16 Behavioral Targeting Ideas for 2025 (eCommerce)

So, what’s the deal with behavioral targeting? 

Well, it’s all about using data to make your shopper’s experience super relevant. 

Behavioral targeting can help you understand what your shoppers are looking for and serve up the best deals and products to keep them coming back for more.

How Does Behavioral Targeting Data Work

Behavioral targeting campaigns leverage a range of data sources to tailor marketing efforts based on user behavior and preferences.

So, how’s data collected:

• Your company's web analytics tools
• Cookies collected during user interactions
• Customers' browsing history
• IP addresses collected during visits

And, all these data sources work together:

• Integration: Combining data from these sources provides a comprehensive view of user behavior. For instance, web analytics tools and cookies can work together to track a shopper's journey from initial visit to conversion, while browsing history and IP addresses add context to this journey.
• Segmentation: With integrated data, you can create detailed user segments based on behavior, interests, and location. This segmentation allows for more precise targeting and personalized marketing efforts.
• Personalization: By leveraging this data, you can deliver customized content, offers, and recommendations that resonate with individual users, enhancing their experience and increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversion.

16 Behavioral Targeting Strategies to Boost Conversions

1. Search query personalization

Fact: Personalized search results can lead to a 43% higher conversion rate. 

How to apply this behavioral targeting strategy:

For new shoppers 

Search query personalization can be a bit trickier since you don’t have a history of their preferences or past behavior. 

✅ Display popular or trending products prominently in search results to guide new shoppers toward items highly rated by others. 

✅ If someone searches for "laptops," you might suggest they refine their search by showing categories like "For Work," "For Gaming," or "For Students," helping them narrow down choices based on common needs.

✅ If a first-time visitor searches for "shoes," the top search results could include items with a "New Customer Discount" badge, encouraging them to make their first purchase.

For returning shoppers  

Customize search results based on previous searches or frequently viewed categories.

✅ Prioritize items from the customer’s wish list or "Save for Later" list in their search results.

✅ If a customer has previously searched for "running shoes," typing "r" might suggest "running gear" or "running accessories" as top suggestions, making it easier for them to find related products.

✅ If a customer is searching for an out-of-stock item, a search for related products could now prioritize that item with a notification that it’s back in stock.

2. Exit-intent popups

Fact: Exit-intent popups can convert 10-15% of abandoning visitors into customers.

How to apply this behavioral targeting strategy:

✅ Gamification 

Make the exit-intent popup more fun and memorable, encouraging users to stay and engage with your site.

Implement a mini-game or spin-to-win wheel that lets shoppers win discounts or prizes.

✅ Urgent-based copy

When someone’s about to bounce off your site, hit them with an exit-intent popup: "Wait! Get 10% off if you complete your purchase now!" 

Add a countdown timer to nudge shoppers to checkout. 

3. Browsing history highlights

Fact: 47% of shoppers will visit a site up to 3-4 times before making a purchase.

How to apply this behavioral targeting strategy:

✅ Include a section that shows the visitor their recently viewed items or products they interacted with.

Let’s say a shopper spent a lot of time checking out your summer dresses. 

The next time they visit, show them those same dresses along with a few new arrivals in the same style. It’s like saying, "We know you’ve got great taste—check these out!"

✅ Create a “Continue Shopping” section with products related to their previous searches or browsing history.

✅ Feature curated collections or lists of products based on the visitor’s previous browsing history (e.g., “Top Picks for You”).

4. Geolocation targeting

Fact: Geolocation targeting can boost conversion rates by up to 30%.

How to apply this behavioral targeting strategy:

✅ Localize product recommendations

If you know a shopper is browsing from a cold place, you could show them cozy sweaters and winter boots upfront. 

Or, if they’re in a sunny spot, highlight those beach towels and swimsuits. It’s all about making your site feel super relevant to where they are.

✅ Region-specific promotions

Offer promotions or discounts that are relevant to the visitor’s location, such as regional sales or local event promotions.

✅ Localized customer support

Provide customer support options that cater to the visitor’s location, such as local phone numbers or region-specific FAQs.

5. Social proof integration

Fact: Displaying social proof can increase conversions by up to 15%.

