Behavioral targeting is reading your audience’s mind. It’s about knowing what your visitors want before they even tell you. You look at their actions, habits, and choices to create content they will love. It’s not complicated, and it’s powerful. Below are seven approachable secrets to using behavioral targeting in a way that feels natural and, most importantly, drives conversions.
Start with Simple Actions
Behavioral targeting is simply looking at your audience’s habits. You don’t have to start with advanced algorithms. Start with tracking simple actions. For example, which pages do visitors spend their time on? Do they go back to certain sections? These small details can tell you a lot. Perhaps a visitor who keeps looking at product specs cares about your product’s features, and a visitor who keeps looking at testimonials is looking for social proof. This lets you start simple, understand what makes each visitor tick, and then personalize their experience.
Craft Offers Using Browsing History
A lot can be told from browsing history. Revisiting topics or products visitors are often more interested in. And if someone checks out an item more than once, that’s a signal. If they’re on the fence, they’re not going to buy. You want to nudge them to make a decision, so you adjust a discount or offer for that specific product. People appreciate this level of attentiveness because it feels personal, not pushy
Recognize First-Time vs. Returning Visitors
Behavioral targeting isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. If you’re a first-time visitor, you might need an introduction, but if you’re a returning visitor, you’re probably already familiar with your brand. Consider investing in a special “new visitor” offer or a helpful guide tailored for first-time visitors. If your visitors return to your site, you might want to show them products they viewed last time or new products they might be interested in. It’s about saying hello to them in a way that is familiar but not overwhelming. Regardless of how little it may feel, show them you remember and value their visit.
Customize Your Experience with Segment by Interest
Interest-based segmentation is about putting visitors together who have similar preferences. Perhaps they love the same product category or like a specific type of content. By interest segmenting, you can show content that they will resonate with. If you are running an outdoor gear store and a group regularly checks hiking equipment, for example, why not show them the latest hiking deals or an exclusive blog post on local trails? They feel like you hand-picked the content for them, and this can boost engagement.
Focus on Real-Time Triggers
Immediate responses to your visitor’s actions are real-time triggers. Imagine someone is midway through signing up but stops. Something as simple as, “Need help finishing your sign-up?” can be very effective. If a shopper is hanging out on a specific product, a quick message offering free shipping could push them to check out. Real-time targeting is not much, but it makes you look attentive and ready to help. Just make sure it’s helpful, not intrusive.
Location Based Targeting is something to consider
With location-based targeting, you’re not just sending out generic content. You’re personalizing your marketing to address your audience’s current needs. For example, you can focus on local deals or events, or if you are an e-commerce business, you can focus on how your shipping process is streamlined and efficient. That’s where technologies like id free come into play. This AI-based tool enables you to predict consumer behavior based on anonymous browsing patterns without having to track personal data or rely on traditional cookies.
Personalize Content with Purchase History
Purchase history helps you understand what each customer values. Did they buy a high-end product? Offer them an exclusive on a complimentary item. Have they purchased regularly from you? Reward them with a loyalty discount or early access to new products. Personalizing based on purchase history not only shows you’re paying attention but also builds a deeper connection. Repeat buyers are often your best advocates, so showing them appreciation can keep them coming back.
Conclusion
Behavioral targeting doesn’t have to be a tech-heavy endeavor. It’s about making simple, mindful observations that enhance the visitor experience. When people feel like they’re understood and valued, they’re more likely to trust your brand and convert. Remember, it’s not about overwhelming visitors with prompts and offers. It’s about paying attention to their actions and making thoughtful suggestions that feel natural and valuable. That’s where the magic of behavioral targeting lies.
