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.
By James Green10 Jun 2025

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

  1. Audit Your Campaign

  2. Diagnose the Problem

  3. Fix the Issues

  4. Test Your Changes


Quick Diagnosis Flowchart 🚦

  1. Are you getting impressions?
    • No: Check campaign status, budget, and audience size. See Section 1.
    • Yes: Move to next step.
  2. Are you getting clicks (CTR over 0.3 percent)?
  3. Are you getting conversions (CPL under £250)?
  4. 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.


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