You’re getting traffic. Visitors browse your site, check out products, and even add items to their carts. Then they drop off, with no purchase, call, or follow-up. This is where retargeting ads come in. Showing the right message to the right target audience at the right time gives potential buyers a reason to return and complete the action they started.
In this blog, we’ll walk through 7 high-converting retargeting ad examples that actually work in 2025. These tactics improve conversion rates, recover lost sales, and drive results across every retargeting campaign, without wasting ad spend on cold traffic.
AvidTrak solves targeting issues by ensuring that you’re not just launching ads, you’re tracking every call, lead, and keyword behind your conversions. Whether it’s Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or remarketing email, AvidTrak connects your retargeting efforts to real results, combining accurate tracking, expert support, and pricing that makes sense.
Summary
- Retargeting ads give you a second chance to convert visitors who left without taking action, by showing behavior-based messages custom to what they browsed, clicked, or almost bought.
- Marketers can use platforms like Google, Meta, and X to deploy dynamic product carousels, urgency-based creatives, and personalized discount ads to re-engage warm leads at every funnel stage.
- Effective retargeting campaigns rely on smart segmentation: from awareness-building display ads to conversion-focused abandoned cart nudges, each touchpoint must reflect user intent.
- Retargeting works best when combined with strong tracking strategies, especially as cookie restrictions and privacy updates make attribution harder across devices and channels.
- With industry-best pricing, hands-on product support, and deep domain expertise, AvidTrak solves the complex tracking challenges behind modern retargeting. From call attribution to campaign-level visibility, it ensures your retargeting ads aren’t just seen, they’re measured, optimized, and driving real revenue.
What is Retargeting?
Retargeting shows ads to people who’ve already visited your website or interacted with your social media posts, but didn’t convert.
Visitors may have browsed a product, read a piece of content, or clicked through a promo. Retargeting gives them a second shot, through custom ads that match their actions.
If someone looks at a product but doesn’t buy it, you can re-engage them with customized ads featuring that same item.
These aren’t broad campaigns; they’re highly focused messages that target prospective customers who’ve already shown interest.
How Does Retargeting Work?
Retargeting starts with a tracking pixel, a small code added to your site that tracks user behavior such as pages viewed, products clicked, and purchases made. When someone visits, it logs their activity and adds them to a custom audience based on what they did.
From there, you can run:
- Display ads on the Google Display Network
- Dynamic Product Ads showing the product catalog they viewed
- Social media retargeting on Meta, X, and other social platforms
You can also refine campaigns using:
- Time-delayed retargeting (ads shown after a set delay)
- Cross-device retargeting (track mobile visits, show desktop ads)
- Behavior segments (target based on session duration or page depth)
Platforms like Meta and Google make this possible, but you’re left guessing without the correct tracking setup.
A strong tool like AvidTrak fills the gap by connecting ad clicks to phone calls and keywords and understanding how each retargeting effort affects your sales funnel, so you’re not just measuring traffic; you’re tracking results!
Retargeting vs. Remarketing
Though often used interchangeably, retargeting and remarketing serve different purposes.
- Retargeting uses retargeting pixels to show ads to people who visited your site. It happens across social platforms, apps, and the Google Display Network.
- Remarketing uses your customer list, like emails or phone numbers, to follow up with ads or messages, like email marketing or CRM-based SMS campaigns.
So:
- Retargeting = based on behavior
- Remarketing = based on the list
For example:
- Showing users a Meta ad featuring the exact product image they viewed last week? That’s retargeting.
- Sending a limited-time offer via email to cart abandoners on your email list? That’s remarketing.
Used together, they’re even more effective. A sequential retargeting strategy might start with an ad and follow up with an email, which is especially effective for middle-of-funnel audiences.
AvidTrak supports both approaches; whether a potential customer calls your sales team after seeing a remarketing ad or ad follow-up, you’ll have the complete picture of what’s driving your conversion funnel.
The Benefits of Retargeting
Retargeting ads should be part of your digital marketing strategy if you aim to achieve better results with less wasted spending. Unlike cold traffic campaigns that cast a wide net, retargeting focuses on people who already know your brand, making your budget work harder.
Here are a few reasons why it’s one of the most effective marketing strategies today:
1. Retargeting is Cheaper Than Cold Ads
Getting new eyes on your brand is expensive. But reaching someone who has already clicked, browsed, or engaged? That costs less and converts more.
Retargeting campaigns typically deliver higher conversion rates at a lower cost per click compared to standard prospecting campaigns. Since you’re not starting from scratch, you can spend less to get more qualified leads into your sales funnel.
