos
- Consideration: Show case studies, comparisons
- Decision: Show discounts, testimonials, free trials
This method ensures your ad spend is efficient and highly relevant.
12. Event-Based Retargeting
Instead of targeting generic page visits, event-based retargeting uses user actions (events) as triggers.
Example:
- Add-to-cart but no purchase
- Watched 75% of a webinar
- Clicked pricing page but didn’t sign up
Best For:
- SaaS
- Webinars
- Conversion-driven campaigns
Why Retargeting Works
- Keeps your brand top-of-mind – People rarely convert in one visit.
- Increases conversion rates – Retargeted visitors are 70% more likely to convert.
- Improves ROI – Retargeting ads often cost less and perform better.
- Customizable – You can segment users by behavior, stage, or value.
Best Practices for Retargeting
- Set frequency caps (don’t annoy users).
- Use compelling creatives (not the same ad again and again).
- Test different CTAs (buy now, learn more, book demo).
- Exclude converted users (avoid wasting budget).
- Combine retargeting with lookalike audiences.
Conclusion
So, in how many ways can we retarget ads? The answer is: at least 10–12 major strategies—from pixel-based and list-based retargeting to dynamic, video, email, social, and funnel-based retargeting.
Each method has its own strengths, and the best approach depends on your business model, audience, and campaign goals. Whether you run an e-commerce store, a SaaS company, or a B2B service, retargeting ensures that you don’t lose potential customers after their first visit.
In today’s competitive digital space, retargeting isn’t optional—it’s essential.
