In modern email marketing, data is everywhere — opens, clicks, time spent, devices used, locations detected. But here’s the truth: Data alone doesn’t grow relationships — conversation does. That’s where Email Retargeting Automation steps in. It’s not about “chasing” your audience with repetitive emails — it’s about continuing the right conversation based on what they’ve already shown interest in.

In EmailSchool’s educational philosophy, we treat retargeting not as advertising, but as a learning follow-up system — a way to re-engage people with relevant lessons, resources, and tools that match their learning journey.

In this article, you’ll learn how retargeting automation works, how Brevo and Mailchimp make it seamless, and how small creators, coaches, and teachers can use it to build meaningful, data-driven learning relationships.

1. What Is Email Retargeting Automation?

Retargeting automation is the process of sending personalized follow-up emails to users based on the actions they’ve taken (or not taken) on your website, app, or previous emails. In simple terms: It’s like continuing a class from where your student last left off.

For example: If someone read your “Email Design Basics” article but didn’t enroll in your next tutorial, → Send them: “Next Step: Learn How Design Impacts Open Rates.” If someone added your free course to their list but didn’t start, → Send them: “Don’t miss your Day 1 Lesson — your journey awaits.” Each message feels timely, logical, and personal — not pushy.

2. Why Retargeting Is Educational, Not Just Marketing

Traditional retargeting focuses on “recovering lost leads.” But in education-driven marketing, retargeting focuses on rebuilding learning momentum. When you know what your audience engaged with, you can guide them deeper into understanding — not just push them into action.

So instead of sending scarcity-driven messages, you send value-driven conversations. And that’s exactly what Brevo’s automation allows.

3. How Brevo Makes Retargeting Easy

Brevo has powerful triggers and dynamic segments that allow you to personalize outreach at scale. Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Set Up Behavioral Triggers

In Automation → Create a Workflow → From Scratch, select “Page Visit” or “Link Click” as your trigger. Examples: “Visited Article: Email Copywriting 101” or “Clicked Free Template Download”. This means Brevo can automatically detect user behavior and start a conversation around it.

Step 2: Add Conditional Logic

Add an IF condition: If user visits email-automation-course page but does NOT enroll within 3 days → Send follow-up. Email Example: “Hey {first_name}, noticed you explored our automation lessons but didn’t start yet. Here’s a free checklist to help you plan your workflow before you dive in.”

Step 3: Use Dynamic Content

Brevo lets you add dynamic text blocks. You can insert content based on user tags, engagement score, or preferences. Example: If the user is tagged as “Beginner” → show basic guide. If tagged as “Pro” → show advanced automation tutorial.

4. Real Use Cases — Retargeting in Action

Case 1: “Lesson Progress” Retargeting
A student reads 3 out of 5 lessons but doesn’t complete the course.
Automation: Send “You’re almost there! Here’s your recap before Lesson 4.” This makes them feel seen and supported — not chased.

Case 2: “Abandoned Signup” Retargeting
A visitor fills half of the newsletter form but leaves.
Automation: Send “Still thinking about learning with us? Here’s what you’ll get every week.”

Case 3: “Resource Download” Retargeting
Someone downloads your “Email Templates Pack.”
Automation: Send a tutorial: “How to Use These Templates to Build a Welcome Series (Step-by-Step).” That’s education-driven retargeting in action.

5. Brevo vs Mailchimp — Smart Retargeting Comparison

Why EmailSchool prefers Brevo: Because Brevo workflows allow conversation-based retargeting, which aligns with the educational intent of our platform — “to teach before we promote.”

6. Best Practices for Retargeting That Feels Human

Here’s how to make your retargeting automation more empathetic than algorithmic.

• Write conversational subject lines. Avoid: “You forgot to finish your course.” Try: “Still curious about how automation works?”
• Always add value before CTA. Attach a guide, infographic, or educational tip.
• Use time delays wisely. Don’t follow up instantly — allow breathing space (2–4 days).
• Keep emotional consistency. Retargeted users should recognize your brand tone — calm, helpful, confident.
• End emails with encouragement. “Even if you’re not ready to continue today, we’ll be here when you are.”

7. Real-World Example — Turning Clicks into Conversations

Case Study: “FlowAcademy,” an online course platform, had a challenge: Over 5,000 users were visiting their automation course landing page but not enrolling. They used Brevo Retargeting Workflow:

Trigger: Page visit but no form submission.
Email 1 (after 1 day): “Still exploring automation? Here’s your free intro.”
Email 2 (after 3 days): “Watch how 3 small businesses used automation to grow.”
Email 3 (after 5 days): “Start your free lesson — no signup required.”

Results: 38% increase in course signups. 27% higher open rates. 12% replies thanking them for “friendly reminders.”

8. Key Educational Insights

• Retargeting is not “chasing clicks” — it’s “continuing learning.”
• Every data point is an opportunity for personalized teaching.
• Brevo’s logic builder helps convert analytics into empathy.
• Mailchimp works well for small campaigns, but Brevo’s automation fits educators better.
• Always design retargeting to serve the learner, not save the sale.

Community Insight: “Email isn’t a broadcast channel — it’s a classroom.” At EmailSchool, we believe every open, click, and reply is a sign of learning curiosity. So treat every automation not as a tool to convert, but as a tool to continue the conversation that education started.

Conclusion

Email retargeting automation transforms data into dialogue. It listens before it speaks. It notices actions and responds with care — not pressure. Brevo, Mailchimp, and other platforms provide the logic. But your EmailSchool mindset provides the language — a tone of education, encouragement, and empathy.

Before you automate your next campaign, ask yourself: “Am I reminding my audience — or re-teaching them something valuable?” If it’s the latter, you’re not just marketing — you’re educating. And that’s the true meaning of Email Retargeting Automation.