How to Build a Retargeting Grid That Segments Warm Traffic by Behavior and Serves Different Messaging to Each Segment

How to Build a Retargeting Grid That Segments Warm Traffic by Behavior and Serves Different Messaging to Each Segment

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Author: Jeremy Haynes | founder of Megalodon Marketing.

Table of Contents

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Your retargeting ads are either nonexistent or completely backwards.

Most coaches I work with are dumping money into cold traffic, getting website visitors or video views, and then just… letting those people disappear into the void. No retargeting strategy. No follow-up. No system to bring them back.

Or they’re running retargeting ads, but they’re showing the same generic “buy my thing” message to everyone regardless of what they engaged with or where they are in the buying journey.

Both approaches are leaving money on the table.

Here’s the reality: Someone who watched your free training video needs different messaging than someone who visited your pricing page. Someone who’s been following you for months but hasn’t bought needs a different push than someone who just discovered you yesterday.

Treating all warm traffic the same is like having one conversation topic for every person you meet. It doesn’t work. Studies show that segmented campaigns drive a 760% increase in revenue compared to non-segmented approaches, proving the power of personalized messaging.

I’m going to show you the exact retargeting grid I use and teach – a system that segments your warm audience and serves them specific messaging based on their behavior and level of awareness. Not theory. The actual framework that converts skeptics into buyers.

If your business is already generating $100k+ per month, My Inner Circle is where you break through to the next level. Inside, I’ll help you identify and solve the bottlenecks holding you back so you can scale faster and with more clarity.

Now, let’s break it down.

Why Showing the Same Generic Ad to Everyone Who Visited Your Site Leaves Money on the Table

Before we build the grid, let’s talk about why most coaches’ retargeting efforts fall flat.

The typical approach goes something like this: Run some ads, get traffic to your site, maybe set up one retargeting campaign that shows the same ad to everyone who visited.

That’s not a strategy. That’s lazy.

Here’s what’s wrong with this approach:

No Segmentation: You’re treating someone who bounced after 5 seconds the same as someone who read your entire sales page. Those people are in completely different mental states.

No Message Matching: Your retargeting ad isn’t addressing the specific thing they engaged with. It’s generic and forgettable. Research indicates that personalized retargeting ads see click-through rates 10x higher than generic display ads, demonstrating the critical importance of message relevance.

No Awareness Progression: You’re trying to sell to people who aren’t ready yet, or you’re still educating people who are already convinced and just need a push.

No Frequency Control: You’re either showing the same ad so many times it becomes annoying, or not showing it enough to matter.

No Objection Handling: Your retargeting doesn’t address the specific objections or questions that came up based on what they viewed.

The retargeting grid fixes all of this by creating a systematic approach to who sees what message when.

Build a Retargeting Matrix With Two Axes: Level of Awareness and Engagement Type

Here’s the core framework. Think of it as a matrix with two axes:

Vertical Axis: Level of Awareness

  • Cold (just discovered you)
  • Warm (engaged with your content)
  • Hot (seriously considering buying)

Horizontal Axis: Engagement Type

  • Content consumers (watched videos, read blogs)
  • Info seekers (downloaded lead magnets, attended webinars)
  • Product browsers (visited sales pages, pricing pages)

Each cell in this grid gets different messaging. That’s how you create a retargeting strategy that actually converts.

Let me break down each segment and what messaging works.

How to Retarget People Who Watched Your Videos or Read Blog Posts But Haven’t Taken Action

These people watched your videos, read your blog posts, or engaged with your social content. They’re aware you exist and find you interesting, but they haven’t taken any concrete action yet.

The Warm Content Consumer

Who they are: Watched at least 50% of a video, spent 2+ minutes on a blog post, or engaged with multiple pieces of content.

What they need: More value and a clear next step that’s low commitment.

Retargeting message: Lead magnet or free resource related to the content they consumed.

“Enjoyed that training on [topic]? Here’s the free framework I use with my coaching clients to implement what we covered.”

Don’t try to sell yet. Give them a reason to raise their hand and enter your world more deeply.

The Hot Content Consumer

Who they are: Consumed multiple pieces of your content across different topics. They’re clearly interested and learning from you.

What they need: An invitation to take the relationship further with a low-risk offer.

Retargeting message: Application for discovery call, low-ticket offer, or challenge/workshop.

“You’ve been learning about [topic area]. Ready to get personalized help implementing this in your business? Book a free strategy session.”

They’re educated. They trust you. They need an invitation to work together.

How to Retarget People Who Downloaded Lead Magnet or Attended Webinar But Haven’t Bought

These people downloaded your lead magnet, attended your webinar, or joined your email list. They’ve raised their hand and expressed explicit interest.

