Marketing Calendar 2026
Abandoned cart campaign
You know that satisfying moment when you’ve loaded your online shopping basket. Maybe a new pair of trainers, a birthday gift, and a questionable kitchen gadget. But then your phone rings, dinner burns, or you… Wander off? You never make it to checkout. That’s an abandoned cart. Now think of the email (text, or app alert) you sometimes get a day later: “Hey, you left something behind.” That follow-up? That’s an abandoned cart campaign.
Benefits of running an abandoned cart campaign:
- Reclaim lost revenue by re-engaging warm prospects
- Automate follow-ups without manual outreach
- Learn what’s causing drop-offs by testing different messages or triggers
- Personalise touchpoints that feel timely, not intrusive
Why does this matter? Because cart abandonment is common. Like, really common. Studies regularly show that 60-80% of carts are abandoned, depending on the industry. That’s a lot of untapped potential revenue. An abandoned cart campaign is a gentle nudge that says, “Still thinking about this? Here’s a reminder,” often with a helpful little bonus like free shipping or a limited-time discount.
Here’s how it works behind the scenes: Most e-commerce platforms and marketing tools can track when a known user (usually someone with a cookie on their browser or logged into an account) adds something to their cart but leaves without paying. That triggers a workflow. The first email typically lands within an hour or two, while the potential purchase is still fresh. Some brands send a second or third reminder over the next day or two.
It’s worth noting that these campaigns aren’t just for price-driven buyers. Sometimes people forget. Sometimes they’re researching. A well-written, well-timed cart reminder can help them get across the line, not by selling harder, but by removing friction.