LinkedIn Ads Complete Guide

LinkedIn Advertising Advantages:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    WHY LINKEDIN FOR B2B                              │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                      │
│  Professional Targeting          Business Environment               │
│  ├── Job titles (30,000+)        ├── Professional mindset           │
│  ├── Company attributes          ├── Higher purchase intent         │
│  ├── Skills (35,000+)            ├── Decision-maker access          │
│  └── Seniority levels            └── Trusted platform               │
│                                                                      │
│  Account-Based Marketing         Lead Quality                       │
│  ├── Company list upload         ├── Pre-filled Lead Gen Forms      │
│  ├── Decision-maker layers       ├── Professional email addresses   │
│  ├── Multi-stakeholder reach     ├── Accurate company data          │
│  └── ABM at scale                └── High conversion value          │
│                                                                      │
│  LinkedIn Statistics 2026:                                           │
│  • 1B+ professionals worldwide                                       │
│  • 65M+ decision-makers                                              │
│  • 10M+ C-level executives                                           │
│  • 4 of 5 members drive business decisions                           │
│  • 2x higher visitor-to-lead conversion vs other platforms           │
│                                                                      │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Best Fit Industries:
├── B2B SaaS and Enterprise Software
│   ├── Long sales cycles benefit from nurturing
│   ├── Multiple decision-makers involved
│   └── High LTV justifies premium CPL
│
├── Professional Services
│   ├── Consulting firms
│   ├── Legal services
│   ├── Accounting/finance
│   └── Marketing agencies
│
├── Higher Education
│   ├── Executive MBA programs
│   ├── Professional certifications
│   └── Corporate training
│
├── Recruiting and HR Tech
│   ├── Native job posting integration
│   ├── Talent-focused audience
│   └── HR decision-maker access
│
├── Financial Services B2B
│   ├── Investment platforms
│   ├── Business banking
│   └── Insurance for businesses
│
└── High-Value B2C
    ├── Luxury goods/services
    ├── Wealth management
    └── Premium memberships

Campaign Manager Hierarchy:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                         AD ACCOUNT                                   │
│                    (Billing & Permissions)                          │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                      │
│  ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐   │
│  │              CAMPAIGN GROUP                                   │   │
│  │         (Budget Control & Organization)                       │   │
│  │                                                               │   │
│  │  ┌─────────────────────┐  ┌─────────────────────┐           │   │
│  │  │     CAMPAIGN 1      │  │     CAMPAIGN 2      │           │   │
│  │  │ • Objective         │  │ • Objective         │           │   │
│  │  │ • Targeting         │  │ • Targeting         │           │   │
│  │  │ • Budget            │  │ • Budget            │           │   │
│  │  │ • Schedule          │  │ • Schedule          │           │   │
│  │  │ • Bid Strategy      │  │ • Bid Strategy      │           │   │
│  │  │                     │  │                     │           │   │
│  │  │  ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐   │  │  ┌─────┐ ┌─────┐   │           │   │
│  │  │  │Ad 1 │ │Ad 2 │   │  │  │Ad 1 │ │Ad 2 │   │           │   │
│  │  │  └─────┘ └─────┘   │  │  └─────┘ └─────┘   │           │   │
│  │  └─────────────────────┘  └─────────────────────┘           │   │
│  └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘   │
│                                                                      │
│  Additional Elements:                                                │
│  ├── Insight Tag (cross-account tracking pixel)                     │
│  ├── Matched Audiences (retargeting lists, uploads)                 │
│  ├── Conversion Tracking (pixel + CAPI events)                      │
│  └── Lead Gen Forms (reusable form templates)                       │
│                                                                      │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

// Recommended Campaign Manager Setup
const linkedInAccountSetup = {
  // 1. Account Configuration
  account: {
    currency: 'USD', // Cannot be changed after creation
    timezone: 'America/New_York', // Match your reporting timezone
    billingType: 'credit_card', // or 'invoicing' for enterprise
  },

  // 2. User Permissions Structure
  permissions: {
    accountManager: ['billing', 'users', 'all_campaigns'],
    campaignManager: ['create_campaigns', 'edit_campaigns', 'view_analytics'],
    analyst: ['view_campaigns', 'view_analytics'],
    creativeManager: ['create_ads', 'edit_ads'],
  },

