LinkedIn is one of the best places for businesses to find and connect with other businesses. But just running ads there isn’t enough—you need to avoid common mistakes to get good results. Here are the top 10 things not to do with LinkedIn Ads, based on research from experts like Forrester, Gartner, and LinkedIn’s own B2B Institute.
1. Don’t Ignore Who You’re Targeting
You have to be very specific about who sees your ads. LinkedIn lets you target by job, industry, company size, and skills. When you do this well, more people will pay attention and respond. People expect ads that feel relevant to their work and role.
2. Don’t Use Confusing or Wordy Text
Keep your message clear and simple. Avoid complicated words or industry jargon that can confuse people. Tell them exactly what’s in it for them quickly—that’s what gets people interested.
3. Don’t Use Poor-Quality Images or Videos
Bad-looking pictures or videos make your ad look unprofessional and can turn people off. Use clear, high-quality visuals that match your brand and message.
4. Don’t Skip Testing Different Versions
Try different versions of your ads—change the headline, images, or call-to-action—and see which one works best. Testing helps you find out what your audience likes most.
5. Don’t Forget a Clear “Next Step”
Always include a simple and clear call-to-action (like “Sign Up,” “Learn More,” or “Get a Demo”). Without this, people won’t know what to do next.
6. Don’t Skip Using Lead Forms
LinkedIn offers forms that people can fill out right on the platform, making it easier for them to show interest without extra steps. Using these forms can get you more quality leads.
7. Don’t Just Set It and Forget It
Keep an eye on your campaigns regularly. See what’s working and what’s not, then make changes to improve. Ads aren’t something you do once and forget.
8. Don’t Show Your Ads Too Often
If people see your ads too many times, they get annoyed and stop paying attention. Limit how often your ads show to the same people. Take care of frequency.
9. Don’t Be Inconsistent with Your Brand
Make sure your ads look and sound like your company. Use the same logos, colors, and tone so people recognize you and trust you.
10. Don’t Forget to Follow Rules and Adjust for Different Places
If you’re advertising in different countries, make sure your ads follow local laws and fit the culture. Generic ads might not connect well everywhere and could even cause problems.
Some Extra Tips for 2025
- Use fun and engaging formats like carousels or image posts to catch attention.
- Focus on creating conversations and engagement, not just selling.
- Mix ads that build your brand with ads that ask people to take action.
- Always check your numbers (clicks, sign-ups) and improve based on what you see.
- Share helpful, genuine content that shows your expertise instead of just pushing sales.
Wrap-Up
LinkedIn Ads can be very powerful for businesses, but only if you avoid these common mistakes. Focus on targeting the right people, keeping your message simple, using good visuals, testing often, and being consistent with your brand. Do this, and you’ll see better results and grow your business.
