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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryBrand & Performance MarketingRetention Marketing

Brand & Performance Marketing

Retention Marketing

Efforts to keep existing customers buying and engaged.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

Retention marketing is the set of efforts aimed at keeping existing customers buying and engaged. Tactics include email and SMS programs, loyalty rewards, personalized offers, and win-back campaigns. Because retaining customers is usually cheaper than acquiring new ones, retention marketing can significantly raise customer lifetime value and profitability.