Copywriting Mistakes to Avoid in Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Ads

Strong visuals may stop the scroll, but it’s your ad copy that does the heavy lifting when it comes to conversions. Whether you’re advertising on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, the words you use must resonate with your audience, align with the platform’s culture, and lead readers to take action.

Here are the most common copywriting mistakes to avoid—and what to do instead.

What works on LinkedIn might fall flat on Instagram. Each platform has its own tone, audience expectations, and user behavior.

• LinkedIn calls for a more professional tone, emphasizing authority, value, and clear ROI.
  
  

• Facebook blends casual and informative—ideal for storytelling and emotional connection.
  
  

• Instagram thrives on quick, punchy copy and strong visuals—think short captions, emojis, and CTA buttons in Stories.
  
  

Instead of duplicating one message everywhere, adapt your tone and format to fit each platform’s strengths.

You have only seconds to make an impression. Long-winded copy or generic phrases like “Get results fast” or “Grow your business” won’t cut through the noise.

Be specific. Use tangible results, real numbers, or relatable pain points. For example, “Automate your client onboarding in under 48 hours” is far more compelling than “Streamline your systems.”

Your first line is everything—especially on platforms where only the first sentence is visible before the “See more” button.

On Facebook and LinkedIn, start with a bold statement or question:
“Feeling buried in client work with no time to grow?”

That grabs attention far better than, “We offer virtual assistant services.”

A well-written ad still falls flat if you don’t tell people what to do next.
Do you want them to download a freebie? Book a call? Visit your website? Say it—clearly and confidently.

Pro tip: Test different variations of your copy to see what performs best. Even small tweaks to your hook, tone, or CTA can significantly impact results.

In short, tailor your messaging, be clear and concise, and always lead with value. The right words, written the right way for the right platform, are what turn clicks into conversions.