  // 3. Essential Setup Checklist
  setupChecklist: [
    'Install Insight Tag on all website pages',
    'Set up at least 3 conversion events',
    'Create retargeting audience (all visitors)',
    'Upload initial customer email list',
    'Set up CRM integration for Lead Gen Forms',
    'Configure offline conversion upload (if applicable)',
    'Install LinkedIn Pixel Helper Chrome extension',
  ],

  // 4. Campaign Group Strategy
  campaignGroups: {
    prospecting: {
      budget: 'daily',
      campaigns: ['cold_audience_awareness', 'interest_based_consideration']
    },
    retargeting: {
      budget: 'daily',
      campaigns: ['website_visitors', 'engaged_prospects']
    },
    abm: {
      budget: 'lifetime',
      campaigns: ['tier1_accounts', 'tier2_accounts']
    }
  }
};

Campaign Objectives by Funnel Stage:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                        AWARENESS                                     │
│                   (Top of Funnel)                                   │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                      │
│  Brand Awareness                                                     │
│  ├── Optimization: Maximum reach within target audience             │
│  ├── Bidding: CPM (cost per 1,000 impressions)                      │
│  ├── Best for: Building brand recognition, thought leadership       │
│  ├── Formats: Single Image, Video, Carousel                         │
│  └── Benchmark: $6-12 CPM                                           │
│                                                                      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                       CONSIDERATION                                  │
│                   (Middle of Funnel)                                │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                      │
│  Website Visits                                                      │
│  ├── Optimization: Landing page clicks                              │
│  ├── Bidding: CPC (cost per click)                                  │
│  ├── Best for: Driving traffic to blog, product pages               │
│  ├── Formats: Single Image, Carousel, Video, Text Ads               │
│  └── Benchmark: $5-15 CPC                                           │
│                                                                      │
│  Engagement                                                          │
│  ├── Optimization: Social actions (likes, comments, shares)         │
│  ├── Bidding: CPM or CPC                                            │
│  ├── Best for: Growing Company Page followers, virality             │
│  ├── Formats: Single Image, Video, Event Ads, Document Ads          │
│  └── Benchmark: $0.50-2.00 per engagement                           │
│                                                                      │
│  Video Views                                                         │
│  ├── Optimization: Video starts or completions                      │
│  ├── Bidding: CPV (cost per view)                                   │
│  ├── Best for: Brand storytelling, product demos                    │
│  ├── Formats: Video Ads                                             │
│  └── Benchmark: $0.06-0.15 per view                                 │
│                                                                      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                       CONVERSIONS                                    │
│                   (Bottom of Funnel)                                │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                      │
│  Lead Generation                                                     │
│  ├── Optimization: Form submissions (on-platform)                   │
│  ├── Bidding: CPM with conversion optimization                      │
│  ├── Best for: Direct lead capture without landing pages            │
│  ├── Formats: Lead Gen Forms with any Sponsored Content             │
│  └── Benchmark: $30-150 CPL (varies significantly by industry)      │
│                                                                      │
│  Website Conversions                                                 │
│  ├── Optimization: Off-site conversion events                       │
│  ├── Bidding: CPC or CPM with conversion optimization               │
│  ├── Best for: Demo requests, free trials, purchases                │
│  ├── Formats: Single Image, Carousel, Video, Message Ads            │
│  └── Benchmark: $50-300 CPA (depending on conversion type)          │
│                                                                      │
│  Job Applicants                                                      │
│  ├── Optimization: Job applications                                 │
│  ├── Bidding: CPC                                                   │
│  ├── Best for: Recruiting campaigns                                 │
│  ├── Formats: Single Job Ads, Jobs Carousel                         │
│  └── Benchmark: $10-50 per application                              │
│                                                                      │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

// Choosing the right objective based on business goals
function selectLinkedInObjective(businessGoal: BusinessGoal): LinkedInObjective {
  const objectiveMapping = {
    // Brand building
    'increase_brand_awareness': 'brand_awareness',
    'establish_thought_leadership': 'brand_awareness',

    // Traffic generation
    'drive_blog_traffic': 'website_visits',
    'increase_page_views': 'website_visits',

    // Engagement
    'grow_company_followers': 'engagement',
    'increase_content_engagement': 'engagement',
    'promote_event': 'engagement',

    // Video
    'product_demo_views': 'video_views',
    'brand_storytelling': 'video_views',

