LinkedIn ads: where business and boredom collide—or at least that’s how it can feel when your performance metrics are as sluggish as a Monday morning meeting. But fear not! LinkedIn ads can be a game changer for your b2b content strategy when executed right. Whether you're after more clicks, higher engagement, or those sweet conversions, it’s time to fine-tune your approach and crank those numbers up.
As a b2b content marketing agency LinkedIn ads are right in our sweet spot, so let’s break it down, shall we? Here’s how you can go from LinkedIn ad dud to digital dynamo.
1. Test, tweak, and repeat for better LinkedIn ads performance
Okay, it might sound like we’re suggesting you play mad scientist with your LinkedIn ads, but A/B testing is basically that—except with fewer beakers. If you're not running A/B tests on your ads, you're flying blind. Test headlines, copy, images, call-to-actions (CTAs)—even the audience targeting. You may find that a tiny tweak, like switching from "Download Now" to "Get Your Free Guide", can make a world of difference.
And hey, don’t just stop at one test. The more you test, the more you learn, and the more you learn, the better your LinkedIn ads perform. It’s a beautiful cycle of ad perfection.
2. Nail your audience targeting (but not too narrow)
Ah, LinkedIn targeting—where you can zoom in so close on your audience that you can practically see the colour of their PowerPoint slides. But beware: while hyper-targeting might seem like the smart play, it can actually limit your reach, especially as we’re dealing with much smaller audiences here in Australia compared to markets like the US. A little wiggle room can help LinkedIn’s algorithm work its magic, finding people who are just outside your original specs but still likely to engage.
Don’t go full sniper mode—think more scattergun (within reason). Experiment with broader targeting parameters; you might be surprised who starts clicking. Note: Keep an eye on the quality of leads coming in to ensure you’re reaching the right people, not just the right amount of people.
3. Make your visuals pop (or at least, make them not suck)
Remember that time you scrolled past an ad on LinkedIn because the image was so bland you thought it was another sales guy's post with a terrible analogy? Probably not, because you do it daily. Moral of the story: don’t be that ad. Your visuals need to stand out in a sea of professional selfies, inspirational quotes, and stock images of handshakes. Bold colours (stay away from LinkedIn blue!), sharp design, and eye-catching images are your best friends here.
Need proof? A/B test your visuals. Try testing something bolder than your usual conservative corporate look—you might just find your LinkedIn audience responds well to something a little different.
4. Watch those click-through rates like a hawk
Let’s be real—LinkedIn ads aren’t cheap, so every click counts. If your CTR is giving you anxiety, it’s time to look at the finer details. What’s your headline? Does your CTA make people want to take action? Is your offer clear, irresistible, and not buried under mountains of text?
Review your ads like you’re your own worst critic (we all are, right?). If something’s not working, don’t be afraid to pivot and try something fresh. If in doubt, A/B test!
5. The “Less is More” approach to copy
We get it; you’re excited to share your product or service with the world. But before you write your own personal memoir in your ad copy, remember this: LinkedIn users potentially have even shorter attention spans than regular social media users (because they’re “working,” of course). Keep your messaging snappy, concise, and focused on benefits, not features.
For example, instead of writing, “Our B2B content marketing agency helps businesses craft bespoke, data-driven content strategies to engage prospects across digital channels,” try, “Need more leads? We’ve got the content marketing magic you need.” It’s shorter, punchier, and doesn’t put anyone to sleep.
6. Optimise for mobile (because that’s where your audience is)
Here’s a not-so-shocking fact: people use their phones a lot—even to browse LinkedIn. If your ads aren’t optimised for mobile, you’re basically kissing a huge chunk of your potential audience goodbye. Check that your images, copy, and CTAs look just as good on mobile as they do on desktop. This small adjustment can mean the difference between someone casually ignoring your ad or clicking through to find out more.
The bottom line
Improving your LinkedIn ads performance doesn’t have to be an exercise in futility (or frustration). With smart testing, sharp targeting, killer visuals, and concise copy, you can get more out of every dollar you spend on LinkedIn. Remember, ads aren’t magic—they’re science, art, and a sprinkle of psychology. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process, fear not—our b2b content marketing agency is here to take the pressure for you.
Brand chemistry is a b2b content marketing agency that specialises in content creation. We can help you unlock the power of content, to attract your target buyers and develop a consistent pipeline of high-quality leads.