5 Retargeting Strategies to Increase Conversions
If you’ve ever run digital ads and been frustrated with the conversion rate, you’re not alone. The truth is, most website visitors don’t buy on their first visit. Luckily, there is a powerful marketing tool to address this: retargeting.
For small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) in a competitive city like Los Angeles, retargeting ad campaigns are one of the most effective (and budget-friendly) ways to boost conversions. It helps you reach people who already showed interest in your brand, so you’re not constantly chasing new strangers—you’re re-engaging warm leads.
Here are five smart retargeting strategies you can start using right now to drive more sales, bookings, or sign-ups.
1. Segment Your Audience by Behavior
Let’s start with a big one: not all website visitors are the same—so why show them all the same ad?
Segmenting your audience based on their behavior on your website allows you to tailor your message and increase your chances of converting them.
How to Segment:
- Viewed a product page: They’re browsing. Show them ads that reintroduce the product with a benefit or testimonial.
- Added to cart but didn’t check out: These folks are close. Try offering a discount, free shipping, or urgency-based messaging.
- Visited your contact page but didn’t submit a form: Retarget them with a “Let’s talk” ad or a case study to build trust.
- Repeat visitors: These people are circling—give them a reason to act now.
Example:
A Venice-based apparel brand runs retargeting ads that show sneakers to people who browsed shoes, and jackets to people who looked at outerwear. Each ad is personalized, and conversions go up—no surprise there.
Pro tip: The more specific your segments, the more relevant your ads will feel—and relevance = results.
2. Use Dynamic Product Retargeting
This is a must-do for eCommerce brands. Dynamic retargeting automatically shows each user the exact product(s) they looked at on your site—no need to manually create dozens of ads.
Why It Works:
- It feels personalized without extra effort.
- It reminds users what they already wanted.
- It helps them pick up right where they left off.
Platforms That Support It:
- Facebook/Instagram (via Meta Pixel and Catalog)
- Google Display Network (via Google Merchant Center)
- TikTok and Pinterest also offer dynamic formats for product-based ads.
Example:
An LA-based skincare brand uses dynamic retargeting to show potential customers the exact serum and moisturizer they viewed—plus a bonus code for 10% off if they order today.
Pro tip: Add copy like “Still thinking it over?” or “These won’t stay in stock!” to create urgency.
3. Retarget Across Multiple Platforms
Most users won’t see your ad in just one place. People bounce between Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and news sites all day. If you’re only running retargeting on one platform, you’re missing chances to stay top-of-mind.
Best Channels to Use Together:
- Meta (Facebook/Instagram) – Excellent for lifestyle brands and local businesses.
- Google Display & YouTube – Great for wide reach, search intent, and visual storytelling.
- TikTok & Pinterest – Best for visual products, younger audiences, or trend-based brands.
- LinkedIn – Powerful for B2B businesses or high-ticket service providers.
Example:
A West LA fitness studio runs a 30-second brand video on YouTube and retargets viewers with Instagram Story ads offering a 7-day free trial. One-two punch.
Pro tip: Keep your visuals and messaging consistent across platforms so your brand feels familiar and professional.
4. Offer Time-Sensitive Discounts or Incentives
Let’s face it—sometimes people need a little push. One of the best ways to increase conversions is to offer a limited-time discount or incentive in your retargeting ad.
What You Can Offer:
- 10%–20% off with a countdown timer
- Free shipping (a big driver in eCommerce)
- A free consultation or bonus gift
- “X spots left” if you offer services or appointments
Why It Works:
- It activates urgency (fear of missing out or FOMO)
- It rewards people for acting quickly
- It makes your ad stand out from the sea of brand awareness content
Example:
An LA-based meal prep company retargets visitors with an ad that says:
“Your healthy meals are waiting. Get $20 off if you order in the next 24 hours!”
Pro tip: Combine urgency with relevance. Use your segmented audience (see Strategy #1) to match the right offer to the right person.
5. Retarget Based on Video or Social Engagement
Not everyone who engages with your content visits your site. But engagement is still intent, and it’s a great audience to retarget.
If someone watches 50% of your brand video, likes a post, or saves a reel—they’re showing interest. With platforms like Meta and YouTube, you can retarget them just like you would a site visitor.
What You Can Do:
- Show a follow-up ad to people who watched part of a video
- Offer a promo code to people who clicked but didn’t convert
- Promote a lead magnet to those who interacted with your Instagram post
Example:
A West Hollywood fitness studio posts a video tour of their gym. Anyone who watches more than 15 seconds is retargeted with a “Get 1 Week Free” ad.
Pro tip: This is a great way to build warm audiences before peak seasons or big launches.
Final Thoughts: Small Shifts, Big Wins
Retargeting isn’t magic—but it might be the closest thing digital marketers have to a second chance. In a city as competitive as Los Angeles, where attention spans are short and options are endless, retargeting gives you another opportunity to close the deal.
Quick Recap:
- Segment your audience based on what they did
- Use dynamic retargeting to personalize your product ads
- Show up on multiple platforms to follow the customer journey
- Offer urgency-driven discounts to motivate action
- Retarget based on content engagement, not just site visits
You don’t have to do all of these at once—but even testing one or two strategies can give your ad performance (and your bottom line) a serious lift.
Need Help With Your Retargeting Ad Campaign?
We help Los Angeles businesses turn more clicks into customers with smart, creative, and data-driven retargeting campaigns. Whether you’re just starting or ready to scale, we’ll build a strategy that actually moves the needle.
Contact COLAB Los Angeles today and let’s chat about how to bring your best leads back—and convert them.