If you’ve ever run online ads or explored digital marketing strategies, you’ve probably heard the terms “remarketing” and “retargeting”. At first glance, they might sound like the same thing—and many people even use them interchangeably. But in reality, they are slightly different strategies with unique benefits.
As a growing business owner or marketer, understanding remarketing vs. retargeting is essential to getting the most from your marketing budget. At Scalexprt, we believe that smart marketing decisions begin with clarity, so let’s break down these two powerful tactics in a way that’s easy to understand.
Why Remarketing and Retargeting Matter
Before we jump into the differences, let’s talk about why these strategies are so important.
You’ve probably noticed this in your own online experience:
- You visit an e-commerce site, check out a product, but don’t buy.
- Later, you see an ad for that exact product while browsing Instagram or reading an article.
That’s retargeting in action. Similarly, if you get an email reminding you to complete your purchase, that’s remarketing.
Why does this work so well? Because most customers don’t convert on their first visit. In fact, studies show that 98% of visitors leave a website without taking action. Both remarketing and retargeting give you a second (or third) chance to win them back.
What is Retargeting?
Retargeting is all about re-engaging people who have interacted with your brand online but haven’t converted yet. This is usually done through paid ads on platforms like Google, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
Here’s how it works:
A visitor comes to your website or interacts with your social media.
A small piece of code (called a pixel) is placed in their browser.
That pixel allows your ads to “follow” them across the internet, reminding them of your product or service.
Example:
You visit a website selling sports shoes. You don’t buy anything. Later, while watching YouTube or scrolling Facebook, you see ads for the exact pair of shoes you viewed.
Benefits of Retargeting:
- Keeps your brand top-of-mind.
- Increases the likelihood of conversions.
- Allows for precise targeting based on visitor behavior.
What is Remarketing?
Remarketing usually refers to re-engaging past customers or prospects via email marketing or direct outreach. While retargeting focuses on ads, remarketing focuses on personalized communication.
Here’s how it works:
A visitor signs up for your newsletter or makes a purchase.
You collect their contact information (email or phone).
You send targeted messages or offers to encourage repeat purchases or re-engagement.
Example:
You add a laptop to your online shopping cart but don’t complete the purchase. A day later, you get an email saying, “Your laptop is still waiting for you—complete your order now and get free shipping!”
Benefits of Remarketing:
- Builds long-term customer relationships.
- Allows for highly personalized messaging.
- Increases customer lifetime value.
How Remarketing and Retargeting Work Together
Here’s the secret: You don’t have to choose between remarketing and retargeting. The most successful businesses use both strategies to cover all stages of the customer journey.
Imagine this:
You retarget people who visited your product page but didn’t buy.
Once they make a purchase, you remarket to them via email to encourage upsells or repeat purchases.
This combination keeps your brand visible, builds trust, and increases conversion rates over time.
Which Strategy Should You Start With?
If you’re new to digital marketing, here’s how to decide:
- Start with retargeting if you have a good amount of website traffic but low conversion rates.
- Start with remarketing if you already have a list of customers or leads and want to increase repeat sales.
At Scalexprt, we’ve seen businesses double their sales by simply adding retargeting ads or launching a well-structured remarketing email campaign.
Best Practices for Retargeting
To get the most from retargeting, follow these tips:
- Segment your audience: Show different ads to people who viewed a product vs. those who abandoned the cart.
- Use frequency caps: Avoid bombarding your audience with too many ads—it can backfire.
- Test ad creatives: Experiment with images, copy, and offers to see what works best.
Best Practices for Remarketing
For remarketing success, try these strategies:
- Personalize emails: Use the customer’s name and recommend products based on past purchases.
- Automate follow-ups: Set up email sequences for abandoned carts, product recommendations, and special offers.
- Offer value: Don’t just sell—share helpful content, tips, and updates to keep your audience engaged.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When comparing remarketing and retargeting, many businesses fall into these traps:
- Not tracking results: Always monitor your campaigns to see what’s working.
- Ignoring mobile users: Make sure your ads and emails are mobile-friendly.
- Over-targeting: Respect your audience’s privacy and avoid making them feel stalked.
Final Thoughts Remarketing and Retargeting for Scalexprt’s Growth
Both remarketing and retargeting are powerful tools that can boost your conversions, sales, and customer loyalty. The difference lies in the approach ads for retargeting, emails for remarketing. But when combined, they create a full-circle marketing strategy that keeps your audience engaged at every stage.
At Scalexprt, our mission is to help businesses like yours grow smarter, not harder. Whether you’re looking to bring back lost visitors through retargeting or nurture your existing customers through remarketing, having a clear strategy will make all the difference.
Remember:
- Retargeting = Ads to bring visitors back.
- Remarketing = Emails/messages to keep customers engaged.
Use both, measure your results, and keep refining your strategy and you’ll see your growth accelerate.
Ready to take your marketing to the next level? Scalexprt can help you set up the right remarketing and retargeting campaigns that work for your business. Reach out today and let’s make every click count!