    // Lead generation
    'collect_contact_info': 'lead_generation',
    'webinar_registrations': 'lead_generation',
    'content_downloads': 'lead_generation',

    // Conversions
    'demo_requests': 'website_conversions',
    'free_trial_signups': 'website_conversions',
    'contact_form_submissions': 'website_conversions',

    // Recruiting
    'job_applications': 'job_applicants',
  };

  return objectiveMapping[businessGoal];
}

// Example: Full-funnel campaign structure
const fullFunnelStrategy = {
  awareness: {
    objective: 'brand_awareness',
    budget_allocation: '20%',
    audiences: ['cold_industry_targeting', 'competitor_followers'],
    content: ['thought_leadership', 'industry_insights'],
  },
  consideration: {
    objective: 'website_visits',
    budget_allocation: '30%',
    audiences: ['awareness_retargeting', 'interest_based'],
    content: ['case_studies', 'product_overviews'],
  },
  conversion: {
    objective: 'lead_generation',
    budget_allocation: '50%',
    audiences: ['website_visitors', 'engaged_users', 'abm_accounts'],
    content: ['demo_offers', 'free_trials', 'consultations'],
  },
};

LinkedIn Ad Format Ecosystem:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    SPONSORED CONTENT                                 │
│              (Native feed placements)                               │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                      │
│  Single Image Ad          Carousel Ad           Video Ad            │
│  ┌───────────────┐       ┌───────────────┐    ┌───────────────┐    │
│  │  ┌─────────┐  │       │ ┌──┐┌──┐┌──┐  │    │  ┌─────────┐  │    │
│  │  │  IMAGE  │  │       │ │1 ││2 ││3 │  │    │  │  VIDEO  │  │    │
│  │  │1200x627 │  │       │ └──┘└──┘└──┘  │    │  │  ▶ PLAY │  │    │
│  │  └─────────┘  │       │  1:1 cards    │    │  └─────────┘  │    │
│  │  Headline     │       │  2-10 cards   │    │  15-30 sec    │    │
│  │  Description  │       │               │    │  ideal        │    │
│  └───────────────┘       └───────────────┘    └───────────────┘    │
│                                                                      │
│  Document Ad             Event Ad             Thought Leader Ad     │
│  ┌───────────────┐       ┌───────────────┐    ┌───────────────┐    │
│  │  ┌─────────┐  │       │  📅 Event     │    │  👤 Employee  │    │
│  │  │   PDF   │  │       │  ────────     │    │  post with    │    │
│  │  │  PAGES  │  │       │  Date/Time    │    │  company      │    │
│  │  └─────────┘  │       │  Location     │    │  sponsorship  │    │
│  │  Swipeable    │       │  [Register]   │    │               │    │
│  └───────────────┘       └───────────────┘    └───────────────┘    │
│                                                                      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                    MESSAGE ADS                                       │
│              (LinkedIn Inbox)                                       │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                      │
│  Conversation Ad         Message Ad (Legacy)                         │
│  ┌───────────────────┐   ┌───────────────────┐                      │
│  │ Hi [First Name],  │   │ Hi [First Name],  │                      │
│  │                   │   │                   │                      │
│  │ Message content   │   │ Single message    │                      │
│  │                   │   │ with one CTA      │                      │
│  │ [CTA 1] [CTA 2]   │   │                   │                      │
│  │       ↓           │   │ [Learn More]      │                      │
│  │ Branch 1 | Branch2│   │                   │                      │
│  └───────────────────┘   └───────────────────┘                      │
│                                                                      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                    TEXT & DYNAMIC ADS                                │
│              (Right rail & top banner)                              │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                      │
│  Text Ad               Spotlight Ad          Follower Ad            │
│  ┌──────────────┐      ┌──────────────┐     ┌──────────────┐       │
│  │ [img] Title  │      │ [User Photo] │     │ [User Photo] │       │
│  │      Desc    │      │ Personalized │     │ + Logo       │       │
│  └──────────────┘      │ CTA          │     │ [Follow]     │       │
│   Desktop only         └──────────────┘     └──────────────┘       │
│                         Dynamic content      Grow followers         │
│                                                                      │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

