In 2025, B2B advertising isn’t just about running search ads and hoping for conversions. Buyers are consuming content across multiple platforms, making decisions slowly, and doing 70% of their research before they ever speak to sales.
If you want to stand out and drive high-quality leads consistently, you need a multi-step funnel that builds awareness, captures intent, and keeps your brand top-of-mind.
Let’s walk through a full-funnel strategy using three powerful channels:
- Demand Generation → YouTube Ads
- Lead Capture → Google Search Ads
- Conversion Acceleration → Retargeting (Meta & LinkedIn)
Step 1: Build Awareness with YouTube Ads
Goal: Get your product in front of cold B2B buyers early in the journey
YouTube is unmatched for reaching decision-makers before they start actively searching for solutions.
Why it works:
- Buyers watch industry content (webinars, product reviews, how-to videos)
- It builds brand awareness and trust before your competitors show up
- You can target based on search behavior, watched videos, and business interests
Key Tips:
- Use attention-grabbing hooks: “Still using spreadsheets for client onboarding?”
- Educate, don’t sell: Focus on a specific pain point and your unique insight
- Target by job titles, custom segments, channel placements, and keywords
Example Ad Goal: “Help revenue leaders fix pipeline leaks with our SaaS tool.”
Step 2: Capture Intent with Google Search Ads
Goal: Convert interested buyers when they start searching
After watching your YouTube ad, the most interested viewers will eventually search Google with keywords related to your product or pain point. This is where you capture demand.
Why it works:
- High intent = high conversion potential
- You’re reinforcing your message at the right moment
- Visitors are warmer because they’ve already seen your brand
How to win:
- Bid on branded + problem-based keywords
e.g., “RevOps SaaS tool”, “automate B2B onboarding”, “client intake software” - Use message match: If your YouTube ad addressed onboarding pain, your search ad and landing page should too
- Track assisted conversions across channels using Google Analytics 4
Bonus: Use callout extensions and testimonials to boost CTR
Step 3: Retarget with Meta & LinkedIn
Goal: Re-engage visitors who didn’t convert immediately
B2B buyers rarely convert after one click. Use retargeting campaigns across LinkedIn and Meta (Facebook/Instagram) to stay visible during their decision-making phase.
Why it matters:
- B2B sales cycles are long
- Retargeting builds trust, authority, and familiarity
- You can segment based on funnel stage
What to retarget:
- Visitors to pricing, feature, or demo pages
- Video viewers (50%+ watch time)
- Lead form openers who didn’t submit
Ad ideas:
- “See how [client] increased demo bookings 3x with us”
- Invite to a webinar or whitepaper
- Personal videos from your founder or sales team
📈 Pro tip: Keep frequency under control to avoid ad fatigue.
Bringing It All Together: A Profitable B2B Funnel
Let’s recap your 2025-ready funnel:
Funnel Stage | Platform | Ad Type | Goal |
---|---|---|---|
Awareness | YouTube | Video Ad | Educate & build trust |
Intent | Google Search | Text Ad | Capture high-intent leads |
Consideration | Meta / LinkedIn | Retargeting Display / Video | Stay top-of-mind, drive demos |
By combining these platforms strategically, you stop relying on one-shot ads and start building a pipeline that compounds. You’re not chasing leads — you’re engineering a predictable flow of high-quality prospects.