5 Must-Try Re-engagement Campaigns for Inactive Customers

If you're losing sleep over your growing list of inactive subscribers, you're not alone. But here's the thing: those lapsed customers? They're not lost causes. With the right re-engagement campaigns, you can bring them back—and in many cases, get even more value from them than the first time around.

The key is intentionality. Re-engagement isn’t about blasting another promo email and crossing your fingers. It’s about tapping into real triggers—emotional, behavioral, seasonal—to reignite interest and rebuild the relationship. These campaigns also play a critical role in overall customer retention.

Let’s walk through five proven strategies that not only answer how to win back lost customers but also strengthen your broader customer retention efforts.

1. The Human Sender Email: Rebuild Trust One Line at a Time

Let’s start with the basics. One of the simplest—but most consistently effective—re-engagement emails is a plain-text note from the founder or someone familiar on your team.

Why it works:

People buy from people. When your subscriber sees “Emily from Glow Co.” instead of “Glow Co. Team,” it instantly lowers their guard. They’re not expecting a hard sell—they’re open to conversation.

How to use it:

Keep it short, honest, and human. Send a one-paragraph email to those who haven’t opened or clicked in the last 60 to 90 days. Something like:

“Hey [First Name], I noticed you’ve been quiet lately and just wanted to check in. If you’re no longer interested in [benefit/product], that’s totally okay. But if you’re still with us, we’ve got something new we think you’ll love.”

That kind of honesty earns trust. Even if they don’t buy immediately, they’re more likely to stay on your list.

Add-on tip: Wait 48–72 hours, then follow up via SMS with a message like: “Hey [First Name], just wanted to make sure you saw our note. We’d love to have you back.” Consistency across channels helps your brand feel intentional, not automated.

Real-world bonus: This works incredibly well for DTC brands where the founder’s story is a key part of the brand identity. Bring that personality back front and center.

2. The Black Friday Win-Back Campaign: Leverage Peak Season Timing

Black Friday is your re-engagement superpower. Why? Because everyone—and I mean everyone—is shopping.

Why it works:

You don’t have to convince lapsed customers to pay attention. They’re already in deal-hunting mode. That lowers your barrier to re-entry.

How to use it:

Target customers who haven’t purchased in 6–12 months. Send an early access email two weeks before Black Friday. Then, send an SMS reminder 48 hours later.

Subject line ideas:

• “You’re on the list—early access starts now”
• “You haven’t shopped with us in a while, so here’s 25% off (early!)”

Make it feel exclusive. Use scarcity—“24 hours only” or “limited stock”—but don’t be gimmicky. You’re reconnecting, not deceiving.

Timing tip: According to our data, when to send winback emails matters. The sweet spot is usually between 90–180 days post-purchase. Combine that timing with seasonal urgency and you’ve got a winner.

Test this twist: Use a plain-text version during the second send. Inbox placement improves and the message feels less like a campaign, more like a nudge from a friend.

Don't forget the halo effect: These campaigns often boost open rates across your list by creating a sense of event-based engagement. Use countdown timers or sneak peeks to build anticipation beyond just the lapsed segment.

3. The Viral Video Hook: Let Your Content Do the Talking

If a picture’s worth a thousand words, a video could be worth a thousand clicks.

Why it works:

In today’s inbox, video is a scroll-stopper. It taps into curiosity. It shows—not tells—why your product matters. And it adds a touch of entertainment to your email strategy.

How to use it:

Create a 15–30 second video showing your product solving a problem, delivering a transformation, or creating an “aha” moment.

Email copy:

“This 20-second video changed how people use [Product] every day.”

Embed a thumbnail with a play button overlay. Link to your site, product page, or landing page with additional content.

Pro tip: Pair this with storytelling—either a customer testimonial or founder insight. Lean into authenticity, not polish. This aligns with broader E-commerce Email Marketing Strategies that prioritize connection.

