LinkedIn Ads Not Working? Quick Fixes (2025)
Stop struggling with underperforming campaigns. This is your strategist-grade, field-tested guide to fixing LinkedIn Ads issues, with frameworks, examples, and pro tips for elite results.
The B2B LinkedIn Ads Troubleshooting Framework
// TODO: Insert a visual diagram: Audit → Diagnose → Fix → Test
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Audit Your Campaign
- Review metrics and settings
- Pro Tip: Use the LinkedIn Campaign Manager
- See: LinkedIn Ads Benchmarks
-
Diagnose the Problem
- Identify key issues
- Pro Tip: Check targeting and creative
- See: LinkedIn Ads Targeting Guide
-
Fix the Issues
- Implement solutions
- Pro Tip: Test changes systematically
- See: B2B Ad Creative Testing Matrix
-
Test Your Changes
- Monitor performance
- Pro Tip: Track ROI and pipeline
- See: How to Optimize LinkedIn Ads
Quick Diagnosis Flowchart 🚦
- Are you getting impressions?
- No: Check campaign status, budget, and audience size. See Section 1.
- Yes: Move to next step.
- Are you getting clicks (CTR over 0.3 percent)?
- No: See Section 2.
- Yes: Move to next step.
- Are you getting conversions (CPL under £250)?
- No: See Section 3.
- Yes: Move to next step.
- Are conversions quality (pipeline, not junk)?
- No: See Section 4.
- Yes: You're winning—scale up!
1. No Impressions? (Your Ads Aren't Even Showing)
- Diagnosis:
- Campaign paused, budget too low, or audience size < 300.
- Ad rejected (compliance, image, or copy issue).
- Bidding below minimum (LinkedIn won't tell you directly).
- Elite Fixes:
- Double-check campaign status and budget (min £30/day for B2B).
- Expand audience (min 5,000 for learning, but < 100,000 for precision).
- Review ad status for rejections—fix compliance issues.
- Increase bid to "Maximum Delivery" for 48 hours to force impressions, then optimize.
- Pro Tip: Use LinkedIn's "Forecasted Results" tool to check if your audience is too small or bid too low.
2. Low CTR (under 0.3 percent)? (Nobody's Clicking)
- Diagnosis:
- Creative is bland, offer is weak, or targeting is off.
- Ad fatigue (same creative running >3 weeks).
- Elite Fixes:
- Test 3+ radically different hooks (pain, outcome, proof).
- Use numbers, urgency, and direct CTAs ("Book a demo," "Get the 2025 ROI Calculator").
- Swap images for video or vice versa.
- Exclude junk roles (students, interns, competitors).
- Pro Tip: Run a "Cliché Graveyard" session—kill all generic copy and visuals.
3. No Conversions (CPL over £250 or Zero Leads)?
- Diagnosis:
- Landing page leaks (slow, generic, or too many CTAs).
- Offer is high-friction (e.g., "Contact Us" or "Learn More").
- Tracking not set up (Insight Tag missing or broken).
- Elite Fixes:
- Build a single-purpose landing page (no nav, one CTA, proof above the fold).
- Use lead gen forms for mobile.
- Test a "no-brainer" offer (free audit, calculator, instant demo).
- Verify Insight Tag and conversion actions in Campaign Manager.
- Pro Tip: Use Hotjar or FullStory to watch user sessions and spot leaks.
4. Junk Leads? (Bad Fit, Low Intent)
- Diagnosis:
- Targeting too broad or not layered (job title, function, seniority).
- Offer attracts tire-kickers (e.g., generic "free guide").
- Elite Fixes:
- Upload an account list (ABM) and layer with job title + seniority.
- Exclude job seekers, students, and irrelevant industries.
- Tighten offer to ICP pain (e.g., "Free Fleet Audit for UK Logistics Leaders").
- Pro Tip: Add qualifying questions to lead gen forms.
Advanced Troubleshooting Scenarios 🛠️
- Impressions dropped after launch:
- Check for ad fatigue, budget depletion, or audience overlap.
- Clicks but no conversions:
- Audit landing page speed, clarity, and mobile UX.
- Conversions but no pipeline:
- Review lead quality, add qualification steps, and follow up fast.
- Still stuck?
- Run a teardown with a peer or use B2B Ads Assistant's campaign audit tool.
📈 FAQ
Q: What's a "good" CTR or CPL for B2B?
A: 0.5%+ CTR and £100–£200 CPL are strong. Under £100 CPL is elite. If you're above £250, fix targeting and offer.
Q: How do I know if my campaign is working?
A: If you're getting demo requests or downloads from your ICP within the first £200–£300, you're on track. If not, pause and fix.
Q: What if nothing works?
A: Run a teardown, get outside eyes, or use B2B Ads Assistant to rebuild from scratch—don't keep burning budget.
🔗 See More
- LinkedIn Ads Benchmarks 2025
- LinkedIn Ads Targeting: Best Practices & Pro Tips
- B2B Ad Creative Testing Matrix & Templates
- How to Optimize LinkedIn Ads for Lower CPL
- How to Set Up LinkedIn Ads: The Ultimate B2B Launch Playbook
- LinkedIn Ads Metrics Glossary
- The Ultimate B2B Offer Engineering Playbook
- Pricing
- Chat
💥 Ready to Fix Your LinkedIn Ads (for Good)?
B2B Ads Assistant diagnoses and rebuilds your campaign in minutes—targeting, creative, landing page, and retargeting, done for you.