Stop Chasing New Clicks: How to Actually Make Money with Remarketing

We’ve all been there: You check your Google Ads dashboard, see plenty of traffic, but the conversions just… aren’t happening. It feels like you’re paying for a lot of window shoppers who walk in, look around, and leave without saying a word.

In the industry, we call that a “leaky funnel.” But at 1SEO, we call it a missed opportunity.

The secret isn’t always “get more traffic.” Usually, the secret is talking to the people who already know you in a way that actually makes sense. Here are 5 ways we’re using remarketing lists right now to stop the bleed and start seeing a real ROI.

1. Stop Paying for “Bouncers”

Before we talk about who to target, let’s talk about who to ignore. We’ve all accidentally clicked an ad and hit the “back” button in under two seconds.

If a user spends less than 5 seconds on your site, they aren’t a lead; they’re a mistake. By creating a “Low Engagement” list and excluding it from your campaigns, you stop lighting money on fire. It’s the easiest way to give yourself an immediate “raise” in your ad budget.

2. The “Pricing Page” Power Play

Not all page views are equal. Someone who reads your “About Us” page is curious. Someone who spends three minutes on your Pricing or Services page is basically holding their wallet out.

We like to set up “Bid Adjustments” for these high-intent users. If they go back to Google and search for your services again, we want your brand to be the first thing they see—at any cost—because we know they’re 90% of the way to a “Yes.”

3. Use Your Video Fans

If someone sat through 60 seconds of your brand’s YouTube video, they’re officially “warm.” They know your face, your voice, and your vibe.

Instead of hitting them with a generic “Buy Now” ad, we use those YouTube viewer lists to show them a specific Search ad that answers the questions they probably still have. It feels less like an ad and more like a follow-up conversation.

4. Don’t Ignore the “Almost” Customers

The “Abandoned Cart” or “Unfinished Form” list is PPC 101, but most people do it wrong. They just show the same ad over and over until the user gets annoyed.

The Human Fix: Change the message. If they didn’t finish the form, maybe they’re confused? Try an ad that offers a free consultation or a “Check out our FAQs” link. Address the roadblock instead of just shouting your brand name at them again.

5. The “Loyalty” Loop (Upselling)

The biggest mistake we see? Treating a customer who just spent $1,000 with you exactly the same as a total stranger.

If they just bought a high-end product, stop showing them ads for that product! Instead, put them on a specific list to see ads for complementary items. If they bought the grill, show them the cover and the toolset. It’s helpful, not pushy.

The Bottom Line

Remarketing shouldn’t feel like you’re being followed around the internet by a creepy billboard. When done right, it feels like a brand actually “gets” where you are in the process.

If your current PPC strategy is just “throw it at the wall and see what sticks,” let’s chat. We’ll look under the hood of your account and see where your best leads are falling through the cracks.

Ready to expand your marketing strategy? Contact us today to evaluate your marketing funnel.