// Ad format recommendations by use case
const formatRecommendations = {
  brand_awareness: {
    primary: 'video_ad',
    secondary: 'single_image_ad',
    reasoning: 'Video captures attention and tells brand story effectively',
  },

  thought_leadership: {
    primary: 'document_ad',
    secondary: 'thought_leader_ad',
    reasoning: 'Showcase expertise with in-depth content or employee voices',
  },

  lead_generation: {
    primary: 'single_image_with_lead_gen_form',
    secondary: 'carousel_with_lead_gen_form',
    reasoning: 'Pre-filled forms reduce friction, 2-3x higher conversion',
  },

  event_promotion: {
    primary: 'event_ad',
    secondary: 'single_image_ad',
    reasoning: 'Native event format includes all event details',
  },

  product_showcase: {
    primary: 'carousel_ad',
    secondary: 'video_ad',
    reasoning: 'Multiple cards allow feature highlighting',
  },

  abm_outreach: {
    primary: 'conversation_ad',
    secondary: 'single_image_ad',
    reasoning: 'Personalized inbox messages for high-value targets',
  },

  page_growth: {
    primary: 'follower_ad',
    secondary: 'engagement_optimized_content',
    reasoning: 'Dynamic personalization increases follow rate',
  },
};

LinkedIn Ads Cost Benchmarks (2026):
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    COST PER CLICK (CPC)                             │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Industry                          CPC Range      Average           │
│  ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────  │
│  Technology/SaaS                   $6-15          $9.50             │
│  Financial Services                $8-18          $12.00            │
│  Healthcare                        $5-12          $8.00             │
│  Manufacturing                     $4-10          $6.50             │
│  Professional Services             $7-16          $11.00            │
│  Higher Education                  $5-12          $7.50             │
│  Recruiting/HR                     $3-8           $5.00             │
│                                                                      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                    COST PER LEAD (CPL)                              │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Industry                          CPL Range      Average           │
│  ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────  │
│  Enterprise SaaS                   $100-300       $175              │
│  SMB SaaS                          $50-150        $90               │
│  Financial Services                $75-250        $150              │
│  Professional Services             $60-200        $120              │
│  Higher Education                  $40-120        $75               │
│  Events/Webinars                   $30-100        $55               │
│                                                                      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                    COST PER IMPRESSION (CPM)                        │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Format                            CPM Range      Average           │
│  ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────  │
│  Sponsored Content                 $6-12          $8.50             │
│  Video Ads                         $8-15          $11.00            │
│  Message Ads                       $0.50-1.00     $0.75 per send    │
│  Text Ads                          $2-5           $3.50             │
│  Dynamic Ads                       $4-10          $6.50             │
│                                                                      │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

LinkedIn Bidding Options:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    MAXIMUM DELIVERY                                  │
│                (Automated bidding)                                  │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                      │
│  How it works:                                                       │
│  • LinkedIn automatically sets bids to maximize results              │
│  • Spends full budget each day                                       │
│  • Algorithm optimizes for your objective                            │
│                                                                      │
│  Best for:                     Considerations:                       │
│  ├── New campaigns             ├── Less cost control                │
│  ├── Learning what works       ├── May have variable CPA            │
│  ├── Awareness objectives      ├── Good for testing                 │
│  └── Maximizing reach          └── Budget pacing issues possible    │
│                                                                      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                    COST CAP                                          │
│                (Target cost bidding)                                │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                      │
│  How it works:                                                       │
│  • Set maximum cost per result you're willing to pay                 │
│  • LinkedIn optimizes to stay at or below target                     │
│  • May not spend full budget if cap is too low                       │
│                                                                      │
│  Best for:                     Considerations:                       │
│  ├── Lead generation           ├── May limit delivery               │
│  ├── Conversion campaigns      ├── Needs historical data            │
│  ├── Scaling efficiently       ├── Set 20% above target initially   │
│  └── Budget predictability     └── Adjust based on results          │
│                                                                      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                    MANUAL BIDDING                                    │
│                (Full control)                                       │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                      │
│  How it works:                                                       │
│  • Set exact bid amount for CPC, CPM, or CPV                         │
│  • Full control over costs                                           │
│  • Requires active management                                        │
│                                                                      │
│  Best for:                     Considerations:                       │
│  ├── Experienced advertisers   ├── Time-intensive                   │
│  ├── Specific CPC targets      ├── Risk of under-delivery           │
│  ├── Competitive insights      ├── Requires optimization            │
│  └── Testing bid levels        └── Watch auction dynamics           │
│                                                                      │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

