LinkedIn Ad Formats are critical for Colorado businesses seeking to maximize B2B marketing performance. Let me tell you a story: On a brisk January morning in Denver, Sarah Martinez, Marketing Director at Butterflye—a B2B SaaS firm focused on compliance automation for mid-sized enterprises—was confronted with a significant challenge. She checked her LinkedIn dashboard, and it prompted thoughtful reflection: even with our considerable investment, we hadn’t achieved the conversions and leads we were aiming for. She asked herself, “What valuable insights can we gain from this experience?” This led to an exciting journey of exploration! Although we directed our Q1 marketing budget to attract clicks, the outcomes didn’t match our expectations. But together, we can uncover the path forward!
Teaming up with Creative Options Marketing, Sarah realized the real challenge was her LinkedIn ad format, not her messaging or audience. This exciting discovery unveiled a whole new realm of possibilities for success ahead!
LinkedIn is often the go-to channel for reaching decision-makers in Colorado’s unique B2B landscape, where over 80% of tech companies sell to other businesses. However, the key to success lies in using LinkedIn and choosing the correct ad format that aligns with your audience’s journey.
You’re not just here to learn, you’re an integral part of the learning process. Your eagerness to see your LinkedIn campaigns perform better is what drives us to provide you with the best strategies. Whether you’re just starting out or in a situation similar to Sarah’s, we’re here to guide you.
What Are LinkedIn Ad Formats?
LinkedIn ad formats are Sponsored Content options that help businesses promote their messages to targeted professional audiences. The two most popular formats are Static Ads and Carousel Ads. Each serves a unique purpose in the marketing funnel, from raising brand awareness to driving qualified leads.
We’ll delve into how each format performs, when to use them, and most importantly, how a strategic mix of LinkedIn ad formats can drive stronger campaign performance for your Colorado business.
Understanding LinkedIn Ad Formats for Colorado Businesses
For business owners and marketing directors in Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, LinkedIn offers a range of ad options. However, two formats, Carousel Ads and Static Ads, stand out for their results. Understanding these formats is crucial for making informed decisions for your campaigns.
Here’s a side-by-side look (if publishing this on a CMS, be sure to add alt text for accessibility and structured data to improve featured snippet eligibility):
Performance Comparison: Carousel Ads vs Static Ads
| Metric | Carousel Ads | Static Ads |
| Average CTR | 0.80% | 0.56% |
| Average CPC (U.S.) | $8.50 | $7.30 |
| Avg. Cost per Lead (Warm) | $62 | $85 |
| Avg. Cost per Lead (Cold) | $78 | $64 |
| Engagement Rate (Desktop) | High | Moderate |
| Engagement Rate (Mobile) | Moderate | High |
| Format | Best For | Max Assets | Ideal Us e Case | Image Specs |
| Carousel Ads | Storytelling, warm leads | 10 cards | Product walkthroughs, testimonials | 1080 x 1080 px |
| Static Ads | Simplicity, cold traffic | 1 image | Lead generation, awareness | 1200 x 627 px |
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-ad-benchmarks-aj-wilcox
https://www.business.reddit.com/learning-hub/articles/carousel-vs-static-ads?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Carousel Ads allow users to swipe through up to 10 cards, each with its headline and CTA. They’re great for telling a deeper story or highlighting multiple features.
Conversely, static ads are single-image posts that deliver one clear message. They work well for reaching new audiences or communicating simple value propositions quickly.
For Colorado-based businesses trying to stand out in a competitive B2B space, matching the correct format to the right moment in the buyer’s journey is key to converting attention into action.
Carousel Ads: Why Colorado Tech Companies Use Them
Carousel Ads offer an interactive experience that encourages users to engage with your content more deeply. For Colorado tech firms—many offering complex solutions—this format allows you to:
- Highlight multiple product features
- Walk through a process or tutorial
- Showcase customer testimonials or case studies
- Tell a narrative that unfolds across each card
Real-World Example of A LinkedIn Campaign
One of our Denver-based B2B clients initially relied solely on Static Ads to control costs. Engagement from senior-level prospects was underwhelming. After switching to a Carousel Ad campaign developed by Creative Options Marketing, their engagement rate improved by 34% within the first month.
Best Practices for Carousel Ads
- Start with 3–5 cards
- Keep the text short and clear
- Maintain consistent branding
- Place your most potent message early
- Include a clear CTA on the final card
Colorado B2B buyers often want depth before deciding—Carousel Ads help deliver that context.
