LinkedIn Ads Guide for Professionals
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 8 min read

Contents

  1. Create your LinkedIn Ad Account
  2. Choose the Right LinkedIn Ad Format
  3. Target Your Audience on LinkedIn
  4. Set Your LinkedIn Ad Budget and Schedule
  5. Design Your LinkedIn Ad
  6. Write Effective Ad Copy
  7. Launch Your LinkedIn Ad Campaign
  8. Monitor and Optimize Your LinkedIn Ads

As a working professional, choosing the right platform for social media ads can feel like a maze. But guess what? LinkedIn stands out as the ideal platform for you. It's not just about posting a job or scrolling through industry updates—LinkedIn is a goldmine for advertising, especially for professionals. This blog will guide you through the process of creating and optimizing your LinkedIn ads, so they stand out and get the right attention. Let's dive in!

Create Your LinkedIn Ad Account

Before we can talk about designing eye-catching ads, you need to have a LinkedIn ad account. Think of it as your personal advertising workspace on the platform. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create your LinkedIn Ad account:

  1. Start with your profile: Log into your LinkedIn account. If you don’t have one, it’s time to create one. Remember, LinkedIn is the best place for working professionals to connect and advertise.
  2. Access LinkedIn Marketing Solutions: Once logged in, navigate to the "Work" icon on the top right of your LinkedIn homepage, and select "Advertise" from the dropdown menu.
  3. Create a LinkedIn Campaign Manager Account: This will redirect you to the LinkedIn Marketing Solutions page. Click on "Create ad" and then "Create account".
  4. Fill in the details: Enter your account name (you might want to use your business name here), and select the currency you want to use for billing.
  5. Save and you're done: Click "Next" and voila! You've created your LinkedIn Ad account.

There you have it—creating a LinkedIn Ad account is as simple as that. Now that you've got the basics, let's move onto choosing the right ad format for your campaign. Remember, when considering which social media ads are best for working professionals, LinkedIn offers a unique, professional-focused environment for your ads to thrive.

Choose the Right LinkedIn Ad Format

Now that you have your LinkedIn Ad account ready to go, it's time to pick the perfect ad format. LinkedIn offers a variety of ad formats, each with its unique benefits and features. The trick is to pick the one that fits your goals the best. Let's take a look at your options:

  1. Sponsored Content: These are native ads that appear directly in the LinkedIn feed. They're great for boosting your brand's visibility and driving traffic to your website.
  2. Text Ads: These are simple, cost-effective ads that show up on the side of the LinkedIn feed. If you're on a tight budget, this is a good option.
  3. Sponsored InMail: Want to get personal? Sponsored InMails let you send direct messages to LinkedIn users. They're perfect for personalized offers or invitations.
  4. Dynamic Ads: These are customizable ads that use LinkedIn user data to offer a personalized experience. Use them to engage users on a deeper level.
  5. LinkedIn Stories Ads: If you're targeting a younger demographic, consider LinkedIn Stories Ads. They're short, engaging, and perfect for mobile users.

Remember, the key to choosing the right LinkedIn ad format depends on your campaign goals. Are you aiming to increase brand awareness? Drive website traffic? Generate leads? Or engage with your audience on a more personal level? Once you have your objectives clear, picking the right ad format becomes a whole lot easier. So, when it comes to figuring out which social media ads are best for working professionals, you've got plenty of choices with LinkedIn.

Target Your Audience on LinkedIn

Now, let's talk about targeting. LinkedIn is a platform filled with professionals from various fields, making it a great place to run targeted ad campaigns. But how exactly do you zero in on the right audience? Here's how:

  1. Determine Your Ideal Customer: What does your perfect customer look like? What's their job title? What industry are they in? How many years of experience do they have? Answer these questions to create an outline of your ideal customer.
  2. Use LinkedIn's Targeting Options: LinkedIn offers a range of targeting options. You can target based on job function, seniority, company size, and more. Use these options to refine your audience.
  3. Consider LinkedIn's Matched Audiences: This feature allows you to target your website visitors, contacts, and account matches. It's a powerful tool for reaching people who have already shown interest in your brand.
  4. Test and Learn: Try out different targeting options and see what works best. Remember, it's all about finding the right mix.

When you want to figure out which social media ads are best for working professionals, targeting becomes a vital step. By properly defining and reaching your ideal audience on LinkedIn, you can ensure that your ads are seen by the people who matter most to your business. So get specific, dig into the details, and start connecting with the professionals who need what you have to offer.

Set Your LinkedIn Ad Budget and Schedule

Setting your LinkedIn ad budget and schedule is the next step in launching a successful campaign. But where do you start, and how much should you spend? Let's break it down:

  1. Decide on a Budget: What's the financial limit for your campaign? Keep in mind, LinkedIn advertising isn't one-size-fits-all. You can set a daily budget or a total budget for the campaign duration. It's up to you and what you feel comfortable with.
  2. Choose a Bidding Strategy: LinkedIn offers different bidding strategies—Cost per Click (CPC), Cost per 1,000 Impressions (CPM), or Cost per Send (CPS). Choose a strategy that aligns with your campaign goals. CPC is great for driving engagement, CPM for awareness, and CPS for direct messaging campaigns.
  3. Set a Schedule: When should your ads run? LinkedIn allows you to schedule your ads to run on specific days and at specific times. Make sure your ads run when your audience is most likely to be online. Think about their work habits and lifestyle. Remember, you're targeting working professionals.
  4. Monitor and Adjust: Keep an eye on your campaign. Are you spending too much? Too little? Adjust your budget and schedule as needed to optimize your campaign results.

