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

1. Set Up Your Campaign

   • Define goals and audience
   • Pro Tip: Start with a small test budget
   • See: LinkedIn Ads Budgeting Guide

2. Define Your Audience

   • Use precise targeting
   • Pro Tip: Test different segments
   • See: LinkedIn Ads Targeting Guide

3. Create Your Ads

   • Design compelling creative
   • Pro Tip: Use A/B testing
   • See: B2B Ad Creative Testing Matrix

4. 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.