> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://documentation.freshpaint.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://documentation.freshpaint.io/audiences/guides/when-to-combine-strategies-and-why.md).

# When to Combine Strategies (and Why)

| **Business Goal**               | **Combine**                  |
| ------------------------------- | ---------------------------- |
| Scale efficiently               | Lookalikes + Exclusions      |
| Recover intent without waste    | Retargeting + Exclusions     |
| Prioritize high-value prospects | Imported Lists + Retargeting |
| Prevent duplication             | Any campaign + Exclusions    |

**Why this matters:**\
\&#xNAN;*Combination strategies protect budget, compliance, and growth at the same time.*

***

### A Simple Decision Flow

*These can be used in any order and any combination!*

1. Are we wasting spend today?\
   → Start with **Exclusions**
2. Are we ready to scale?\
   → Add **Lookalikes**
3. Are we losing warm leads and/or high-intent users?\
   → Layer **Retargeting**

*This becomes a growth maturity path, not three separate/disparate/disconnected tactics.*

***

### What Great Audiences Programs Look Like

High-performing customers:

* Always run exclusions by default
* Use retargeting to capture intent
* Use lookalikes to scale predictably
* Treat Audiences as a growth system/strategy and not one-off tactics

***

### What’s Next

Learn more:

* [Exclusion Lists](https://documentation.freshpaint.io/audiences/targeting-techniques/exclusion-lists)
* [Lookalikes](https://documentation.freshpaint.io/audiences/targeting-techniques/lookalike-audiences)
* [Retargeting](https://documentation.freshpaint.io/audiences/targeting-techniques/retargeting)
* [Use Case Library](https://documentation.freshpaint.io/~/revisions/lmvqN98QxF2QClCy3JnF/audiences/use-case-library)
* [Testing Guide](https://documentation.freshpaint.io/~/revisions/lmvqN98QxF2QClCy3JnF/audiences/testing-guide)