Behavioural Targeting / Advertising Terms Behavioural Targeting Behavioural targeting is a digital advertising strategy that uses data about a user’s past actions to deliver more relevant and personalized ads. This data can include website visits, search queries, content engagement, purchase history, and other online behaviours. By analysing these signals, advertisers can create audience segments and show tailored messages that are more likely to match a person’s interests, needs or stage in the buying journey. For example, someone who browses several product pages on an e-commerce site but does not complete a purchase may later see ads for those same products while visiting other websites or scrolling through social media. This technique is commonly used in display advertising, retargeting, email marketing and social media campaigns. Platforms like Google Ads, Meta Ads Manager and programmatic ad networks enable behavioural targeting through tools such as pixel tracking, cookies and device IDs. These systems help advertisers increase relevance, improve return on ad spend and reduce wasted impressions. While behavioural targeting can improve campaign performance, it also raises important privacy considerations. Users may not always be aware that their online activity is being tracked, and regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) place strict rules on data collection and consent. Marketers should ensure transparency by disclosing tracking practices, offering opt-out options and respecting user preferences. When used ethically and responsibly, behavioural targeting allows brands to create more meaningful interactions and deliver content that resonates with each individual user.