Retargeting Strategies for Affiliate Marketing: Re-Engaging Users and Increasing Conversions

Affiliate marketing is not just about generating clicks — it's about driving conversions. Often, users may click on an affiliate link but leave without making a purchase. This is where retargeting strategies for affiliate marketing come into play. By re-engaging users who’ve already shown interest, you can dramatically increase your conversion rates and boost your affiliate earnings.

In this post, we'll explore the best practices for affiliate retargeting, the tools you can use, and how to stay compliant while doing it.

What Is Retargeting in Affiliate Marketing?

Retargeting (also called remarketing) is a digital marketing strategy that involves showing ads or follow-up content to users who have previously interacted with your affiliate content — such as visiting a review post, clicking on a product link, or abandoning a cart on a partner website.

Why Is Retargeting Important for Affiliates?

96% of visitors leave websites without converting on the first visit

Retargeted users are 70% more likely to convert than cold traffic

It keeps your offer top-of-mind even after users leave your site

Retargeting allows affiliates to maintain visibility and encourage users to come back and complete their purchase.

Best Retargeting Strategies for Affiliate Marketing

1. Pixel-Based Retargeting on Your Website

Install tracking pixels (such as Facebook Pixel or Google Ads tag) on your affiliate content pages. These tools collect visitor data and allow you to create custom audiences based on specific behaviors.

Example: If a user visits your blog post about “best wireless earbuds,” you can show them a Facebook ad for the top product you recommended — complete with your affiliate link.

💡 Tip: Focus on high-intent pages, such as product comparisons or reviews.

2. Use Email Retargeting (If You Collect Emails)

If you have a lead magnet or opt-in form on your site, use email automation to follow up with segmented subscribers based on the affiliate content they engaged with.

Send reminder emails with exclusive discounts or time-sensitive deals

Offer follow-up product tips or additional value

Include affiliate links with clear disclosure

Tools like ConvertKit, Mailchimp, or ActiveCampaign make this easy to implement.

3. Retarget Through Paid Ads

Platforms like Google Ads, Facebook, and YouTube allow you to retarget visitors with personalized ads. Here’s how:

Dynamic Product Ads: Show users the exact product they viewed

Carousel Ads: Highlight multiple affiliate products in one ad

Video Ads: Create engaging content that adds value and links to your affiliate post

Ensure your destination is compliant (usually your blog, not a direct affiliate link).

4. Retargeting Through Content Repurposing

Turn blog posts or reviews into other formats for different platforms:

Instagram Reels or TikToks

YouTube Shorts

Pinterest pins

Email summaries

This helps re-engage users who may have missed or forgotten your affiliate offer.

5. Use Exit-Intent Popups and Smart Widgets

Exit-intent popups can capture the attention of users leaving your page. Use them to:

Offer a lead magnet

Share a discount link

Remind users of the product benefit

You can also use tools like OptinMonster or Hello Bar for these widgets.

Important Considerations: Compliance and Ethics

Many affiliate programs (especially Amazon Associates) have strict rules about retargeting. Always:

Link to your content rather than directly to an affiliate offer in ads

Include clear disclosures in ads and emails

Respect user privacy and comply with GDPR/CCPA regulations

Conclusion

Retargeting is a powerful way to maximize affiliate marketing performance. By strategically re-engaging users who have already expressed interest, you increase your chances of conversion without spending more to attract new traffic.

Whether you use pixels, emails, paid ads, or content repurposing, the goal is the same: remind, reinforce, and convert.

FAQs

Q1: Can I retarget users directly to an affiliate link?

No, most ad platforms and affiliate programs (like Amazon) prohibit direct linking in retargeting ads. Always drive traffic back to your own content first.

Q2: What tools can I use for retargeting?

Popular tools include Facebook Pixel, Google Ads, Google Tag Manager, OptinMonster, and email platforms like ConvertKit and ActiveCampaign.

Q3: Do I need to disclose affiliate links in retargeted content?

Yes. FTC guidelines require you to disclose affiliate relationships, even in retargeted ads or emails.

Q4: Is retargeting expensive for affiliate marketers?

It can be cost-effective. Since you're targeting a warm audience, the cost per conversion is typically lower than cold traffic campaigns.

Q5: Can I retarget users if I don't collect emails?

Yes. Pixel-based retargeting through Facebook or Google allows you to create ad audiences without collecting emails.