How to Run WhatsApp Retargeting Ads to Reconnect and Convert Lost Leads
Not every potential customer converts on the first interaction, some browse your website, engage with your product pages, or even add items to their cart but never complete the purchase. This is where WhatsApp Retargeting Ads comes in.
WhatsApp offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with lost leads and convert them into paying customers with its amazing growing users.
Unlike traditional retargeting ads that redirect users to a landing page, WhatsApp retargeting creates a direct communication line — allowing businesses to talk to prospects personally, build trust, and close sales faster.
In this guide, you will learn what WhatsApp Retargeting Ads are, why they are important, and how to create and run them effectively to reconnect and convert lost leads.
What Are WhatsApp Retargeting Ads?
WhatsApp Retargeting Ads are a special type of Facebook or Instagram ad that allows businesses to reach users who have previously interacted with them — whether on a website, through a Facebook post, or in an earlier WhatsApp conversation.
These ads use the “Click-to-WhatsApp” feature, meaning when a user clicks on the ad, instead of going to a website, they are redirected to a WhatsApp chat window where they can talk directly with your business.
The goal is simple — re-engage users who showed interest but did not convert, and nurture them through direct, personalised communication on WhatsApp.
Why You Should Use WhatsApp Retargeting Ads
Retargeting is a proven strategy in digital marketing, but combining it with WhatsApp’s real-time messaging power takes it to another level. Here’s why WhatsApp retargeting works so well:
#1. Personalised Engagement
Unlike emails or generic display ads, WhatsApp retargeting allows for one-on-one conversations.
You can address customer concerns directly, answer product questions, and even offer personalized discounts that feel natural in a chat environment.
#2. Faster Conversions
Most customers trust businesses that respond quickly. With WhatsApp, communication is instant.
This immediacy can drastically reduce the time between interest and purchase, improving your overall conversion rate.
#3. High Open and Response Rates
While marketing emails may go unopened, WhatsApp messages have open rates above 90%, ensuring your message actually reaches your target audience.
#4. Building Long-Term Relationships
Retargeting via WhatsApp not only converts lost leads but also helps in building relationships.
Once someone messages you, they become part of your WhatsApp contact list — meaning you can follow up later with updates, offers, and promotions.
How WhatsApp Retargeting Ads Work
To understand how to run successful WhatsApp Retargeting Ads, you need to know the basic process:
- Set up a WhatsApp Business Account — You must have a verified WhatsApp Business account linked to your Facebook Business Manager.
- Create a Custom Audience — This could be website visitors, people who added items to their cart but didn’t purchase, or users who engaged with your Facebook or Instagram posts.
- Launch Click-to-WhatsApp Ads — Using Meta Ads Manager, create an ad campaign that encourages users to click and start a chat with your business.
- Engage and Convert Leads — Once users start chatting, provide helpful information, resolve doubts, or share personalised offers to drive conversions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Running WhatsApp Retargeting Ads
Running a successful WhatsApp retargeting campaign requires preparation, smart targeting, engaging content, and continuous optimisation.
Below is a detailed step-by-step breakdown of how to create and run WhatsApp retargeting ads that reconnect and convert lost leads effectively.
Step 1: Prepare Your WhatsApp Business Account
The first step is to ensure that your WhatsApp Business Account is set up and connected to your Facebook Business Page.
Download the WhatsApp Business App if you are a small or medium-sized business, or use the WhatsApp Business API if you manage a large number of customer interactions.
Complete your Business Profile by adding essential information such as your logo, business name, description, address, email, and website link.
This makes your brand appear professional and trustworthy. In addition, activate Quick Replies and Auto-Greetings to make your communication smooth and efficient.
Having these features in place helps you respond quickly when users click on your ads and start a conversation, giving them a sense of confidence that they are dealing with a legitimate business.
Step 2: Build a Custom Audience for Retargeting
Once your account is ready, the next step is to identify who you want to retarget. Facebook’s Custom Audience feature allows you to reconnect with people who have interacted with your brand in the past.
These may include visitors who browsed your website but did not make a purchase, users who abandoned their carts on your online store, customers who previously contacted your WhatsApp number, or social media users who engaged with your Facebook or Instagram posts.
Creating a custom audience ensures your ads reach people who are already aware of your brand, making them more likely to respond and convert.
This step helps you save ad spend while increasing the effectiveness of your campaign.
Step 3: Create a “Click-to-WhatsApp” Ad
After identifying your target audience, it is time to create an ad that drives engagement directly to WhatsApp.
In Meta Ads Manager, start by creating a new campaign and select either the “Engagement” or “Traffic” objective.
Under the ad type options, choose “Click-to-Message” and select WhatsApp as the messaging platform.
Connect your WhatsApp Business Account and design an attention-grabbing advertisement with a clear message.
For example, you can create an ad that says, “Left something in your cart?
Chat with us on WhatsApp and enjoy 10% off your order!” This kind of copy is friendly, inviting, and encourages immediate action.