// LinkedIn budget planning
const budgetFramework = {
  // Minimum viable budgets
  minimums: {
    perCampaign: {
      daily: 10, // USD
      lifetime: 100,
    },
    recommended: {
      daily: 50, // For meaningful data
      testingPhase: 2000, // 2-4 week test period
    },
  },

  // Budget allocation by funnel stage
  funnelAllocation: {
    aggressive_growth: {
      awareness: 0.15,
      consideration: 0.25,
      conversion: 0.60,
    },
    balanced: {
      awareness: 0.25,
      consideration: 0.35,
      conversion: 0.40,
    },
    brand_building: {
      awareness: 0.40,
      consideration: 0.35,
      conversion: 0.25,
    },
  },

  // Expected results calculator
  calculateExpectedResults: (dailyBudget: number, avgCPC: number, convRate: number) => {
    const dailyClicks = dailyBudget / avgCPC;
    const dailyConversions = dailyClicks * convRate;
    const monthlyConversions = dailyConversions * 30;
    const costPerConversion = dailyBudget / dailyConversions;

    return {
      dailyClicks: Math.round(dailyClicks),
      dailyConversions: Math.round(dailyConversions * 10) / 10,
      monthlyConversions: Math.round(monthlyConversions),
      estimatedCPL: Math.round(costPerConversion),
    };
  },
};

// Example calculation
const projections = budgetFramework.calculateExpectedResults(
  100,    // $100/day budget
  10,     // $10 average CPC
  0.05    // 5% conversion rate
);
// Returns: { dailyClicks: 10, dailyConversions: 0.5, monthlyConversions: 15, estimatedCPL: 200 }

LinkedIn Targeting Categories:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES                          │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                      │
│  Job-Based                          Company-Based                   │
│  ├── Job Titles (30,000+)           ├── Company Names               │
│  │   └── Exact + similar matching   │   └── Specific targeting      │
│  ├── Job Functions (26)             ├── Company Industries (148)    │
│  │   └── Marketing, IT, Finance...  │   └── Tech, Healthcare...     │
│  ├── Job Seniority (8 levels)       ├── Company Size (8 ranges)     │
│  │   └── Entry to C-Suite           │   └── 1-10 to 10,000+         │
│  └── Years of Experience            └── Company Revenue             │
│      └── 1-2, 3-5, 6-10, 10+            └── Estimated ranges        │
│                                                                      │
│  Skills & Interests                 Education                       │
│  ├── Member Skills (35,000+)        ├── Schools                     │
│  │   └── Self-reported expertise    │   └── Specific universities   │
│  ├── Groups (2M+ groups)            ├── Degrees                     │
│  │   └── Professional communities   │   └── Bachelor's, MBA, PhD    │
│  └── Interests                      └── Fields of Study             │
│      └── Content engagement             └── Computer Science, etc   │
│                                                                      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                    MATCHED AUDIENCES                                 │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                      │
│  Website Retargeting                Contact Targeting               │
│  ├── All visitors                   ├── Email list upload           │
│  ├── Specific page visitors         ├── 10,000+ recommended         │
│  ├── Time-based segments            ├── 70-90% match rate           │
│  └── Event-based audiences          └── SHA256 hashing supported    │
│                                                                      │
│  Company Targeting (ABM)            Lookalike Audiences             │
│  ├── Company name list upload       ├── Based on any source         │
│  ├── Domain-based matching          ├── 1-10% expansion             │
│  └── Great for ABM campaigns        └── AI-powered similarity       │
│                                                                      │
│  Predictive Audiences               Third-Party Data                │
│  ├── AI-powered expansion           ├── CRM integrations            │
│  ├── Find similar converters        ├── MAP syncs                   │
│  └── Automatic optimization         └── API connections             │
│                                                                      │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Recommended Audience Sizes:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  Campaign Type           Minimum        Recommended    Maximum      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Sponsored Content       50,000         100-300K       1M+          │
│  Message Ads             15,000         50-150K        300K         │
│  Text Ads                50,000         100-500K       Unlimited    │
│  Lead Gen Campaigns      50,000         100-300K       500K         │
│  ABM Campaigns           1,000          10-50K         100K         │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                      │
│  Why These Ranges Matter:                                            │
│                                                                      │
│  Too Small (<50K):           Too Large (>500K):                     │
│  ├── High CPMs               ├── Wasted spend                       │
│  ├── Limited delivery        ├── Less relevant                      │
│  ├── Quick saturation        ├── Lower engagement                   │
│  └── Statistical noise       └── Harder to optimize                 │
│                                                                      │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