Static Ads: Direct and Efficient
Static Ads excel with cold audiences who aren’t familiar with your brand. They’re especially valuable for startups and small marketing teams. In the early stages of growth, one of our clients saw a 30% decrease in cost per lead using Static Ads created and managed by Creative Options Marketing. This approach helped them scale their lead generation efforts efficiently while conserving budget.
Best Use Cases for Static Ads in Colorado
- Cold audience outreach
- Budget-conscious startups
- Event or webinar promotion
- Brand awareness campaigns
- Short-term offers with urgency
Best Practices for Static Ads
- Use bold, high-contrast visuals
- Keep headlines under 40 characters
- Match landing page to ad content
- Test CTAs regularly
Combining Formats for Funnel Success
Creative Options Marketing often recommends a mix of formats:
- Use Static Ads to introduce your brand
- Retarget with Carousel Ads that build context
- Finish with a Static Ad that includes a conversion-focused CTA
Creative Options Marketing implemented this sequence for a Denver-based cybersecurity firm, increasing their pipeline value by 215% within three months.
Pro Tip: Build custom audiences based on Static Ad engagement. Then, serve Carousel Ads to move those users further down the funnel.
Device Matters: Mobile vs. Desktop
Mobile users in Colorado’s tech sector scroll fast. Static Ads work well in this environment. Carousel Ads, with their richer storytelling, perform better on desktops when users have time to engage.
Design accordingly:
- Mobile Static Ads: Large fonts, short text, clear buttons
- Desktop Carousel Ads: Detailed copy, immersive visuals
Budgeting for LinkedIn Ad Formats in Colorado
Here’s how Creative Options Marketing typically allocates LinkedIn ad budgets across cold and warm audiences in Colorado:
| Campaign Type | Cold Audiences | Warm Audiences |
| Lead Generation | 70% Static / 30% Carousel | 40% Static / 60% Carousel |
| Brand Awareness | 60% Static / 40% Carousel | 30% Static / 70% Carousel |
Monitor performance weekly and adjust your mix of LinkedIn ad formats based on audience behavior and cost-efficiency. Each audience segment may respond differently to specific LinkedIn ad formats, so test continuously and prioritize what’s working.
Colorado Cost Benchmarks for 2024–2025
According to recent data from Wordstream, the average cost-per-click (CPC) for LinkedIn ads ranges between $5.26 and $8.39. Data from HubSpot confirms that while Carousel Ads often have higher engagement, Static Ads typically offer lower cost-per-lead for cold outreach campaigns.
The average CPC for LinkedIn ads in the U.S. ranges from $8 to $10. In Denver’s tech market, Creative Options Marketing often sees CPCs 10–15% higher due to competition.
“Higher engagement means more auction activity, which can raise costs,” says David Drewitz, Founder of Creative Options Marketing. “But with the right format mix, you still see strong ROI.”
Expert Recommendation for Colorado Marketers
If you’re targeting Colorado professionals on LinkedIn, don’t pick one format; stick with it. Instead:
- Segment your audience
- Match format to awareness level
- Test and track performance
- Adjust your mix regularly
Sarah Martinez from Butterflye applied Creative Options Marketing’s full-funnel strategy to restructure her LinkedIn campaigns.
“Our CPL dropped by 42%, and pipeline velocity improved. We’re converting more, faster, and with better-fit leads.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of LinkedIn Ads.
Q: What are the different LinkedIn ad formats?
A: LinkedIn offers Sponsored Content (Carousel, Static), Message Ads, Text Ads, and Video Ads. Carousel and Static Ads are most effective for B2B campaigns. Learn more from LinkedIn’s Sponsored Content guide.
Q: Are Carousel Ads better than Static Ads?
A: Carousel Ads often drive higher engagement; Static Ads can have lower cost-per-lead. The best approach is to use both strategically.
Q: How many cards should a Carousel Ad include?
A: LinkedIn recommends 3–5 for best engagement. Test different lengths based on your audience.
Q: Do Carousel Ads work for lead generation?
A: Yes, especially when combined with retargeting or storytelling that is aligned with user needs.
Ready to Simplify Your LinkedIn Ad Strategy?
Stop guessing which format will work. Let Creative Options Marketing help you choose and implement the proper LinkedIn ad formats:
- Identify the proper LinkedIn ad formats for each stage of your funnel
- Tailor messaging to Colorado decision-makers
- Improve ROI with a format strategy tailored to Colorado’s competitive B2B environment
Written by David Drewitz
David is a strategic marketing expert with over 20 years of experience helping B2B brands grow. He leads content strategy at Creative Options Marketing, serving Colorado businesses that want to maximize their digital impact.