2. Highly Specific and Behavior-Driven
Retargeting lets you show ads based on actual visitor behavior, such as visiting a pricing page, viewing a specific product category, or dropping off during checkout. Behavior-based targeting makes it easier to speak to the ideal customer with relevant messaging, whether through dynamic retargeting ads, custom ads, or social proof ads.
With platforms like Meta and Google and tools like AvidTrak, tracking calls, keywords, and campaign sources, you can align your retargeting efforts to each funnel stage, from first click to final conversion.
3. Win Back Visitors Who Didn’t Convert
Most visitors won’t convert the first time. Around 97% will leave without taking action. But that doesn’t mean they’re gone for good.
Smart retargeting lets you reconnect with users by showing them items they explored or suggesting related products they’re likely to want.
It’s not just about bringing visitors back, it’s about showing the right message at the right time. And when someone calls after seeing a retargeting ad, AvidTrak attributes calls to the original campaign, so you know exactly what brought them back and what worked.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
Retargeting isn’t perfect. Privacy updates like iOS 14, cookie restrictions, and tighter tracking rules have changed how we build custom audiences and retargeting pixel segments.
Changing requirements have made it essential to diversify your retargeting tactics. Use first-party data like email lists, combine remarketing campaigns with ad strategies, and work with tools like AvidTrak that help bridge the gaps by tracking conversions through calls, not just cookies.
The more complete your view of the customer experience, the better your decisions and the stronger your retargeting campaigns.
Retargeting Strategy and Campaign Goals
Not all retargeting ads should look the same. Who you’re targeting, and where they are in the buyer journey shapes what kind of message, creative, and offer works best.
Here’s how to break down your retargeting strategy by intent:
Awareness Retargeting: For top-of-funnel users
These are the visitors who skimmed a blog post, viewed your homepage, or bounced before exploring deeper. They know your brand but haven’t shown strong buying intent yet.
The goal here isn’t to sell, it’s to stay visible. Display ads that build familiarity, share helpful content, or highlight credibility through social proof ads and online reviews. Keep it lightweight and value-driven.
Suppose these users return and make a call after seeing your ad. AvidTrak’s call duration tracking and engagement metrics help you qualify which early-stage visitors are worth moving further down the sales funnel.
Conversion Retargeting: For warm audiences
Now we’re talking about people who viewed a product page, started a checkout, or added items to a shopping cart. These users are deep in the conversion funnel, and your retargeting should reflect that.
This is where dynamic product ads, limited-time offers, and custom ads shine. Highlight the specific product they explored or recommend add-ons that enhance their initial interest. The copy should address objections, reinforce value, or push urgency.
To measure how well this group converts, AvidTrak lets you tag and segment incoming calls by campaign, ad group, and even product category, so you can track which retargeting tactic is actually driving purchase-ready actions.
Proven Retargeting Ad Examples for 2025
Now let’s move on to the heart of the blog: 7 high-converting retargeting ad examples built around real user behavior. These aren’t generic ideas. Each tactic is designed to re-engage potential customers, boost conversion rates, and match different sales funnel stages.
From visual, behavior-driven campaigns on Meta to fast-paced, intent-focused ads on X, the examples below show how to reach the right retargeting audiences with the message that moves them.
Meta Retargeting Ad Examples
Meta, which includes Facebook and Instagram, remains one of the best platforms for running high-performing retargeting ads, mainly because of how well it pairs behavior data with ad creative.
Here are examples of how to use the platform’s tools to hit different retargeting audiences with messaging that speaks to where they are in the sales cycle:
Example # 1: Overcome Doubts with Review-Based Ad Copy
Sometimes it’s not the price or product, it’s doubt. Maybe someone isn’t sure the product works. Or they don’t know if it’s worth it.
Use ad copy that directly addresses those concerns:
- “Not sure it fits? See how 1,000+ real customers styled it.”
- “Worried about support? We’ve got live help and 3-day delivery.”
This tactic works best for middle-of-funnel audiences. You’re not just reminding them, you’re removing friction.
When those users respond by calling your team, AvidTrak’s call transcription feature helps you pinpoint their concerns, giving your sales team better context to close.
Example # 2: Bring Back Shoppers with Dynamic Product Carousels
If someone viewed a product and didn’t buy, don’t start from scratch; show them exactly what they looked at.
Use Dynamic Product Ads (DPA) with carousel formats to display:
- Products users viewed recently
- Variants from the same product category
- Related items to widen their interest
AvidTrak helps you track which dynamic product ads are converting by attributing call data to the specific ad click, making it easier to adjust future campaigns for better ROI.
