Hiring a LinkedIn ads expert can be the difference between wasting budget on ineffective campaigns and building a predictable B2B lead generation machine. With LinkedIn's unique targeting capabilities and premium pricing, getting the strategy right matters more than on other platforms.
This guide covers what to look for in a LinkedIn ads expert, where to find qualified specialists, and how much you should expect to pay in 2026.
A LinkedIn ads expert manages all aspects of paid advertising on the LinkedIn platform. Their responsibilities typically include:
Campaign Strategy and Planning
Campaign Setup and Management
Optimization and Reporting
Each hiring model has distinct trade-offs. Here's how they compare:
Pros:
Cons:
Best for: Startups and small businesses testing LinkedIn ads, companies with small budgets, or businesses wanting hands-on control.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for: Mid-market and enterprise companies with significant ad budgets, businesses wanting full-service support, or teams lacking time for hands-on management.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for: Companies with $50K+/month LinkedIn ad spend, businesses with complex products requiring deep product knowledge, or enterprises building internal marketing capabilities.
When evaluating candidates, look for these qualifications:
Platform-Specific Experience Not all paid media experience transfers to LinkedIn. The platform's targeting, bidding, and ad formats differ significantly from Meta or Google. Look for candidates with at least 1-2 years of hands-on LinkedIn Ads experience.
B2B Marketing Background LinkedIn advertising is almost exclusively B2B. Experts should understand long sales cycles, account-based marketing concepts, and how to align campaigns with different stages of the buyer journey.
Track Record with Similar Budgets Someone who has managed $5K/month campaigns may struggle with a $50K/month budget. Ensure their experience matches your expected spend level.
LinkedIn Certifications LinkedIn offers certifications through its Marketing Labs program. While not required, these indicate foundational knowledge:
LinkedIn Certified Marketing Insider This is LinkedIn's most prestigious credential, awarded to professionals who demonstrate advanced expertise. According to industry listings, top agencies often highlight Certified Marketing Insider status as a differentiator.
Ask for specific examples including:
Pricing varies significantly based on expertise level and engagement model.
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Monthly Retainer (10-20 hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Junior (1-2 years) | $50-$80/hour | $1,500-$2,500/month |
| Mid-Level (3-5 years) | $80-$125/hour | $2,500-$4,000/month |
| Senior (5+ years) | $125-$200/hour | $4,000-$7,000/month |
According to MarketerHire data, hourly rates for marketing specialists start around $80/hour, with part-time arrangements (10-20 hours/week) ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 monthly.
Most LinkedIn-focused agencies require monthly minimums:
| Agency Type | Monthly Minimum | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Boutique | $2,000-$5,000 | Campaign management, basic reporting |
| Mid-Market | $5,000-$10,000 | Full strategy, creative support, optimization |
| Enterprise | $10,000-$25,000+ | Multi-channel, ABM integration, dedicated team |
B2Linked, a LinkedIn-only agency, starts at $3,000 per month and works with clients like HubSpot and Cisco.
Some agencies and consultants charge 10-20% of monthly ad spend instead of fixed fees. For a $20,000/month ad budget, expect to pay $2,000-$4,000 in management fees.
Upwork and Fiverr Good for finding freelancers at various price points. Filter by LinkedIn Ads specialization and review portfolios carefully. Expect to handle more vetting yourself.
MarketerHire and Mayple Pre-vetted marketing talent marketplaces. Higher quality floor but also higher rates. Better for finding mid-to-senior specialists.
Clutch.co Clutch's LinkedIn marketing directory includes verified reviews and project pricing. Agencies listed typically range from $150-$199/hour for top-rated specialists.
LinkedIn Marketing Partners LinkedIn's official partner directory features agencies that have been vetted by the platform. Partner status indicates demonstrated expertise and access to LinkedIn's beta features.
Search LinkedIn for "LinkedIn Ads Specialist" or "LinkedIn Advertising Expert" and filter by:
Ask your network, especially other B2B marketers, for recommendations. A referred expert with proven results is often more reliable than finding someone cold.
Use these questions during interviews or discovery calls:
About Their Experience
About Their Process
About Communication
Red Flags to Watch For
Expect 30-60 days to see initial performance data and 60-90 days for meaningful optimization. LinkedIn campaigns often have longer learning periods due to smaller audience pools and higher CPCs.
For companies spending under $10K/month on LinkedIn ads, training an existing marketing team member often makes sense. Above that threshold, or if LinkedIn is a strategic growth channel, dedicated expertise typically delivers better ROI.
LinkedIn ads experts focus specifically on paid advertising: campaign setup, targeting, bid management, and performance optimization. Social media managers typically handle organic content, community management, and sometimes paid across multiple platforms. The skill sets overlap but aren't identical.
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