How to Stop Wasting Ad Spend (And Annoying Everyone on the Internet)

I bought the blender, Karen. You can stop now. Please.

Retargeting is clever… until it becomes stalker-level creepy.

Whether it’s hammering me with the same ad 27 times, targeting me with something I'm clearly not in the market for, or following me around the internet for weeks after I've converted (like an overeager ex) - it’s not just annoying; it’s a total waste of your budget.

Marketers should know better… but so many don’t bother. So here’s your reminder:

How to stop your ads from creeping people out

1. Set frequency caps: Nobody needs to see your ad 27 times in one day. You’re not Beyoncé.

   
   

2. Shorten your lookback windows: Still showing me ski gear in July? Come on.

   
   

3. Refresh your creative: If they haven’t clicked after the 10th time, the problem isn’t necessarily your audience - it could be your ad.

   
   

4. Check your targeting: If you’re showing me dog food ads and I don’t own a dog… the problem is definitely your audience.

   
   

5. Exclude converted users: They’ve bought. Unless you’re selling them a second identical blender (bold move), take them out of your list.

   
   

6. Switch to retention marketing: They’ve converted. Now stop chasing and start delighting. Send helpful content, loyalty perks, or product recommendations they’ll actually appreciate.

   
   

Because stalking isn’t a strategy.

And if you keep following people like a lovesick ex… don’t be surprised when they ghost you.