Why Mobile Retargeting is Essential for Omnichannel Marketing
Today’s consumers engage across multiple devices and platforms, moving seamlessly between mobile, desktop, connected TV (CTV), and social media. For brands, this means that a single-channel approach is no longer enough. Mobile retargeting plays a critical role in an omnichannel strategy, ensuring that brands stay top-of-mind and drive conversions by reinforcing messaging where users spend most of their time: on mobile devices.
The data speaks for itself:
- Ad engagement increases by 400 percent after running a retargeting campaign (Ranktracker).
- Retargeting ads are 10 times more effective than standard display ads.
- Cart abandonment rates drop by at least 6.5 percent when retargeting is used.
- Mobile app retargeting boosts conversion rates by 38 percent.
- Retargeting can increase overall conversion rates by 43 percent across all devices.
These statistics confirm that retargeting is not just an optimization tactic—it is essential for brands looking to build a cohesive, effective omnichannel strategy. Below, we break down five actionable ways to leverage app retargeting across multiple platforms, with real-world use cases from different verticals.
Five Ways Retargeting Strengthens Omnichannel Marketing
1. Cross-Channel Retargeting for Mobile Games
A mobile RPG game is struggling with player churn. Players download the game, engage for a few days, and then drop off. The studio has already attempted push notifications and email campaigns with limited success.
The solution lies in a cross-channel retargeting strategy that integrates in-app ads, social media, and CTV retargeting to create multiple re-engagement opportunities.
- In-App Retargeting: Users who have not played in seven days are shown a compelling in-game message about a special event or a new feature update.
- Social Media Retargeting: Players are targeted with dynamic Facebook and Instagram ads that showcase limited-time rewards or character unlocks.
- CTV Retargeting: Ads featuring immersive gameplay and exclusive in-game events are served to lapsed players on streaming platforms, reinforcing brand recall on a larger screen.
By delivering cohesive messaging across multiple platforms, the game is able to re-engage players in a way that feels natural and personalized. This approach results in a significant increase in app reopens and in-app purchases.
2. Dynamic Personalization for Sports Betting Apps
A sports betting app sees a high number of users signing up but failing to place their first bet. Traditional user acquisition campaigns have brought in traffic, but retention remains a challenge.
A dynamically personalized retargeting strategy is key to converting these users into active bettors.
- Behavior-Based Retargeting: If a user browses a specific game’s betting odds but does not place a wager, they are later retargeted with a mobile ad featuring an exclusive promotion related to that same event.
- Live-Game Retargeting: The app syncs its retargeting efforts with live game events, sending push notifications or CTV ads reminding users to place a bet before halftime.
- Geotargeted Offers: Users in specific states with newly legalized sports betting are served tailored promotions encouraging them to place their first wager.
By leveraging real-time events and user preferences, the app personalizes its messaging, making it more likely for users to engage. This approach increases first-time bet conversions.
3. CTV Retargeting to Drive Conversions for an E-commerce Brand
An e-commerce fashion retailer is experiencing high cart abandonment rates, with users browsing products but failing to complete their purchases. Email follow-ups have had limited success in recovering abandoned carts.
A CTV and mobile retargeting strategy bridges the gap between brand awareness and conversion.
- CTV Retargeting: The brand runs personalized video ads on streaming platforms, featuring the exact products a user viewed on the website, along with a limited-time discount.
- Mobile Retargeting Ads: Shortly after a user sees a CTV ad, they are served a mobile ad displaying the same products with a one-click checkout feature.
- Email and SMS Retargeting: A final nudge is sent via email or SMS with a personalized message reinforcing urgency: “Only a few left in stock—complete your purchase today.”
By aligning CTV advertising with mobile and email retargeting, the brand reduces cart abandonment by and increases conversions.
4. Location-Based Retargeting for QSR (Quick-Service Restaurants)
A national fast-food chain is looking to drive more mobile orders and in-store visits. Traditional paid media campaigns are generating brand awareness, but they lack the ability to convert at the right moment.
Location-based retargeting is the key to turning awareness into action.
- Geofencing Technology: When users are within a one-mile radius of a restaurant location, they receive a push notification or mobile ad with a personalized offer.
- Dynamic Mobile Ads: Users who have engaged with the brand’s app but not placed an order in the past two weeks are retargeted with a “Welcome Back” discount.
- Real-Time Event Promotions: The brand syncs retargeting ads with major events (e.g., game nights or concerts) and promotes time-sensitive meal deals for users in relevant locations.
By connecting location data with real-time engagement triggers, the brand sees an increase in mobile orders and foot traffic.
5. Retargeting Abandoned Bookings for a Travel App
A travel app is experiencing a high rate of abandoned bookings. Users browse flights or hotels, but hesitate to complete the transaction.
A multi-touchpoint retargeting approach helps re-engage these users and drive conversion.
- Personalized Email Retargeting: Users receive an email highlighting the exact destination they searched, along with an exclusive discount.
- Google Display Ads: The app runs dynamic retargeting ads on Google Display, showcasing the user’s recently viewed flights or hotels.
- Mobile and CTV Retargeting: To reinforce messaging, users also see engaging video ads on YouTube and streaming platforms, showcasing beautiful visuals of their dream destination.
By keeping travel deals top-of-mind across multiple platforms, the travel app recovers almost half of abandoned bookings.
Takeaways: Why Retargeting is Essential for Omnichannel Marketing
- Cross-channel consistency enhances brand recall—users need multiple touchpoints before converting.
- Personalized, dynamic messaging drives higher engagement—ads that align with user behavior increase conversion rates.
- CTV retargeting offers powerful full-screen engagement—big-screen exposure reinforces mobile-driven actions.
- Location-based strategies maximize relevance—retargeting at the right moment leads to better results.
- Booking recovery strategies boost revenue—reminding users about abandoned searches keeps them engaged.
Maximize Your Omnichannel Strategy with YouAppi
Omnichannel marketing is about more than just reaching users across different platforms—it’s about delivering the right message at the right time to the right audience.
At YouAppi, we specialize in data-driven retargeting solutions that integrate seamlessly across mobile, CTV, and digital channels. Our strategies have helped brands increase app reopens, boost ROI, and recover abandoned conversions at scale.
Ready to take your retargeting strategy to the next level? Contact YouAppi today to discover how our omnichannel solutions can help you drive engagement, retention, and revenue.