LinkedIn Ads Targeting: Business Development Interest
Target LinkedIn members who engage with business development content and communities. Reach B2B buyers when they're in the right mindset.
What "Business Development" Interest Means
The Business Development interest identifies professionals focused on partnership creation, market expansion, strategic alliances, and new business acquisition on LinkedIn. This audience includes business development managers, partnership directors, alliance managers, and VP-level leaders who drive revenue through relationship-building and strategic market entry.
Interest in business development signals a growth-oriented professional focused on expanding revenue through relationships and partnerships. They may be evaluating partnership platforms, prospecting tools, or market intelligence solutions.
Who Should Target This Interest?
Combine business development interest with director-plus seniority to reach the BD leaders who approve investments in partnership management platforms, market intelligence tools, and prospecting solutions.
Layer with specific interests to distinguish between partnership-focused BD and outbound prospecting BD. Partnership-focused professionals respond to different messaging than those managing outbound pipelines.
Business development professionals are growth-oriented by nature. Content about market expansion strategies, partnership frameworks, and revenue diversification resonates with their strategic mindset.
Recommended Targeting Combinations
This combination reaches BD professionals in the startup ecosystem who are building new revenue channels and partnerships. They are more likely to adopt new tools and try innovative approaches.
Layer with enterprise sales to reach BD professionals focused on large strategic partnerships and enterprise-level relationship management.
Add industry interests to reach BD professionals in specific verticals. A fintech BD leader has very different needs and context than a healthcare BD leader.
- Use LinkedIn InMail or conversation ads to reach business development professionals, as they are accustomed to and receptive to direct professional outreach on the platform.
- Highlight partnership ecosystem features, integration marketplace capabilities, or co-selling functionality if your product supports business development workflows.
- Combine business development interest with industry filters to target BD professionals in specific verticals where your product has the strongest partnership or integration value.
Who This Audience Is
Typical Roles & Seniority
Business development managers, directors of partnerships, VP of business development, and strategic alliance managers. These professionals drive revenue through partnerships, new market entry, and strategic relationships.
Company Types
B2B companies of all sizes with growth ambitions beyond direct sales. Technology companies with partner ecosystems, professional services firms, and companies expanding into new markets or verticals.
Common Mistakes When Targeting Business Development
Confusing BD with sales
Business development and direct sales are related but distinct functions. BD professionals focus on partnerships, new markets, and strategic relationships, not closing individual deals. Tailor your messaging accordingly.
Targeting too junior
Many entry-level professionals list business development as an interest while working in SDR or BDR roles. Add manager-plus seniority to reach actual BD leaders with strategic responsibility and budget authority.
Using transactional messaging
BD professionals think in terms of long-term strategic value rather than immediate transactions. Quick-win messaging and aggressive CTAs may not align with their longer-term strategic orientation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I differentiate BD audiences from sales audiences on LinkedIn?
Use business development interest combined with partnership or strategy-related titles rather than sales titles. Adding interests like entrepreneurship or innovation further skews toward strategic BD rather than outbound prospecting.
What types of solutions can target BD professionals effectively?
Partnership management platforms, market intelligence tools, CRM systems, prospecting solutions, and consulting services all find strong audiences among BD professionals. The key is framing your solution around growth and strategic value.
Is the business development audience large enough for LinkedIn campaigns?
Yes, business development is a large professional interest on LinkedIn. The challenge is narrowing to the right segment, whether that is partnership BD, outbound BD, or strategic alliance management. Use additional filters to define your specific audience.