#278 What's Working with Google + Meta Ads in 2026: Top Trends Freelance Marketers Need to Know with Danielle Migliaccio-Morse

Google and Meta ads in 2026 look different than they did two years ago. AI is baked into every platform. Search queries are getting longer. Buyer trust is harder to earn. And if you're managing ads for clients, or trying to understand enough to consult on the strategy, there's a lot to keep up with.

That's exactly why I brought Danielle Migliaccio-Morse, founder of DM Squared Media, on the show. She's been managing millions in ad spend for 15+ years, has turned failing Meta and Google campaigns into 100% year-over-year revenue increases, and genuinely knows how everything fits together — from the ad platform all the way through the email funnel. We nerded out on what's actually working right now with paid traffic, what to watch for, and how to talk to clients about it.

Listen to learn more about:

1. Danielle's top three trends for digital ads in 2026
2. How "tried and true" ad strategies from a few years ago are now a liability & the new features we need to embrace
3. The difference between running ads on Meta vs Google and which one is right for your business
4. Why diversifying ad spend across platforms is the smartest thing your clients can do right now
5. How to set client expectations around testing windows, communicate data honestly, & build lasting trust

Don't get stuck in the cycle of constant content creation. If your clients are still running all their ad spend through Meta and crossing their fingers, this episode is going to change how you think about their strategy.

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Links Mentioned in Show:

1. Grab Danielle’s FREE guide The Roadmap to Digital Ads Success: 6 crucial steps to set yourself up for profitability before you even spend a cent on ads, including how to set realistic goals and budgets for your ads.
2. Scale your marketing business with a community that has your back: If you have the skills but need more clients and a tighter network, join us in the Digital Marketer’s Workgroup. We’re a close-knit group of freelancers sharing job leads, advanced marketing trainings, and the kind of "in-the-trenches" support you can't find in a Google search. Apply here!
3. How the Trust Recession Changed Buyer Behavior & Marketing in 2026 with Sheri Moise #276

Connect with Danielle:

1. Instagram: @digitalmarketingdanielle
2. Website: https://dmsquaredmedia.com/

Connect with Emily:

1. Instagram: @emilyreaganpr
2. Facebook: @emilyreaganpr
3. YouTube: Emily Reagan
4. Ask Emily Anything here

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