5 Fast Ways to Re-Engage Lapsing Customers (That You Can Launch This Week)

You know that sinking feeling when you check your customer data and see a bunch of people looking like they’re ghosting you? Yeah, same. Customers are clicking less, buying less, and just generally acting like you don’t exist.

The good news? Re-engagement doesn’t have to take months of planning or require a campaign so elaborate it feels like you’re orchestrating a Broadway production. Nope! You can get them back on board this week. Yep, this week.

Here are five fast, actionable ways to get those customers back in the game and remind them why they loved you in the first place.

1. Send Them a “We Miss You” Email

Sounds basic, right? That’s because it works. A “We Miss You” email taps into emotions and catches attention without being pushy.

• Keep it personal (“Hi [First Name], it’s been a while…”)
• Remind them why they loved your brand (fun perks, amazing products, etc.).
• Add an incentive! A discount, freebie, or exclusive offer makes saying no almost impossible.

Example subject line? “It’s been too quiet without you, [First Name]…” (Cue dramatic single tear emoji.)

Pro Tip: Add a touch of humor, if it fits your brand. Something like, “We noticed you’ve gone radio silent. Not to alarm you, but we’re two seconds away from sending a search party.”

2. Offer a Flash Sale (With an Exclusivity Twist)

Ah, the good old flash sale. Except, make it feel exclusive. Send a quick campaign like, “You’re on the VIP list for our secret flash sale!” Everyone loves feeling special, even over email.

• Keep the sale short and snappy (“24 hours only!”).
• Highlight products they’ve browsed or purchased before.

This little FOMO trick lets you tap into urgency and exclusivity in one fell swoop. Bonus points if you add a countdown timer to the email or landing page. (Nothing like a digital ticking clock to make someone reach for their wallet!)

3. Surprise Them With Something Free

Who doesn’t love free stuff? Nobody. And guess what? A freebie doesn’t always have to mean you’re giving away an entire product. Think small but thoughtful.

• Throw in free shipping for their next order.
• Offer a downloadable gift, like a guide or exclusive content.
• Gift a small sample or bonus item with their (future) purchase.

Email example? “Surprise! We’ve got something for you (no strings attached).” If people aren’t at least curious enough to open that email, are they even human?

4. Launch a Personalized Offer or Recommendation

People want the vibe that you get them. Seriously, a little personalization goes a long way. Comb through your data (or have your AI pal do it for you) and create offers based on their past behaviors.

• Did they get an oil change last fall? Send them a limited-time discount on windshield wipers.
• Did they browse your skincare section but never hit “checkout”? Hit them with a “create your glow set” bundle offer.

Pro-level personalization feels like someone whipped up an offer just for them. And when it happens quickly, it’s like magic. But, you know, businessy.

5. Spark Conversations on Social Media

Not every re-engagement strategy has to be about selling something (gasp). Sometimes, nudging lapsed customers back onto the radar is about reminding them you’re alive and fun over on socials.

• Run a poll on Instagram Stories. (Everyone loves clicking buttons. It’s science.)
• Post a throwback with, “Remember this fave? It’s still here for you.”
• Start a mini challenge or fun giveaway that encourages past customers to jump back into the conversation.

One tactical trick? Slide into their DMs after they engage with a comment or vote. Yep, that’s right. Get conversational!

Why These Strategies Work (and Work Fast)

The beauty of these fast hits is that they leverage tactics that already work. People love feeling valued, exclusive perks catch attention, and a playful, personal approach encourages interaction. When you combine these elements, lapsing customers move one step closer to re-engaging with your brand.

The key, though, is getting started today. Yes, today. The longer you wait, the cooler those lapsing customers feel about your brand, and no amount of “we’re sorry” emails can fix that.

• Want to reclaim your top customers?
• Need to grow your active list this week?
• Hoping for fewer sad, low-ROI reports?

Try one (or all five) of these strategies right now. Then watch as those ghosting customers reappear like magic.