Your First LinkedIn Ad Campaign: A Step-by-Step Guide
Everything you need to launch your first campaign successfully
Never run LinkedIn ads before? Here's your step-by-step launch guide.
Step 1: Set up Campaign Manager
Go to business.linkedin.com/marketing-solutions. Create an account and add your credit card.
Step 2: Install the Insight Tag
Add this tracking code to your website. It measures conversions and enables retargeting.
Step 3: Define your goal
What do you want? Website visits? Lead gen form signups? Be specific.
Step 4: Choose your campaign type
For your first campaign, use Sponsored Content with a Lead Gen Form. This is the easiest way to get results.
Step 5: Set your audience
Start with job title + industry. Target 50,000-500,000 people. Too narrow and you won't get enough reach.
Step 6: Set your budget
Start with $1,500-2,000 for your first month. This gives you enough data to learn.
Step 7: Create your ad
Write a clear headline. Include a benefit-focused description. Use a high-quality image. Add a strong call-to-action.
Step 8: Build your lead form
Keep it short. Name and email at minimum. Add 1-2 more fields only if necessary.
Step 9: Review everything
Check your targeting. Read your ad copy aloud. Make sure your form works.
Step 10: Launch
Hit publish. Your ad goes into review. LinkedIn usually approves within 24 hours.
After launch:
Check daily for the first week. Make sure everything is running properly.
Don't make changes too quickly. Give the algorithm 5-7 days to learn.
Track your cost per lead. Compare to your target.
Common first-timer mistakes:
Targeting too narrow - you won't get enough impressions
Changing too much too fast - doesn't let anything learn
Judging results after 2 days - you need more time
Not having a follow-up plan - leads need nurturing
Stirling makes creating your first campaign easier. Get AI-powered ad suggestions based on your goals and audience. Perfect for founders launching their first LinkedIn campaign.
Your first campaign is a learning experience. Don't expect perfection. Focus on gathering data and improving from there.