// Complete LinkedIn campaign setup workflow
const campaignSetupWorkflow = {
  // Phase 1: Foundation
  foundation: {
    steps: [
      {
        task: 'Define campaign objective',
        inputs: ['business_goal', 'kpi_targets', 'budget'],
        output: 'campaign_objective',
      },
      {
        task: 'Research target audience',
        inputs: ['ideal_customer_profile', 'buyer_personas'],
        output: 'targeting_criteria',
      },
      {
        task: 'Prepare creative assets',
        inputs: ['messaging_framework', 'brand_guidelines'],
        output: 'ad_creative_set',
      },
    ],
  },

  // Phase 2: Campaign Manager Setup
  campaignSetup: {
    steps: [
      {
        task: 'Create campaign group',
        settings: {
          name: 'descriptive_naming_convention',
          budget: 'optional_group_level_budget',
          status: 'paused_until_ready',
        },
      },
      {
        task: 'Create campaign',
        settings: {
          objective: 'based_on_phase_1',
          format: 'selected_ad_format',
          optimization_goal: 'based_on_objective',
          conversion_tracking: 'required_for_conversions',
        },
      },
      {
        task: 'Configure targeting',
        settings: {
          location: 'required',
          language: 'required',
          attributes: 'layered_criteria',
          exclusions: 'existing_customers',
        },
      },
      {
        task: 'Set budget and schedule',
        settings: {
          budget_type: 'daily_or_lifetime',
          amount: 'based_on_audience_size',
          schedule: 'start_and_end_dates',
          bid_strategy: 'based_on_experience',
        },
      },
    ],
  },

  // Phase 3: Ad Creation
  adCreation: {
    recommendations: {
      numberOfAds: 4, // 4-5 variations per campaign
      testingApproach: 'one_variable_at_a_time',
      namingConvention: 'descriptive_for_reporting',
    },
    checklist: [
      'Compelling headline (< 70 chars)',
      'Clear value proposition in intro',
      'High-quality image/video',
      'Strong CTA alignment with objective',
      'Lead Gen Form setup (if applicable)',
      'URL tracking parameters',
    ],
  },

  // Phase 4: Launch and Monitor
  launch: {
    prelaunchChecklist: [
      'Verify Insight Tag firing',
      'Test conversion tracking',
      'Review audience size',
      'Confirm budget settings',
      'Check ad previews (desktop + mobile)',
      'Verify Lead Gen Form CRM sync',
    ],
    monitoring: {
      day1: ['delivery_status', 'initial_impressions', 'ctr'],
      week1: ['cost_metrics', 'engagement_rates', 'form_completion'],
      week2plus: ['conversion_performance', 'audience_insights', 'optimization_opportunities'],
    },
  },
};

Recommended Campaign Naming Structure:
[Region]_[Objective]_[Audience]_[Format]_[Date]

Examples:
├── US_LeadGen_ITManagers_SingleImage_Q1-2026
├── EMEA_Awareness_CFOs_Video_Jan2026
├── Global_ABM_Tier1Accounts_Conversation_Q1-2026
└── NA_Retargeting_DemoPageVisitors_Carousel_Feb2026

Ad Naming Structure:
[Campaign]_[Variant]_[Key Variable]

Examples:
├── US_LeadGen_ITManagers_v1_ROI-Headline
├── US_LeadGen_ITManagers_v2_Problem-Headline
├── US_LeadGen_ITManagers_v3_Social-Proof-Headline
└── US_LeadGen_ITManagers_v4_Question-Headline

// pxlpeak LinkedIn Ads integration
import { pxlpeak } from '@pxlpeak/sdk';

// Connect LinkedIn Ads account
await pxlpeak.integrations.connect({
  platform: 'linkedin_ads',
  credentials: {
    accessToken: process.env.LINKEDIN_ACCESS_TOKEN,
    refreshToken: process.env.LINKEDIN_REFRESH_TOKEN,
    accountId: process.env.LINKEDIN_AD_ACCOUNT_ID,
  },
  sync: {
    campaigns: true,
    adGroups: true,
    ads: true,
    costData: true,
    conversions: true,
    leads: true,
    frequency: 'hourly',
  },
  attribution: {
    windowDays: 90, // LinkedIn's max attribution window
    model: 'data_driven', // pxlpeak attribution model
    includeViewThrough: true,
  },
});

