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

   • Review metrics and settings
   • Pro Tip: Use the LinkedIn Campaign Manager
   • See: LinkedIn Ads Benchmarks

2. Diagnose the Problem

   • Identify key issues
   • Pro Tip: Check targeting and creative
   • See: LinkedIn Ads Targeting Guide

3. Fix the Issues

   • Implement solutions
   • Pro Tip: Test changes systematically
   • See: B2B Ad Creative Testing Matrix

4. Test Your Changes

   • Monitor performance
   • Pro Tip: Track ROI and pipeline
   • See: How to Optimize LinkedIn Ads

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)?
   • No: See Section 2.
   • Yes: Move to next step.
3. Are you getting conversions (CPL under £250)?
   • No: See Section 3.
   • Yes: Move to next step.
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.

🔗 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.