Retargeting works best when it aligns with what people actually do, not just who they are. Buyer behavior reveals intent, motivation, and readiness to purchase. According to recent marketing analyses, over 70% of consumers expect brands to understand their needs and adjust communications accordingly. Additionally, behavior-based targeting can increase conversion rates by up to 2–3 times compared to demographic-only campaigns.
Key Behavioral Signals to Watch
1. Page Engagement Depth
Not all website visits are equal. Time on page, scroll depth, and the number of product pages viewed are strong indicators of interest. Research shows that users who view three or more product pages are up to 60% more likely to convert.
2. Repeat Visits
A returning visitor signals sustained interest. Studies show that return visitors convert at nearly twice the rate of first-time visitors, making them an ideal segment for refined retargeting.
3. Cart Activity
Approximately 7 out of 10 online shopping carts are abandoned — a major behavioural signal to capture for retargeting
Cart additions, even without completing checkout, are one of the strongest signals of purchase intent. Over 70% of online shopping carts are abandoned, yet many of these users are still highly convertible with the right reminder sequence.
Crafting Stronger Retargeting Campaigns
Build Behavior-Based Segments
Retargeted visitors can be as much as 70% more likely to convert — making behaviour-based segments critical
Group visitors by their actions: high-intent product viewers, comparison shoppers, cart abandoners, and returning visitors. This allows you to deliver messages aligned with where they are in the buying journey.
Use Progressive Messaging
Shift your retargeting content based on the user's most recent behavior. Early-stage users may respond to educational content, while cart abandoners benefit from urgency-based messaging.
Measure and Refine
Behavior-driven retargeting thrives on continuous optimization. Analyze which behavioral segments yield the highest clicks, conversions, and revenue to refine your audience structure.
