How to Use Retargeting Emails for Higher Conversions

Assume that you walk into your favorite store, pick up a  pair of shoes, and then… your phone rings. You leave, shoes still in hand (virtually), never making it to checkout.

Online stores deal with this every day. In fact, 69% of online carts are abandoned (source: Baymard Institute). 

That’s a huge opportunity to wave goodbye! But hold up—retargeting emails and abandoned cart emails are your digital superhero capes. And when you combine them with remarketing strategies? Hello, conversions!

What Are Email Retargeting and Why Is It Important?

Picture yourself looking at a novel in a bookstore. You set it down and walk out. But what if someone followed you, gently reminding you why you loved that book in the first place? That's what retargeting emails do. They are follow-up emails sent to visitors who left your website without completing an action like a purchase.

Whether it’s abandoned cart emails saying, “Oops! You left this behind!” or remarketing emails offering a cheeky discount to lure them back, these strategies increase engagement and (yep) conversions.

A study by Barilliance found that abandoned cart emails have an impressive 45% open rate. That’s nearly half the people thinking, “Hmm, maybe I do need that blender.”

Types of Retargeting Emails You Can’t Afford to Ignore

1. Abandoned Cart Emails: Your Sales Superheroes

These are the most famous retargeting emails—and for good reason. Someone adds items to their cart and then gets cold feet. Maybe the cat jumped on their keyboard. Maybe they needed another paycheck. Whatever the reason, abandoned cart emails swoop in with gentle reminders (or irresistible offers).

👉Example:

“Still thinking it over? We saved your cart for you (plus, here’s 10% off to sweeten the deal).”

That’s remarketing at its finest.

2. Browse Abandonment Emails: The Virtual Window Shopper Nudge

Just like abandoned cart emails, but earlier in the funnel. Someone’s window shopping? These retargeting emails rekindle their curiosity.

👉Real Talk:

You clicked on a watch ad at 2 AM (we’ve all been there). The next day, you get an email: “Still got time for this? Our best-seller is waiting for you!” 

That’s clever remarketing.

3. Post-Purchase Retargeting Emails: Keep the Love Alive

Just because they bought it once doesn’t mean they’re gone. Use retargeting emails to recommend complementary products.

👉Example:

“You bought a camera—why not grab a tripod?” That’s cross-selling magic with a side of remarketing genius.

Why Retargeting Emails Are Conversion Gold

People need reminders. Life gets busy.

And according to a quote from e-commerce guru Ezra Firestone:

“If you’re not sending retargeting emails, you’re leaving money on the table.”

✔️ Abandoned cart emails recover 10-30% of lost sales on average.

✔️ Retargeting emails boost conversion rates by reminding users why they visited you in the first place.

✔️ Remarketing increases brand recall—crucial when customers are comparing options.

How to Craft Irresistible Retargeting Emails

1. Personalize Like You Know Them

No one likes "Dear Customer". Instead use names. Mention their abandoned cart items.

“Hey Sarah, your cozy hoodie is waiting!”

 2. Timing is Everything

Send retargeting emails within 24 hours. It’s like catching someone before they leave the parking lot.

Pro tip: Try a remarketing sequence—one email after an hour, another in 24 hours, then a final “last chance” deal.

3. Incentivize Action

Discounts, free shipping, or limited-time offers work wonders.

“Only 2 left in stock! Complete your purchase now.”

Conclusion

Still debating if retargeting emails and abandoned cart emails are worth it? Consider this: your competitors are already using remarketing to win back potential customers. Why let them steal your sale?

If you’re not leveraging retargeting emails, you’re leaving your digital cash register unmanned.

Ready to boost conversions? Start sending those abandoned cart emails today and embrace the art of remarketing like a pro!

FAQ

What are retargeting emails?

Retargeting emails are follow-up emails sent to website visitors who didn’t complete an action like purchasing. They aim to bring users back.

How do emails about abandoned carts operate?

Customers are reminded via abandoned cart emails that they have left products in their cart. Offers to promote checkout are frequently included in these retargeting emails.

How is remarketing different from retargeting emails?

Remarketing is a wider strategy to bring back attention to users through ad campaigns, emails, and more. Retargeting emails, on the other hand, are just another tool within the marketing strategy. 

How effective are retargeting emails for conversions?

Very! Studies show retargeting emails can recover up to 30% of abandoned carts. Combined with remarketing, they’re conversion rockstars.

How often should I send abandoned cart emails?

Best practice? A series of 2-3 abandoned cart emails within 24-72 hours. Keep it helpful, not spammy, and tie it into your remarketing plan.