Inevitably, some of your customers will lose interest over time. But that doesn’t mean they’re gone for good. A thoughtful re-engagement strategy can remind your previous customers why they chose your brand in the first place. Whether they’ve stopped opening your emails, abandoned a cart, or haven’t made a purchase in months, these 9 re-engagement marketing strategies will help you bring them back.
9 Re-Engagement Marketing Strategies: How to Win Back Your Customers
First, why bother re-engaging your customers at all? If your customer has lost interest, why not let them go?
Generally, it’s easier and less expensive to re-engage a previous customer than it is to engage a new one. Logically, this makes sense; you’ve already overcome this customer’s objections and convinced them to buy your product. Though it’s possible that they had a negative experience and aren’t likely to come back, it’s more likely that other circumstances arose to cause them to forget or temporarily lose interest in your brand. Strategic re-engagement techniques can help bring them back.
1. Send a Win-Back Email Campaign
Sometimes, all it takes is a well-timed reminder. Win-back emails are designed specifically for inactive customers and often include a friendly message, an incentive to return, or a highlight about what they’ve been missing. Use personalization to remind them of past purchases, and create a subject line that sparks curiosity or emotion. Keep it simple and customer-centric, not pushy.
2. Offer a Personalized Discount or Perk
People are more likely to return if there’s something in it for them, especially if it feels tailored to their interests. Consider sending a special offer based on what they’ve browsed or bought in the past. A time-sensitive discount, free shipping, or loyalty points can tip the scales in your favor.
3. Ask for Feedback
If a former customer has stopped engaging with your brand, asking why can be both respectful and insightful. A short survey or open-ended email can help you understand the reasons behind their lack of engagement. You might uncover an issue you weren’t aware of—or simply show that you care enough to ask. Either way, it can open the door to a renewed connection.
4. Highlight What’s New
Sometimes customers lose interest because they think nothing has changed. Use this to your advantage by showcasing new products, features, services, or updates they may have missed. A “Here’s What’s New” email or ad campaign can refresh their interest and give them a reason to come back.
5. Use Retargeting Ads
Re-engagement doesn’t have to rely on email alone. Retargeting ads can help you stay visible to inactive customers across social media and websites. Create targeted campaigns with specific messages for past customers, such as limited offers, product restocks, or new arrivals related to their previous interests.
6. Leverage Loyalty Programs
If you have a rewards program, highlight the benefits your inactive customers are missing out on. Show them how many points they’ve accumulated, how close they are to a reward, or what perks come with rejoining. Loyalty programs can be a strong motivator, especially if customers already have value stored in your system.
7. Create Urgency with Limited-Time Offers
Urgency is a proven motivator. Time-sensitive promotions, countdowns, or flash sales can encourage quick decisions and bring former customers back into the fold. Pair the urgency with clear value to avoid seeming gimmicky. Focus on what they gain, not just what they miss out on.
8. Showcase Social Proof and Testimonials
Reinforce trust by showing what others love about your brand. If a lapsed customer has doubts, seeing real stories and reviews from happy users can help them reconnect emotionally. Include customer testimonials, star ratings, or even user-generated content in your re-engagement efforts.
9. Re-Introduce Your Brand with a Fresh Take
If it’s been a while, your customers may have forgotten what makes your brand special or how it’s evolved. Consider sending a “re-introduction” message that summarizes your brand values, highlights recent improvements, or includes a short story from your team. It can be a great way to rebuild emotional connection and stand out from generic reactivation attempts.
Re-engaging customers doesn’t require a complete overhaul, but simply a thoughtful plan to pique your customers’ interest again. Each re-engagement strategy can be an opportunity to rebuild trust and turn quiet customers into loyal ones once again.