How to Set Up LinkedIn Ads: The Ultimate B2B Launch Playbook (2025)
Stop launching without a plan. This is your strategist-grade, field-tested guide to setting up LinkedIn Ads for B2B, with frameworks, examples, and pro tips for elite results.
The B2B LinkedIn Ads Setup Framework
// TODO: Insert a visual diagram: Setup → Testing → Optimization
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Set Up Your Campaign
- Define goals and audience
- Pro Tip: Start with a small test budget
- See: LinkedIn Ads Budgeting Guide
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Define Your Audience
- Use precise targeting
- Pro Tip: Test different segments
- See: LinkedIn Ads Targeting Guide
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Create Your Ads
- Design compelling creative
- Pro Tip: Use A/B testing
- See: B2B Ad Creative Testing Matrix
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Launch and Monitor
- Track performance metrics
- Pro Tip: Optimize for ROI
- See: How to Optimize LinkedIn Ads
Teardown: Real B2B LinkedIn Ads Launch (Before/After)
// TODO: Insert a before/after table: Generic setup vs. field-tested setup, with results (CTR, CPL, pipeline)
- Before:
- Targeting: "Marketing" + "UK" (audience: 500,000+)
- Offer: "Learn More"
- Creative: Stock image, generic copy
- Result: £350 CPL, 0.2% CTR, no pipeline
- After:
- Targeting: Account list (200 companies) + "Head of Marketing" + "Director+"
- Offer: "Free 2025 ROI Calculator (Excel)"
- Creative: Pain-first headline, real testimonial, bold CTA
- Result: £110 CPL, 0.8% CTR, 3 pipeline deals in 30 days
Troubleshooting: If Your Campaign Flops
- No Impressions: Check campaign status, budget, and audience size. Expand targeting or increase bid.
- Low CTR: Test new hooks, swap images for video, exclude junk roles.
- No Conversions: Audit landing page, test a "no-brainer" offer, verify tracking.
- Junk Leads: Tighten targeting, add qualifying questions, exclude job seekers.
- Still stuck? See Troubleshooting Playbook.
📈 FAQ
Q: Do I need a company page to run LinkedIn Ads?
A: Yes. All ads must be run from a company page, not a personal profile.
Q: What's the minimum budget for LinkedIn Ads?
A: £30 to £50/day is a good starting point for B2B. For more, see our budgeting guide.
Q: How do I track conversions?
A: Install the LinkedIn Insight Tag and set up conversion actions in Campaign Manager.
Q: Can I edit my campaign after launch?
A: Yes, you can adjust targeting, creative, and budget at any time.
🔗 See More
- LinkedIn Ads Budgeting: How Much Should You Spend?
- LinkedIn Ads Targeting: Best Practices & Pro Tips
- B2B Ad Creative Testing Matrix & Templates
- How to Optimize LinkedIn Ads for Lower CPL
- LinkedIn Ads Benchmarks 2025
- LinkedIn Ads Metrics Glossary
- The Ultimate B2B Offer Engineering Playbook
- Pricing
- Chat
💥 Ready to Launch Smarter?
B2B Ads Assistant builds, launches, and optimizes your LinkedIn Ads in minutes—no guesswork, no wasted budget.