How to apply this behavioral targeting strategy:

✅ Show real-time notifications like, "Sarah from New York just bought this!" or "20 people are viewing this product right now” to create fear of missing out (FOMO).

✅ Integrate feeds or highlights from your social media accounts that show customer interactions, product posts, or positive feedback.

✅ Showcase user-generated content such as customer photos, videos, or testimonials related to the products they’ve viewed or are interested in.

6. Referral program nudges

Fact: Referral programs have a 3x higher conversion rate than other channels.

How to apply this behavioral targeting strategy:

✅ Time the referral prompt during checkout – leveraging the customer's positive purchasing experience, increasing the likelihood they’ll refer others.

✅ Combine referral rewards with loyalty points to enhance engagement and make the referral program more appealing.

✅ If a customer has shared your content before, send them a quick, "Love sharing? Get rewards for bringing friends on board!" It’s an easy way to turn your fans into ambassadors.

7. Replenishment reminders

Fact: 49% of customers say they are more likely to make an impulse purchase if they receive a personalized reminder.

How to apply this behavioral targeting strategy:

✅ Send reminders based on the typical repurchase cycle for products. For example, if a customer bought a skincare product known to last 30 days, send a reminder around that time.

✅ Use persuasive copy, "Running low? Restock your favorites with a special discount!" It’s convenient and thoughtful—who wouldn’t appreciate that?

✅ Send replenishment reminders via email or SMS, depending on the customer’s communication preferences.

💡Avoid overloading customers with too many reminders. Find the right balance to keep them informed without being intrusive.

8. Behavior-based retargeting ads

Fact: Retargeting can lead to a 10x increase in click-through rates.

How to apply this behavioral targeting strategy:

✅ Target shoppers who have abandoned their cart with ads reminding them of the items left behind and possibly offering a discount or incentive.

✅ Implement a sequential retargeting strategy where shoppers are shown different ads based on their stage in the buying journey. For example, a 20% discount pop-up in the USA. In locations with high shipping rates, a 10% discount pop-up can nudge shoppers to checkout faster. 

✅ Adjust retargeting ads based on how much time has passed since the shopper’s last interaction with your store site. For example, if shoppers have abandoned carts, then let them see products from their cart for higher recall. 

9. Feedback request after specific actions

Fact: 70% of consumers will leave a review when asked after making a purchase.

How to apply this behavioral targeting strategy:

✅ Request feedback after specific interactions on your site, such as viewing a particular product category or using a specific feature (e.g., product filters).

✅ For brands using AR, incorporate feedback requests into the AR experience. For example, after trying on virtual clothes, ask users for their opinions on the virtual try-on feature.

✅ After someone makes a purchase or interacts with your site, ask for feedback. A simple, "How was your experience?" or "Love your new purchase? Let us know!" can make them feel heard and valued.

10. VIP customer recognition

Fact: VIP customers are 3x more likely to convert compared to average customers. 

How to apply this behavioral targeting strategy:

✅ Create subscription boxes or bundles that deliver customized experiences or products to VIP customers based on their interests and past behavior.

✅ Offer VIP customers or loyalty members exclusive access to new product launches and involve them in beta product testing.  

✅ If you’ve got customers who spend big or shop often, treat them like royalty! Send them exclusive offers or early access to sale emails with a message like, "As one of our top customers, you get first dibs!"

11. Device-based targeting 

Fact: A report says that mobile devices account for approximately 54.8% of global web traffic, while desktops account for around 39.8%. 

How to apply this behavioral targeting strategy:

✅ Show product recommendations based on devices. For example, recommend bigger products on desktops. This way, shoppers can zoom in and see the product better on desktop than on mobile. 

✅ Offer special promotions or discounts that are tailored to specific devices. For instance, provide a mobile-exclusive discount or a desktop-only offer.

✅ Analyze user behavior based on the device they use, such as browsing patterns, time spent on site, and purchase behaviors, and use this data to trigger certain actions like exit-intent pop-ups.

 12. Personalize influencer marketing

Fact: 49% of consumers depend on influencer recommendations to make purchase decisions.

How to apply this behavioral targeting strategy:

✅ Collaborate with influencers to create content that resonates with the behavioral patterns of your audience. If data shows that your audience prefers video content, work with influencers to produce engaging video reviews or tutorials of your products.

