How to run a LinkedIn lead gen campaign (B2B)

LinkedIn ads are expensive but unmatched for B2B. Set up a Lead Gen Form campaign that converts 12-20% without sending traffic off LinkedIn.

8 min read intermediateUpdated Jun 10, 2026
BI
Reviewed by the editorial team · Jun 10, 2026
Before you start
  • A LinkedIn Page (not just a personal profile)
  • A LinkedIn Campaign Manager account
  • $1,000+ test budget — LinkedIn is not cheap

Step by step

  1. 01

    Pick the objective

    Campaign Manager → Create campaign → Lead generation. This unlocks Lead Gen Forms — the highest-converting LinkedIn ad format.

  2. 02

    Define your audience

    Job title + seniority + company size beats everything else. Don't add interest or skills targeting — it shrinks the audience too much. Aim for 50K-300K audience size.

  3. 03

    Set the budget and bidding

    Start with $50/day minimum. Manual CPC bidding — start at LinkedIn's low-end suggested bid and raise only if you're under-pacing.

  4. 04

    Pick the ad format

    Single image or Document ad (a PDF preview inside the feed). Document ads are 2026's highest-engagement format.

  5. 05

    Build the Lead Gen Form

    Create new form → ask only 3-4 fields (Name, Email, Company, Job Title). LinkedIn pre-fills them — adding more fields drops conversion 30% per field.

  6. 06

    Write the creative

    Headline = the offer (download, webinar, audit). Description = the outcome they get. CTA button = 'Download' or 'Register'.

  7. 07

    Launch + sync to your CRM

    Forms → Lead Gen Forms → integrate with HubSpot, Salesforce, or Zapier. Don't manually export — leads cool fast.

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