// Map LinkedIn conversions to pxlpeak events
await pxlpeak.conversionMapping.configure({
  platform: 'linkedin_ads',
  mappings: [
    {
      linkedinConversion: 'lead_gen_form_submission',
      pxlpeakEvent: 'Lead',
      value: 150, // Average lead value
    },
    {
      linkedinConversion: 'website_conversion',
      pxlpeakEvent: 'Demo Request',
      value: 500,
    },
  ],
});

// Unified reporting across platforms
const crossPlatformReport = await pxlpeak.reports.generate({
  platforms: ['linkedin_ads', 'google_ads', 'meta_ads'],
  dateRange: { start: '2026-01-01', end: '2026-01-31' },
  metrics: ['spend', 'leads', 'cpl', 'pipeline_value'],
  dimensions: ['platform', 'campaign', 'audience'],
  attribution: 'data_driven',
});

// Lead Gen Form sync with CRM attribution
await pxlpeak.leadGenSync.configure({
  platform: 'linkedin_ads',
  destination: 'salesforce',
  settings: {
    syncFrequency: 'realtime',
    fieldMapping: {
      firstName: 'FirstName',
      lastName: 'LastName',
      email: 'Email',
      jobTitle: 'Title',
      company: 'Company',
      linkedInUrl: 'LinkedIn_URL__c',
    },
    attribution: {
      campaignField: 'LinkedIn_Campaign__c',
      adField: 'LinkedIn_Ad__c',
      audienceField: 'LinkedIn_Audience__c',
    },
    leadScoring: {
      seniorityBonus: {
        'C-Suite': 50,
        'VP': 40,
        'Director': 30,
        'Manager': 20,
      },
      companySizeBonus: {
        '10001+': 30,
        '5001-10000': 25,
        '1001-5000': 20,
        '201-1000': 15,
      },
    },
  },
});

// ABM account tracking
await pxlpeak.abm.configure({
  platform: 'linkedin_ads',
  accountList: 'target_accounts_2026',
  tracking: {
    engagementEvents: ['ad_view', 'ad_click', 'form_submit', 'website_visit'],
    stagingModel: [
      { stage: 'Aware', threshold: 1 },
      { stage: 'Engaged', threshold: 5 },
      { stage: 'MQL', threshold: 'form_submit' },
      { stage: 'SQL', threshold: 'demo_request' },
    ],
  },
});

LinkedIn Ads Success Framework:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    CAMPAIGN SETUP                                    │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                      │
│  ✓ One objective per campaign                                        │
│  ✓ One audience segment per campaign                                 │
│  ✓ 4-5 ad variations for testing                                     │
│  ✓ Start with Maximum Delivery bidding                               │
│  ✓ $50-100/day minimum for meaningful data                           │
│  ✓ Run 2+ weeks before major decisions                               │
│  ✓ Enable audience expansion cautiously                              │
│                                                                      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                    TARGETING                                         │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                      │
│  ✓ Audience size: 100K-300K sweet spot                               │
│  ✓ Layer 2-3 criteria maximum                                        │
│  ✓ Exclude current customers/employees                               │
│  ✓ Test OR vs AND targeting logic                                    │
│  ✓ Use Matched Audiences for retargeting                             │
│  ✓ Build lookalikes from converters                                  │
│                                                                      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                    CREATIVE                                          │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                      │
│  ✓ Lead with value, not features                                     │
│  ✓ Speak to professional challenges                                  │
│  ✓ Use clear, action-oriented CTAs                                   │
│  ✓ Test headlines first (highest impact)                             │
│  ✓ Include social proof when possible                                │
│  ✓ Optimize for mobile (60%+ of traffic)                             │
│                                                                      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                    OPTIMIZATION                                      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                      │
│  ✓ Wait for 15+ conversions before judging                           │
│  ✓ Test one variable at a time                                       │
│  ✓ Scale budget 20% at a time                                        │
│  ✓ Refresh creative every 4-6 weeks                                  │
│  ✓ Monitor frequency (< 5 ideal)                                     │
│  ✓ Review demographics report weekly                                 │
│                                                                      │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