Remember, the question to answer isn't only "which social media ads are best for working professionals?" but also "how can I effectively manage my ad budget and schedule on LinkedIn?". By setting a realistic budget, choosing the right bidding strategy, and timing your ads right, you can make the most of your LinkedIn ad campaign.

Design Your LinkedIn Ad

Now that your budget is set, let's dive into the fun part—designing your LinkedIn ad. While you may feel tempted to unleash your creativity, it's essential to keep your target audience—working professionals—in mind. Here's how:

  1. Choose the Right Visuals: A picture is worth a thousand words, right? But make sure those words speak to your audience. Use professional, high-quality images or videos that align with your message. Remember, LinkedIn is a professional platform, so keep your visuals polished and relevant.
  2. Keep it Simple: Overloading your ad with too many elements can be confusing. Stick to one clear, easy-to-understand message. Your audience should immediately know what you're offering and what action they should take.
  3. Include a Call-to-Action: What do you want your audience to do after seeing your ad? Include a clear, compelling call-to-action. Whether you want them to "Learn More," "Sign Up," or "Contact Us," make sure it's prominent and persuasive.
  4. Stay Consistent: Your LinkedIn ad should match your brand style and voice. Consistency helps your audience recognize your brand and builds trust. If you're a financial consultancy firm, a playful tone might not work as well as a more serious, informative one.

Remember, the goal is to create an ad that not only answers the question "which social media ads are best for working professionals?" but also compels your audience to engage with your business. Good design is more than just aesthetics—it's about communicating your message effectively and sparking action.

Write Effective Ad Copy

Now let's talk about the words that accompany your visuals—your ad copy. Writing engaging and compelling copy is a key step to answer the question: "Which social media ads are best for working professionals?" Here's how to do it:

  1. Speak Directly to Your Audience: Address your audience directly in your copy. Use words like 'you' and 'your'. This creates a personal connection and makes your message more persuasive.
  2. Keep It Short and Sweet: LinkedIn users are busy people. They don't have time to read long, winding copy. Keep your message short, clear, and focused. Be concise but make sure to highlight the benefits that your product or service offers.
  3. Use Actionable Language: Your ad copy should encourage users to take action. Use strong, persuasive verbs. For example, instead of 'Get our guide,' you might say 'Download your free guide today.'
  4. Proofread: Nothing hurts your credibility faster than a typo or grammar error. Make sure to double-check your copy before you launch your ad. It's always helpful to have another pair of eyes look over it too.

Remember, effective ad copy isn't just about selling your product or service. It's about convincing your audience that you have the solution to their problem. That's how you show working professionals that your social media ad is the one they've been looking for.

Launch Your LinkedIn Ad Campaign

You've planned, designed, and written your LinkedIn ad. Now, it's time to launch it into the world. This is your moment to show working professionals why your social media ad stands out above the rest. Follow these steps to launch your LinkedIn ad campaign:

  1. Review Your Ad: Take a final look at your ad. Proofread the copy, check the design, and ensure the targeting is correct. You want to be certain that everything is as you want it to be.
  2. Set the Campaign Live: Once you're satisfied with your ad, it's time to set it live. This means your ad will start showing to the professionals you've targeted. Remember, it's normal to feel a bit nervous at this stage—after all, you're putting your work out there for the world to see.
  3. Be Patient: It might take a little while for your ad to start gaining traction. Don't panic if you don't see results right away. Remember, the best things often take time.
  4. Stay Alert: Even though your ad is live, your work isn't over. You need to keep an eye on your ad's performance. If something isn't working as expected, don't be afraid to make changes and adjust your strategy.

Launching your LinkedIn ad campaign is a big step, but it's also just the beginning. The real work—monitoring your ad's performance and making necessary adjustments—starts now. Stay tuned to learn how to optimize your LinkedIn Ads, making sure they are the best social media ads for the professional audience you're targeting.

Monitor and Optimize Your LinkedIn Ads

Now that your LinkedIn ad is live, it's time to keep a close eye on its performance. Monitoring and optimizing your ad isn't just a one-time thing. It's an ongoing process, as crucial to your success as the ad creation itself. So how do you do it right?

  1. Track Your Performance: LinkedIn provides a set of handy tools to help you track your ad's performance. Keep an eye on metrics like click-through rates, engagement rates, and overall views. This data can show you if your ad is hitting the mark or if it needs a little tweaking.
  2. Analyze the Data: Don't just collect data—analyze it. Look for patterns. What's working? What isn't? Are you reaching the professionals you wanted to target? Is your ad the best it can be in the competitive world of social media ads?
  3. Make Adjustments: If your ad isn't performing as well as you'd hoped, don't be afraid to make changes. Adjust the audience targeting, try a different ad format, or tweak the ad copy. Sometimes, even small changes can make a big difference.
  4. Test, Test, Test: Always be testing. Try out different versions of your ad to see what works best. Remember, the goal is to create the best social media ad for working professionals. So, don't settle for anything less than the best.

In the world of LinkedIn ads, constant monitoring and optimization are the keys to success. So keep analyzing, keep testing, and keep improving. Your ad can always be better, and there's no limit to what you can achieve with the right strategy and a bit of hard work. Good luck!

If you're looking to expand your knowledge on LinkedIn Ads and other social media marketing strategies, check out the workshop 'Social Media Marketing 101' by Faira. This workshop will provide you with the tools and insights you need to effectively market your professional brand across various social media platforms, including LinkedIn.