Example # 3: Drive Action with Limited-Time Urgency Ads
When someone’s hesitating, urgency moves them forward. Add phrases like:
- “Only 3 left in stock.”
- “Offer ends in 4 hours.”
- “Claim your deal before midnight.”
Example # 4: Win Over Hesitant Buyers with Personalized Discounts
For users who’ve visited your site multiple times without converting, a gentle push helps. Offer a limited-time offer or exclusive discount code in your retargeting ad:
- “Still thinking it over? Here’s 10% off, just for you.”
- “Your cart’s waiting, use SAVE10 at checkout.”
This works well with custom audiences built around repeat visitors or high-intent sessions. You can also track the promo code usage across incoming calls if you use AvidTrak’s call tagging to see whether your offers led to questions, conversions, or both.
Example # 5: Rescue Abandoned Carts with Reassurance Ads
These users were one step away. They added the product to the cart and then left. The goal here is reassurance.
Your ad should focus on:
- Free shipping
- Fast checkout
- Easy returns or money-back guarantees
Use trust badges, customer quotes, or even quick explainer videos in carousel format. If that final nudge leads to a call instead of an online checkout, AvidTrak allows you to match that phone lead back to the exact Instagram or Facebook ad they saw, so no conversion is lost.
X Retargeting Ad Examples
X is fast, direct, and perfect for retargeting campaigns that get to the point. With limited space and short attention spans, your messaging must be focused and built around clear intent.
These retargeting ads work best for users already familiar with your brand, especially current customers or recent buyers deep in the sales funnel.
Example # 6: Cross-Sell to Existing Customers with Follow-Up Ads
Cross-selling isn’t just for product pages. If someone recently purchased, a follow-up ad on X is a smart way to suggest complementary products from the same product category.
Use phrasing like:
- “Just grabbed a new phone? Here’s a case to match.”
- “Since you booked a class, this bundle perfectly fits.”
Pair the message with a clean lifestyle image ad or a minimal product showcase. Keep it direct and scroll-stopping to boost click-through rates.
When these users prefer to call rather than click, AvidTrak’s call routing feature lets you direct customers to the right team, so your retargeting efforts drive value with the proper support behind them.
Example # 7: Bring Back Loyal Customers with Exclusive Return Offers
Your loyal customers are often your easiest win, but only if you stay at the top of their minds. Use retargeting tactics to bring them back with exclusive offers, access to loyalty programs, or new arrivals according to their last purchase.
Try copy like:
- “Thanks for shopping with us. Here’s 15% off your next order.”
- “Back for more? Early access just unlocked.”
X works well for short, reward-based messaging that reinforces brand connection. If you’re tracking these returning buyers by audience list, campaign examples, or remarketing ads, AvidTrak helps you attribute those inbound calls, so your digital marketing strategy stays accurate and outcome-focused.
Ready to Fix the Gaps in Your Retargeting Strategy?
AvidTrak powers smarter retargeting ad campaigns by showing what actually converts, not just what gets clicks. It is the strategy behind revenue-focused results, combining affordable tracking, campaign-level attribution, and expert support to connect every call, click, and customer action.
Turn retargeting into real revenue. Start your free trial with AvidTrak today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes a retargeting ad high-converting?
A high-converting retargeting ad targets the right audience segment, uses behavior-based messaging, and leads to measurable actions, like clicks, form fills, or phone calls. Advanced tools like AvidTrak help track those outcomes so you know which ads actually perform.
2. Can I track retargeting ad performance if leads convert over the phone?
Yes. AvidTrak ties phone calls back to the specific retargeting ad, keyword, and campaign source, so you get credit for conversions that don’t happen online.
3. Does AvidTrak work with Meta and Google Ads retargeting?
Absolutely yes. AvidTrak supports Google Ads, dynamic Facebook retargeting, and other platforms by tracking calls and reporting which campaigns drive real engagement.
4. How does AvidTrak improve attribution in cross-device retargeting?
Since cookies don’t always carry over across devices, AvidTrak fills the gap by tracking call-based conversions, giving you accurate attribution even when users switch from mobile to desktop.
5. Can I segment calls from different retargeting campaigns?
Yes. You can use AvidTrak to tag calls by ad campaign, audience list, or product category, making it easier to evaluate what’s converting across your retargeting efforts.
6. Is AvidTrak cost-effective for retargeting-focused campaigns?
Absolutely. With affordable pricing and campaign-level tracking, AvidTrak gives remarketing campaigns and retargeting ads the needed performance data, without breaking your budget.