The aim is to make your ad feel personal rather than generic, so users are motivated to click and start a chat with your brand.
Step 4: Set Up Your WhatsApp Conversation Flow
When users click your ad, they will be redirected to a WhatsApp chat window. This is where you begin to build a connection.
Set up automated welcome messages or templates that instantly greet users and make them feel valued.
For instance, your first message can say,
“Hi there! 👋 Thanks for reaching out. We noticed you checked out our products earlier. Can we help you complete your order?”
You can use WhatsApp’s Quick Replies to handle common questions efficiently and guide users through their buying journey.
If your business handles large-scale campaigns, consider using the WhatsApp Business API to automate messages, integrate chatbots, and connect your chats to a CRM system.
This ensures you manage all conversations effectively while maintaining a personal touch.
Step 5: Offer Value During Conversations
To truly convert your leads, focus on offering value rather than just sending reminders. Retargeting works best when customers feel that you are helping them, not just selling to them.
During your WhatsApp conversations, share useful information about your products, provide recommendations based on their interests, and offer exclusive discounts or incentives to encourage them to complete their purchases.
For example, if a user abandoned a product in their cart, you can send a message offering free delivery or a limited-time discount.
You may also ask polite questions to understand their hesitation, such as whether they had issues with payment or delivery options.
This personalized approach helps you build trust, making it easier to convert potential customers into paying ones.
Step 6: Track and Optimise Your Campaign
After launching your campaign, tracking its performance is crucial to ensure success.
Use Meta Ads Manager to monitor important metrics like your click-through rate (CTR), number of WhatsApp chats initiated, conversion rate, and cost per lead.
Additionally, take advantage of WhatsApp Business analytics to track response times, message open rates, and overall customer engagement.
Analysing these insights helps you understand which aspects of your campaign are performing well and which need improvement.
If the results are not as expected, adjust your targeting options, refine your ad copy, or modify your message templates to better engage your audience.
The more you test and optimize, the better your results will become. Over time, you will develop a clear understanding of what works best for your specific audience.
By following these six steps carefully — from setting up your WhatsApp Business account to optimising your campaigns — you can create a powerful retargeting strategy that re-engages lost leads and converts them into loyal customers.
WhatsApp Retargeting Ads offer an opportunity to connect with people in a more personal and conversational way, which makes it easier to build relationships, increase conversions, and grow your business sustainably.
Best Practices for WhatsApp Retargeting Ads
Running successful WhatsApp retargeting campaigns requires strategy and care. Follow these best practices for maximum impact:
#1. Keep It Conversational
Avoid sounding robotic or overly promotional. WhatsApp is a chat platform — your tone should be friendly, natural, and helpful.
#2. Respect User Privacy
Always adhere to Meta’s advertising policies and ensure you message only users who have opted in or initiated contact through your ad.
#3. Respond Promptly
Fast responses create positive impressions. If you cannot reply immediately, set up an auto-response acknowledging their message and promising a follow-up soon.
#4. Use Multimedia Messages
Include images, videos, or product catalogues in your chat to make the experience engaging and informative.
#5. Segment Your Audience
Create different retargeting campaigns for different lead groups — such as website visitors, cart abandoners, and returning customers — to personalise your approach.
#6. Follow Up Strategically
If a lead does not convert immediately, you can send a gentle reminder or offer after a few days. Do not spam or pressure the user.
Benefits of WhatsApp Retargeting Ads for Businesses
Here is why more businesses are turning to WhatsApp retargeting:
- Higher ROI: You focus your budget on people who already know your brand.
- Personal Touch: Conversations feel human and direct.
- Shorter Sales Cycle: Customers can make buying decisions instantly through chat.
- Long-Term Customer Retention: Once connected, you can continue nurturing them via WhatsApp broadcasts or updates.
Businesses from e-commerce, real estate, education, and even healthcare are using this strategy to bring back lost leads and increase their sales volume.
Real-Life Example
Imagine an online fashion store. A user browses dresses and adds one to the cart but does not complete the checkout.
Using a WhatsApp Retargeting Ad, the brand shows the user a carousel ad on Instagram that says:
“Still thinking about this dress? Let’s help you pick the perfect size — chat with us on WhatsApp!”
The user clicks, chats with a representative, gets size advice, and completes the purchase.
That is the power of personalised retargeting — turning hesitation into action.
Conclusion
Lost leads do not have to stay lost. With WhatsApp Retargeting Ads, you can bridge the gap between interest and conversion by re-engaging customers in a friendly, conversational way.
This strategy allows businesses to reconnect with warm leads, build relationships, and drive more sales — all through a platform people already trust and use daily.
Start by setting up your WhatsApp Business account, building a custom audience, and launching a “Click-to-WhatsApp” campaign. Keep your communication natural, offer value, and track your results.
In a world where attention is short and competition is high, WhatsApp retargeting gives your business a direct line to win back customers and boost conversions faster than ever.
