Ever feel like a product is following you around online? You look up a certain lawnmower or power drill, and suddenly you’re seeing ads for it everywhere—for days. That’s not a glitch. It’s retargeting.

Unfortunately, most businesses use it in a clumsy, repetitive way. And that’s a shame, because when done right, retargeting can deliver some of the highest returns on your marketing spend.

Let’s talk about how to use this strategy effectively—without being annoying or invasive.

The Fancy Marketing Term That Actually Makes You Money

Unless you’re selling chewing gum or chocolate bars, your customers don’t usually buy on impulse. There’s always a lead-up—a phase where people think, compare, and decide.

Marketers call this the customer journey. (Yes, it sounds a little buzzword-y, but it’s useful.)

Why the Customer Journey Matters

Here’s how most purchasing decisions unfold:
1. A prospect becomes aware of a problem or need.
2. They decide to take action.
3. They research potential solutions.
4. They compare providers.
5. They choose one and make a purchase.

Simple enough. So why should you care?

Because the earlier you show up in that process, the higher your chances of turning that prospect into a paying customer—and the less it’ll cost you to do it.

If you only reach them at stage 5, you’re competing purely on price. You’re late to the game.

But if you show up at stage 3—when they’re starting to look for answers—you can guide the entire decision-making process in your favor.

And if you’re following the advice in this blog, there’s a good chance you’re already showing up at that key moment.

But here’s the catch…

Attention Spans Are Your Biggest Competitor

Even if you show up at the perfect time, people have short attention spans. They get distracted. They forget. They click away and never come back.

That’s where smart retargeting comes in.

Imagine being able to follow up with prospects automatically—offering helpful insights, answering questions, and staying top of mind throughout their buying journey.

That’s exactly what strategic retargeting allows you to do.

Better Retargeting = Better Results

Instead of bombarding people with the same static ad over and over again, do this:

Create a sequence of helpful, relevant content—like short videos, tips, or quick how-to’s that genuinely help your audience.

Then retarget the people who’ve interacted with your brand. Show them fresh, valuable content each time. Not only will you stay on their radar, but you’ll build real trust before you ever ask for the sale.

Use the Reciprocity Effect (The Right Way)

Here’s a psychological truth you can use in your marketing:
When someone helps us without asking for anything in return, we instinctively want to give back.

At first, we might wonder:
Why is this person helping me? What’s the catch?

But once we realize there’s no strings attached, something else kicks in:
This person gave me something valuable. I kind of owe them.

This is the power of reciprocity. It’s hardwired into human behavior. And when used ethically in your marketing, it can tip the scales in your favor.

The key? Actually help people.

Not with fluff. Not with salesy noise.
But with real value, delivered consistently—before money ever changes hands.

Wild idea, right?

But it works.
And it makes selling easier, smoother, and way more enjoyable.

Get this part right, and you’ll rarely need to “hard close” anyone. By the time a prospect reaches out, they already see you as the go-to expert—because you were present and helpful when it mattered most.

We’ll dive deeper into this principle in future posts. For now, start experimenting with retargeting. Think about how it could fit into your business and support your customer journey.

Talk soon,
Arian

P.S. Want to know how I’d approach the retargeting strategy for your business?

Reach out to our agency. If we’re a good fit, I’ll personally review your business and marketing, develop a tailored strategy, and walk you through it on a call.

There’s no cost and no obligation.

If you decide to work with us, I’ll explain exactly how we do things. If not, no worries—no pushy sales tactics, no pressure.

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