
Glossary
Site Retargeting
Site retargeting is a display advertising technique that shows advertisements to people who have previously visited a website. Marketers place tracking pixels on their webpages that set cookies in users' browsers, enabling them to serve targeted ads to these visitors as they browse other websites across the internet.
Context and Usage
Site retargeting is primarily used in digital marketing and e-commerce to re-engage potential customers who have shown interest but left without converting. It is commonly employed by marketing teams and advertising agencies across various industries to maintain brand awareness and encourage return visits. The technique is frequently utilized on display advertising networks, social media platforms, and through programmatic advertising systems to reach users who have abandoned shopping carts or viewed specific products.
Common Challenges
Site retargeting faces significant privacy concerns due to its reliance on tracking user behavior across multiple websites. Users may experience discomfort or feel their privacy is invaded when they notice the same advertisements following them online. The approach is becoming increasingly challenging as privacy regulations tighten and third-party cookies are phased out by major browsers. Additionally, overexposure to the same ads can lead to ad fatigue, diminishing effectiveness and potentially damaging brand perception.
Related Topics: pixel-based retargeting, dynamic creative optimization, cookie tracking, display advertising, programmatic advertising, remarketing, behavioral targeting
Jan 22, 2026
Reviewed by Dan Yan