Running Successful Win-Back Campaigns
Win Back Lost Customers Without Being Annoying
Losing customers stings. You’ve got someone interested in your software, they sign up, poke around, maybe even use it a few times… and then vanish. Like an ex who “just needs space.”
But here’s the truth: those customers aren’t gone forever. With the right win-back campaign, you can pull them back in and turn “ghosts” into paying, engaged users again.
Here’s how to run a win-back campaign that actually works (and doesn’t reek of desperation):
STEP 1: Segment Like a Pro
Not every lost customer is worth chasing.
Focus on:
People who got as far as the checkout page, but abandoned the cart. You’ll want to do a special offer for them to come back and finish signing up.
Trial users who didn’t convert to paying customers.
Paying users who slipped away after a few months.
Don’t waste time on the ones who unsubscribed with fire in their eyes. Stick with the folks who showed real interest once upon a time.
STEP 2: Use Hooks They Care About
Your “We miss you” email can’t just be sad puppy dog eyes. Give them a reason to come back.
Offer a discount or special promo for reactivating or finishing setting up their account, in the case of cart abandonments.
Showcase new features they haven’t seen since they left. Updates are a great way to re-engage previous customers.
If you offer a free trial, think about offering additional free time for customers who want to cancel at the end of their free trial time.
Share success stories from other users. Adding in stories tied to new tools can show them that the software has made some upgrades worth checking out since jumping ship.
The hook has to answer one question: “What’s in it for me if I return?”
STEP 3: Play the Emotional Card (Lightly)
Nobody wants to feel guilt-tripped. But reminding them what they’re missing? That works.
“Here’s what’s new since you last logged in.”
“Look at the deals you could have spotted with our software.”
“Your investing edge is waiting.”
Make it playful and forward-looking, not needy. Think: “We miss you at the party, and it just got better.”
STEP 4: Keep Score (Because Numbers Don’t Lie)
If you’re not tracking, you’re guessing.
Measure:
Reactivations (the gold).
Unsubscribes (the danger zone).
Engagement rates (are they clicking at all?).
The point of a win-back campaign isn’t just sending emails - it’s knowing what actually works and doubling down on it.
We've created a series of win-back campaign emails for you to use here.
STEP 5: Don’t Overdo It
One or two reminders = thoughtful. Ten reminders = stalker. Send a short, punchy sequence of between two and three emails and let people decide. If they come back, great. If not, move on.
Wrapping It Up
A win-back campaign is like reaching out to an old friend… You remind them why they liked hanging out with you in the first place, then give them a reason to show up again.
Segment wisely, offer value, sprinkle in emotion, track your wins, and don’t smother them. Do it right, and you’ll turn quiet leads back into excited customers.
Partner Resources
We’ve got your back! Check out the partner portal for templates, emails, and media assets to help you run win-back campaigns that actually convert. We’re always adding more content, so keep checking in!
👉 Partner Resources Can Be Found Here >>
Interested in growing revenue by adding more optional tools for your users?
Contact us by submitting the form below.