The Warm Info Seeker

Who they are: Downloaded your resource or attended your training within the last 7 days.

What they need: Immediate follow-up while the value is fresh in their mind.

Retargeting message: Case study or success story showing the resource in action.

“Just grabbed the [lead magnet]? Here’s how [client name] used it to [specific result] in [timeframe].”

Show them what’s possible when they actually implement what you gave them.

The Hot Info Seeker

Who they are: Downloaded multiple resources or attended a training but hasn’t booked a call or purchased.

What they need: Urgency and a specific offer that matches their demonstrated interest area.

Retargeting message: Time-sensitive offer or limited availability messaging.

“You downloaded our [resource] on [topic]. I’m opening up [X] spots for [relevant offer] this month. Interested?”

They’ve consumed your free stuff. Time to present the paid opportunity.

How to Retarget Highest Intent People Who Visited Sales Page or Pricing Page

These are your highest-intent people. They’ve visited your sales pages, looked at pricing, and maybe even started an application. They’re seriously considering working with you.

The Warm Product Browser

Who they are: Visited your sales or pricing page but didn’t take action. Maybe spent 30 seconds, maybe a few minutes.

What they need: More information about the transformation and social proof.

Retargeting message: Detailed case study or results showcase.

“Still thinking about [program name]? Here’s what happened when [similar client] invested in the program [timeframe] ago.”

They need to see proof that this works before they’ll commit.

The Hot Product Browser

Who they are: Multiple visits to sales pages, maybe started an application, definitely serious, but something’s holding them back.

What they need: Objection handling and urgency.

Retargeting message: Address common objections and create urgency.

“I know investing in [program] is a big decision. Here are the three questions most people have before joining: [objection 1, 2, 3]. Let’s talk through them.”

Or: “Spots for [program] are filling up. Only [X] left for [month]. If you’ve been considering it, now’s the time.”

They’re on the fence. Give them the push they need.

How to Retarget People Who Started Application or Added to Cart But Did Not Complete Purchase

Special segment for coaches with self-service products or application funnels.

Who they are: Started your application, added something to cart, or got partway through your funnel but didn’t complete.

What they need: Removal of friction and reassurance.

Retargeting message: Simple reminder with reduced friction.

“You started your application for [program]. It’ll take 3 minutes to finish. Here’s the link to pick up where you left off.”

Or: “Questions about [program] that stopped you from applying? Hit reply and I’ll answer them personally.”

Sometimes people just got distracted. Remind them and make it easy to continue.

Show Retargeting Ads Day One to Three for Immediate Follow Up Day Four to Fourteen for Nurture and Decision

When you show these retargeting ads matters as much as what they say.

Here’s the timing structure:

Day 1-3: The Immediate Follow-Up

This is when they’re most likely to remember who you are and what they engaged with.

Hit them with highly relevant messaging specific to what they just did.

Example: Someone watches your video about scaling to six figures → Immediately retarget with a case study about a client who scaled to six figures using your method.

Day 4-7: The Nurture Phase

They haven’t converted yet, but they’re still warm. Continue providing value while making offers clear.

Example: Show them additional content pieces related to their interest area, mixed with soft pitch messaging.

Day 8-14: The Decision Phase

Now you’re creating urgency and addressing objections more directly.

Example: “Still on the fence about [program]? Let’s talk through your specific situation. Book a call.”

Day 15-30: The Long Play

Some people need more time. Stay visible but don’t be annoying.

Example: Rotate through your best content and social proof. Show them you’re still here when they’re ready.

Day 30+: The Reactivation

After 30 days, they’re either going to convert or they’re not in this cycle. Move them to a “cold” audience for future campaigns, or serve them very occasional brand awareness content.

Match Creative Style to Audience Sophistication: Casual for Content Consumers, Sales Mode for Product Browsers

The creative (images/video) in your retargeting ads needs to match the sophistication of the audience.

For Content Consumers

Use casual, native-looking content. These people aren’t ready for polished sales material.

  • Screenshot from your video they watched
  • Simple text-based graphics with valuable insights
  • Behind-the-scenes content
  • Authentic photos of you working

For Info Seekers

Slightly more polished, but still educational. They’ve opted in but aren’t ready for hard sells.

  • Infographics related to their download
  • Video testimonials
  • Results screenshots
  • Transformation photos (if relevant to your niche)

For Product Browsers

Now you can go full sales mode. These people are evaluating whether to buy.

  • Professional testimonial videos
  • Detailed results screenshots with metrics
  • Comparison charts showing your offer vs alternatives
  • Direct pitch-style content

The creative should reflect how seriously they’re considering your offer.

