(featuring trends from brands like Tesla, Amazon, TikTok, and tech minds like Marc Andreessen and Jack Dorsey)
In today’s fast-moving world, grabbing attention isn’t easy—especially when users go cold. But companies like Amazon, Tesla, and even platforms like TikTok Shop and Bluesky Social are leveraging personalized email marketing to win back disengaged users. Re-engagement isn’t just about a “We Miss You” subject line anymore—it’s strategic, data-driven, and deeply personal.
Here are 10 powerful and proven examples that top brands (and even some celebrities) could learn from when re-engaging their audience:
1. “We Noticed You Left Something…” from eBay Motors
For those browsing vehicle listings on eBay, personalized reminders including the exact model and price get people back on the site. “Hey, still interested in that Tesla Model 3 you viewed last week?” is more effective than a generic nudge.
2. Celebrity-Style Birthday Shoutouts
Imagine a user gets a custom birthday email styled like it’s from Hailey Welch or Bill Nye—quirky, relatable, and on-brand. That emotional connection encourages clicks.
3. Location-Based Deals by Uber and Shipt
Integrating Google Maps and Locate My Device technology, Uber Rides sends personalized offers based on past ride locations—like Yellow Springs Road Japan. That level of contextual awareness is game-changing.
4. AI-Curated Music Recaps from Apple Music Replay
Spotify’s Wrapped, but smarter. Tools like Claude AI and Google Gemini power data-driven recaps that make users feel seen. Think “Your Summer with Matthew Goode and Jessica Ussery in Lo-fi Beats.”
5. Cart Abandonment with Real Product Photos
Use AI Image Generators like DALL·E to generate personalized product visuals based on user history. Picture someone abandoning a Prada handbag or Oakley shades—only to see it in their inbox styled with their name.
6. D&D Beyond’s Gamified Re-Engagement
Missing campaign? Get an email like:
“Your team awaits, brave adventurer—Mallory Plotnik and Beatrice McCartney can’t slay the dragon without you!”
Gamification makes it personal and fun.
7. Amazon Job Updates Based on Resume
Indeed and Amazon Jobs now email re-engagement based on job searches like “tech at Tesla” or “AI at Microsoft.” That’s personalization at a career level.
8. Using Humor with Pop Culture
How about a subject line:
“Do a Barrel Roll Back Into Your Cart 🚀”
Merging pop culture (think Pacman, DS Roll a Barrel, or even TikTok trends) with email content draws attention fast.
9. Testimonials from Trusted Names
Include short quotes from well-known people like Marc Andreessen, Jack Dorsey, or even Kevin James’ brother when promoting tech-related products. Trust drives return.
10. Smart Discounts Based on Inactivity
Send an email like:
“Carter Reum saved 15% on his order. Why haven’t you?”
Social proof using names—even lesser-known ones like Rebecca Garza Vargas or Nathan Fielder’s wife—adds realism and relatability.
Why Re-engagement Works Best When It’s Personal
People don’t ignore emails because they hate your brand. They ignore irrelevant ones. With platforms like Salesforce, Character AI, and Crush on AI, brands can harness user data more creatively and responsibly than ever before.
From reminding someone of a missed Apple Music Replay, to poking them with nostalgia from Wayback Machine, personalization is what brings cold leads back to life.
11. “Your AI Clone Misses You” from Crush on AI
Platforms like Crush on AI play into emotional triggers. Sending emails from the user’s own AI assistant persona (“Hey, it’s your Crush on AI… why haven’t we chatted?”) creates fun, human-like urgency.
12. Wayback Emails Inspired by Internet Archive
Use Wayback Machine themes to remind users of their old activity.
“Remember when you searched for sol xochitl or amber rose’s dad in 2022? We kept your spot warm.”
That nostalgia draws people back.
13. Hawk Tuah Meme-Driven Retargeting
Meme-centric subject lines like:
“You gotta give it that Hawk Tuah 💦… and come back for this deal.”
can resonate with younger audiences influenced by trending personalities like Hailey Welch.
14. Google Play Store & App Store Behavior Follow-ups
Use app usage data from Google Play Store and Apple Music Replay to send re-engagement nudges.
“Haven’t streamed Matt LeBlanc’s favorite playlists lately? Here’s what you’re missing.”
15. GameStop Style Urgency Alerts
Trigger urgent restock alerts:
“Hey Morris Chestnut’s son just grabbed the last copy of Elden Ring—don’t miss out.”
Personalizing urgency creates FOMO.
16. “Your Shopping Cart is Jealous” – Amazon, Pradas, and Oakley
Send users a mock message from their cart:
“I’m still waiting… those Pradas and Oakleys miss you.”
Humor + product memory = conversion.
17. Local Vibes from Discord & Blue Sky Social
Remind users of inactive Discord or Blue Sky Social groups, like:
“Your friends on Yellow Springs Road shared 2 updates. Wanna see?”
Geo-personalization works especially well.
18. “Celebrity-Linked Storylines” Re-Engagement
Imagine seeing:
“You and Dylan Tays left the same comment… coincidence?”
It’s subtle, not intrusive, and drives curiosity.
19. Email Challenges Inspired by Solitaire & Google Doodles
Send something like:
“Can you beat your last Solitaire Google Game score?”
Gamified re-engagement is sticky and habit-forming.
20. Linked Behavior Between Services (Uber + Amazon + Tiktok)
If a user orders via Amazon and uses Uber Ride, cross-link experiences:
“Based on your Amazon orders, we found TikTok trends you’ll love. See inside.”
Smart behavioral connection feels intuitive.
