8 Ways to Personalise Your Marketing (That Your Customers Will Actually Love)

Ever noticed how some companies make their marketing feel like it’s speaking just to you? 

That’s no accident – it’s a powerful personalisation technique, with many benefits, that works wonders when it comes to attracting and converting new customers. Let’s face it – nobody wants to feel like just another number in your email list. 

In a world where attention is gold dust, personalising your marketing isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ – it’s essential for building real connections with your customers. And no, we don’t just mean popping a first name in an email subject line (although that does help – and we’ll get to that in a sec!).

The good news? With a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of AI magic, you can give your customers the VIP treatment they deserve. Keep reading to find out 8 different ways you can personalise your own marketing and grow your business..

1. Use Their Name (Yes, Really!)

It’s simple, but it works. Adding your customer’s name to an email subject line, a landing page, or even on a thank you page makes them feel like you’re talking directly to them. It’s like waving across a crowded room and saying, “Hey Jess, we made this just for you!”

💡 Pro tip: You can take this even further by pulling in other details like location or recent purchases using clever CRM tools (AI is making this even easier!).

2. Birthday Surprises 

Who doesn’t love a surprise on their birthday? 

As part of my onboarding process, I ask my clients when their birthday is, as I like to send them a birthday surprise – I’d rather do something special and just for them than a generic Christmas card. It’s a small gesture, but it leaves a lasting impression. You could even pair this with a discount code or freebie – something unexpected and delightful, it’s bound to make them smile.

3. Found You Looking for a Discount? 

Here’s a fun one: If a customer lands on your site after searching for a discount code (we all do it, no shame), why not greet them with a friendly pop-up that says something like, “Looking for a deal? Here’s one to get you started!” 

It feels like you’re reading their mind – in a non-creepy way, of course.

AI is fantastic at picking up on this kind of intent – use it to create smart automations that detect search behaviour and serve up timely offers.

4. Smarter Targeting (Thanks to Cookies)

Cookies aren’t just for snacking – they’re key to showing your customers exactly what they’re interested in. Whether it’s display ads, personalised product recommendations, or cart reminders, using customer data helps you hit the mark without spamming people with irrelevant stuff.

💡 With new AI tools, you can go way beyond basic retargeting and really get specific, like tailoring ad messaging based on their actual behaviour and preferences.

5. Loyalty Rewards That Feel Personal 

A good old-fashioned loyalty programme still works – but you should try to make it feel personal! 

Think: “Hi Sam, you’re only 30 points away from your next reward!” Or offer rewards that reflect their preferences (e.g. skincare freebies for beauty lovers). 

Little tweaks like this go a long way in making people feel seen and appreciated.

6. Your Name on a Product 

Remember when Coke bottles with names on them went everywhere? That’s the power of personalisation. Whether it’s a custom label, engraving, or packaging, having someone’s name on a product instantly makes it feel like it was made just for them and makes them want to buy it!

7. “You Might Also Like…” – But Smarter 

In e-commerce, suggesting related or complementary products is a no-brainer. But with AI stepping in, these recommendations can be more intelligent than ever – think real-time suggestions based on browsing, buying habits, even the weather (yes, really!).

Bonus: You can personalise entire shopping experiences now, from homepage banners to exit-intent pop-ups. The future is here, folks.

And one more for the road…

8. Personalised Content Journeys

Your customers are on different paths – so why not tailor the content they see based on where they are in the journey?

AI tools can help you create dynamic content flows that guide each user to exactly what they need next, whether that’s a helpful blog post, a product demo, or a juicy case study.

Ready to get started?

If you’re feeling inspired and want to start personalising your marketing in fun, meaningful ways – I’m here to help! Feel free to get in touch for a friendly chat about how we can make your marketing sparkle.

And if you liked this post, make sure to check out our other blog ‘Quick Email Marketing Wins’, which is a guest blog from The Digital Marketing Fairy, Jo.