Rotate Through Five Message Types: Value First, Social Proof Urgency, Objection Handling, Direct Pitch

Within each segment, rotate through different message types to test what resonates:

Value-First Messages

Lead with pure value, soft CTA.

“Here’s the exact framework I use with clients to [outcome].”

Social Proof Messages

Let results do the talking.

“[Client] went from [before] to [after] in [timeframe] using [your method].”

Urgency Messages

Create FOMO and scarcity.

“Enrollment closes Friday. Only [X] spots left.”

Objection-Handling Messages

Address the elephant in the room.

“Not sure if coaching is worth the investment? Here’s the ROI breakdown.”

Direct Pitch Messages

Just ask for the sale clearly.

“Ready to [achieve outcome]? Here’s how we can work together.”

Test different message types and see what moves the needle for each segment.

Exclude People Who Already Purchased Unsubscribed or Bounced in Under Ten Seconds to Save Budget

Just as important as who you target is who you EXCLUDE.

Set up exclusions so you’re not wasting ad spend or annoying people:

Exclude people who:

  • Already purchased
  • Unsubscribed from your list
  • Visited your “thank you” or confirmation pages
  • Explicitly opted out

Also consider excluding people who:

  • Visited your page but bounced in under 10 seconds (probably accidental clicks)
  • Are in your existing email sequences receiving similar messaging
  • Recently saw the same ad multiple times (frequency capping)

Clean targeting = better ROI and happier prospects.

Why You Should Spend Half Your Retargeting Budget on Product Browsers Because They Have Highest Intent to Buy

You can’t spend equally on every segment. Prioritize based on intent.

Here’s a typical budget split:

50%: Product Browsers (highest intent)

These people are closest to buying. Give them the most exposure.

30%: Info Seekers (medium intent)

They’ve raised their hand. Worth significant investment.

15%: Content Consumers (lower intent)

Still valuable but further from purchase. Moderate spend.

5%: Testing and Optimization

Always have budget for testing new segments or messages.

Adjust these percentages based on your specific funnel performance, but the principle holds: Spend most on highest-intent audiences.

Start With Facebook Instagram for All Segments, Then Add YouTube for Video and LinkedIn for B2B

Different platforms serve different purposes in your retargeting grid.

Facebook/Instagram Retargeting

Best for: Visual content, detailed targeting, broad reach

Use for: All segments, but especially content consumers and info seekers

Why: Excellent segmentation options, native in the feed, good for storytelling

Google Display Retargeting

Best for: Staying visible across the web, broad awareness

Use for: Long-term nurture of all segments

Why: Massive reach, good for brand awareness, complements social retargeting

YouTube Retargeting

Best for: Video-based education and social proof

Use for: Info seekers and product browsers who need more in-depth content

Why: Longer-form content, high engagement, great for complex offers

LinkedIn Retargeting

Best for: B2B coaches targeting professionals

Use for: All segments, but especially product browsers

Why: Professional context, good for high-ticket B2B offers

Don’t try to be everywhere at once. Start with Facebook/Instagram, then expand as you scale.

Why You Need Custom Audiences and Conversion Tracking in Place Before Running Any Retargeting Campaigns

None of this works if you can’t track who’s doing what.

Set up these tracking mechanisms:

Custom Audiences: Create audiences for each segment (video viewers 50%+, page visitors, engagement, etc.)

Conversion Tracking: Track applications, purchases, calls booked – whatever your goal is

UTM Parameters: Tag your retargeting ads so you can see which segments and messages drive actual results in your analytics

CRM Integration: Connect your ad platforms to your CRM so you can see the full customer journey

Attribution Windows: Understand how long it typically takes people to convert after seeing your retargeting

You need data to optimize. Without proper tracking, you’re flying blind.

Test One Variable at a Time to Know if Audience Segments or Creative, or Budget Allocation Drives Results

Your first version of the retargeting grid won’t be perfect. That’s fine. Test and improve.

Here’s what to test:

Audience segments: Are you segmenting the right way? Should you create more specific segments or broader ones?

Timing: Is your day 1-3 messaging too aggressive? Too passive? Should you extend or shorten windows?

Creative: Which images/videos get the most engagement and conversions?

Copy: Which messages resonate with each segment?

Offers: What call-to-action works best at each stage?

Budget allocation: Are you spending too much on low-intent or too little on high-intent?

Test one variable at a time so you know what’s actually moving the needle.

Why Retargeting Too Small an Audience or Showing the Same Ad Forever Kills Your Conversion Rate

Let me save you from the errors I see constantly:

Mistake 1: Retargeting Too Small an Audience

You need at least 100 people in a segment for retargeting to work. If your traffic is too low, focus on growing it first.