✅ Offer a special discount code for a specific product category that aligns with the interests of both the influencer's audience and your target segments.

13. Abandoned cart recovery

Fact: A/B testing of abandoned cart recovery strategies can improve conversion rates by up to 50%.

How to apply this behavioral targeting strategy:

✅ Send an email within an hour of abandonment, followed by a second email with an increased discount if the cart remains unpurchased after 24 hours.

✅ Adjust pricing or offer time-limited discounts based on the likelihood of abandonment and user behavior.

✅ Utilize multiple channels for recovery efforts, such as email, SMS, push notifications, and social media.

14. eCommerce SEO

Fact: Personalized content leads to a 20% increase in time spent on-site and a 10% increase in click-through rates.

How to apply this behavioral targeting strategy:

✅ Create detailed guides. For example, if you sell shoes, write an optimized guide on “How to Choose the Perfect Running Shoes” if your data shows that users are highly engaged with running-related content.

✅ Analyse frequently searched words relevant to your industry. For example, create category and landing pages with “best budget smartphones,” so they rank better. 

✅ Create content that addresses specific questions or needs and target long-tail keywords. 

You must also read: Finding The Right Target Audience In eCommerce: 16 Proven Strategies

15. Optimize customer service 

Fact: Proactive customer service can reduce churn by up to 60% and increase customer satisfaction by 30%. 

How to apply this behavioral targeting strategy:

✅ Follow up with customers who recently made a purchase to check satisfaction and offer additional support or related product recommendations.

✅ Develop guides or FAQs that address common issues faced by customers who frequently return products or experience shipping delays.

✅ If a customer is spending a lot of time on the checkout page, trigger a live chat offering assistance with the purchase process.

16. Social commerce

Fact: 54% of social media users use platforms to research products before making a purchase.

How to apply this behavioral targeting strategy:

✅ Use behavioral data to form and manage groups or forums where customers can discuss products, share experiences, and engage with your brand.

✅ Tag products in posts based on user interests and browsing behavior, and ensure easy navigation to purchase.

✅ Launch a hashtag campaign encouraging users to post photos of themselves using your products, and share the best posts on your brand’s social media profiles.

Frequently asked questions - Behavioral Targeting

1. What is behavioral targeting in eCommerce?

Behavioral targeting in eCommerce involves using data on users’ online activities—like browsing history, search queries, and purchase behavior—to deliver personalized marketing content and advertisements. The goal is to show relevant products and offers to individual users based on their behavior.

2. How does behavioral targeting benefit eCommerce businesses?

Behavioral targeting helps eCommerce businesses by:

• Increasing Conversion Rates: Showing relevant ads and offers to users who are more likely to purchase.
• Enhancing User Experience: Personalizing the shopping experience based on individual preferences.
• Reducing Ad Spend Waste: Ensuring that marketing efforts are focused on users who have shown interest in similar products.
• Boosting Customer Retention: Engaging users with personalized content and offers keep them coming back.

3. Are there privacy concerns with behavioral targeting?

Yes, privacy is a concern with behavioral targeting. Users may feel uneasy about how their data is collected and used. To address these concerns:

• Transparency: Clearly inform users about data collection practices and provide opt-out options.
• Data Security: Ensure that user data is securely stored and protected.
• Compliance: Adhere to regulations like GDPR and CCPA that govern data privacy and user consent.

4. How can businesses measure the success of their behavioral targeting efforts?

Businesses can measure success by tracking key metrics such as:

• Click-Through Rate (CTR): The percentage of users who click on targeted ads or content.
• Conversion Rate: The percentage of users who complete a desired action, such as making a purchase.
• Return on Ad Spend (ROAS): The revenue generated from targeted ads compared to the cost of those ads.
• Customer Engagement: Levels of interaction with personalized content and offers.

5. What are some best practices for implementing behavioral targeting?

Best practices include:

• Data Quality: Ensure accurate and comprehensive data collection for effective targeting.
• Segmentation: Create detailed user segments based on behavior to improve targeting precision.
• Testing and Optimization: Regularly test different targeting strategies and optimize based on performance data.
• User Consent: Obtain explicit consent from users for data collection and targeting activities.

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