E-commerce SaaS tools have revolutionized the way businesses understand shopper behavior. With features like cart abandonment recovery, coupon expiration reminders, and personalized follow-ups, it's never been easier to re-engage customers. However, as more brands adopt these tactics, their effectiveness can diminish due to oversaturation.
To truly stand out with your retargeting strategy, you need to go beyond the basics. Thanks to insights from our friends at Littledata, here are four standout tips to help you optimize your retargeting efforts and boost conversions.
1. Identify Users Earlier
Don’t wait for users to abandon their carts—start targeting leads who’ve already shown interest. Focus on those who have provided their email addresses through sign-ups, downloads, or previous purchases. These “hot leads” are highly engaged and more likely to convert. Tools like Shopify’s Customer Segmentation make it easier to create targeted lists based on behavior and preferences.
By identifying users earlier in their journey, you can proactively guide them toward completing their purchase. For example, trigger a welcome email for new subscribers that introduces your best-selling products or a personalized discount to encourage their first purchase.
2. Start Triggers Earlier
While most businesses rely on the “Checkout Started” event for retargeting, this approach may miss earlier drop-off points in the purchase journey. Instead, utilize the “Add-to-Cart” event as a trigger for retargeting campaigns. This allows you to capture hesitant shoppers before they reach the checkout page, especially for high-ticket items where decision-making takes longer.
3. Promptly Trigger Emails
Timing is everything when it comes to retargeting emails. If a shopper abandons their cart, the ideal window to send your first email is within 30–60 minutes. During this period, the user is still mentally engaged with your brand, making it easier to bring them back.
A prompt follow-up email could include a reminder of the items left behind, coupled with an incentive like free shipping or a time-limited discount. For example: “Your cart is waiting! Checkout within the next hour to save 10%.”
4. Personalize, Personalize, Personalize!
Generic emails won’t cut it in today’s competitive e-commerce landscape. Personalization is key to making shoppers feel valued and understood. Use dynamic content in your emails to show customers the exact items they left behind, along with suggestions for related products they might like.
For example, if a user abandons a cart with a running shoe, your email could recommend complementary products like socks or a water bottle. Additionally, tailor subject lines to include the customer’s name or highlight specific products: “John, don’t leave your favorite running shoes behind!”
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Takeaways
Standing out in retargeting requires a proactive, personalized approach. By identifying users earlier, triggering campaigns sooner, timing your emails strategically, and tailoring your content to individual shoppers, you can significantly improve your retargeting effectiveness and boost conversions.
Start implementing these tips today to make your retargeting campaigns more impactful—and watch your sales grow!
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