Mistake 2: Showing the Same Ad Forever

Rotate your creative and messaging. Ad fatigue is real. Refresh every 2-3 weeks. Research from Facebook shows that ad performance typically declines after 7-10 days of exposure to the same creative, with engagement rates dropping by up to 50% when ads become stale.

Mistake 3: Too Much Complexity Too Soon

Don’t try to implement the entire grid on day one. Start with 2-3 key segments and expand from there.

Mistake 4: Forgetting About Mobile

Most of your retargeting will be viewed on mobile. Make sure your creative and landing pages are mobile-optimized.

Mistake 5: No Bridge Between Ad and Landing Page

Your retargeting ad references a specific piece of content or pain point. Make sure your landing page continues that conversation.

Mistake 6: Ignoring Frequency

If someone sees your ad 10+ times, you’re either annoying them or they’re not interested. Cap frequency or exclude them.

Mistake 7: Not Excluding Converters

Nothing is more annoying than seeing ads for something you already bought. Exclude people who converted.

How to Scale Retargeting Grid by Feeding More Cold Traffic Into Segments and Creating Lookalikes of Best Converters

Once your retargeting grid is working, here’s how to scale it:

Expand Your Top of Funnel

More cold traffic → more warm traffic → more people in your retargeting segments.

The retargeting grid becomes more profitable as you feed more people into it.

Create More Segment Variations

Start with broad segments, then create more specific ones based on specific content topics or behaviors.

Increase the Budget on Winners

Some segments will convert better than others. Shift budget toward what’s working.

Layer in Email Retargeting

Use your retargeting insights to improve your email sequences. What messages work in ads likely work in email too.

Build Lookalike Audiences

Create lookalike audiences of your best-converting retargeting segments. This helps your cold traffic perform better because you’re finding people similar to those who already engaged.

Start Week One Installing Pixel and Tracking, Then Build Three to Five Core Segments in Week Two

This system works, but only if you actually build it.

Here’s your roadmap:

Week 1: Foundation

Install Facebook Pixel and conversion tracking on your site.

Create custom audiences for key pages (blog, sales page, pricing page) and video viewers.

Week 2: Core Segments

Build out 3-5 core audience segments based on the framework above.

Create 2-3 ad variations for each segment.

Set up your first retargeting campaigns with modest budgets ($10-20/day per segment).

Week 3-4: Optimization

Monitor performance. Which segments are converting? Which messages resonate?

Adjust budgets based on performance.

Create new creative variations for underperforming segments.

Month 2: Expansion

Add more specific segments based on content topics or specific behaviors.

Increase budget on winning segments.

Layer in additional platforms (YouTube, LinkedIn) if profitable.

Month 3+: Refinement

Continue testing messaging and creative.

Build out more sophisticated audience segments.

Optimize timing and frequency.

Scale budget as ROI proves out.

The retargeting grid isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it system. It’s a living strategy that you continuously improve.

But it’s also not complicated once you understand the framework.

Segment your warm traffic based on behavior and awareness level. Serve them messaging that matches where they are in the journey. Track what works and do more of it.

That’s the entire game.

Most coaches will never build this system. They’ll keep wondering why their warm traffic doesn’t convert.

You’re different. You’re building a systematic approach to turning warm skeptics into buyers.

Build the grid. Test the segments. Optimize based on data.

That’s how you stop leaving money on the table and start converting the traffic you’re already paying for.

What I can teach you isn’t theory. It’s the exact playbook my team has used to build multi-million-dollar businesses. With Master Internet Marketing, you get lifetime access to live cohorts, dozens of SOPs, and an 80+ question certification exam to prove you know your stuff.

Now go build your retargeting grid and turn those warm leads into clients.

About the author:
Owner and CEO of Megalodon Marketing

Jeremy Haynes is the founder of Megalodon Marketing. He is considered one of the top digital marketers and has the results to back it up. Jeremy has consistently demonstrated his expertise whether it be through his content advertising “propaganda” strategies that are originated by him, as well as his funnel and direct response marketing strategies. He’s trusted by the biggest names in the industries his agency works in and by over 4,000+ paid students that learn how to become better digital marketers and agency owners through his education products.

Jeremy Haynes is the founder of Megalodon Marketing. He is considered one of the top digital marketers and has the results to back it up. Jeremy has consistently demonstrated his expertise whether it be through his content advertising “propaganda” strategies that are originated by him, as well as his funnel and direct response marketing strategies. He’s trusted by the biggest names in the industries his agency works in and by over 4,000+ paid students that learn how to become better digital marketers and agency owners through his education products.