Extend the value:

• Retarget viewers with a follow-up discount
• Use the video in SMS to reinforce the message
• Feature the same video on your product page for consistency

Extra strategy: Drop the video on TikTok or Reels, then reframe the email as, “This video blew up—here’s why everyone’s talking.” Social proof adds momentum.

4. The Interactive Quiz: Make It Personal (And Fun)

Sometimes your customers don’t need more information. They need a reason to care again.

Why it works:

Quizzes bring interactivity to email. They break the passive scroll and invite engagement. Plus, they help you collect zero-party data that you can use to personalize everything going forward.

How to use it:

Create a “Find Your Perfect Fit” or “What’s Your Style Personality?” quiz. Promise a result that delivers insight or value.

Example:

“Take this 30-second quiz to find your perfect match—no guesswork, just results.”

What to do with the results?

• Use them to create segmented flows
• Reference the outcome in future re-engagement emails
• Recommend products based on quiz results

Pro tip: These are especially powerful for fashion, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle brands where personalization is everything.

CTA idea: “We think we found your match. Ready to see it?”

Bonus angle: Tease quiz results in SMS: “Your [Skin Type] profile is ready. Tap to see your best product match.”

5. Blog-Based Re-engagement: Teach, Don’t Just Sell

Re-engagement doesn’t always mean discounts. Sometimes, delivering real value is what reactivates interest.

Why it works:

Educational content sets your brand apart. It tells your lapsed customers, “We’re not just here to sell you something—we’re here to help.” That mindset shift builds long-term loyalty.

How to use it:

Send out an email with a valuable blog post that aligns with your customer’s interest. Think “how-to” guides, industry trends, or hacks related to your product.

Example:

"3 Skincare Habits That Actually Work (Even When You’re Burnt Out)"

Link back to a helpful blog post. Use behavioral or product purchase data to send the most relevant article.

Pro tip: Use dynamic content blocks to personalize which blog post they see. Follow up with SMS saying: “We thought you’d love this quick read. Let us know what you think!”

Strategic bonus: It’s a gentle reintroduction to your ecosystem—and a bridge to more direct offers later. You’re reawakening interest without triggering unsubscribe triggers.

And yes, this supports your longer-term Customer Retention Marketing Strategies beautifully.

6. BONUS: The "We Miss You" Series (Drip-Style)

Sometimes, one email won’t cut it. If you’ve got a chunk of inactive users, try a three-part drip campaign:

1. Personal note — "We noticed you haven’t visited in a while. Is everything okay?"
2. Product value reframe — “Here’s what you might’ve missed: [feature, launch, result].”
3. Offer with urgency — “We saved this just for you. 20% off ends tomorrow.”

Add SMS reminders between each email. This integrated approach increases your touchpoints without overwhelming your audience.

Important: Always include a one-click unsubscribe or "snooze" option. This reduces complaints and keeps your list clean.

Side tip: You can even throw in a feedback loop — “Help us get better. What made you drift away?” Simple surveys can unearth major insight.

Re-engagement Is About Relevance, Not Noise

Your inactive subscribers aren’t ignoring you because they hate your brand. Most of the time, life just got busy. Or your emails felt irrelevant. Or they simply forgot why they bought in the first place.

But here's the good news: that means you can win them back. You just need the right strategy.

From heartfelt human messages to smart automations, from personalized quizzes to timely offers, re-engagement campaigns are your chance to reconnect with purpose—not panic.

Here’s what to remember:

• Show up as a human
• Send content that matters (not just more promo codes)
• Watch the timing—don’t wait too long
• Use every channel (email, SMS, content) to support the journey

And above all, treat your re-engagement efforts like a relationship reset—not a rescue mission.

Because when you get it right, those lapsed customers? They don’t just come back. They stick around longer, spend more, and become some of your most loyal advocates.

Need a partner to help turn your inactive list into a revenue-driving machine? Stimulate builds custom retention campaigns that move the needle.

👉 Book your free strategy session and let’s bring your audience back to life.