The Digital Ring

Should Performance Max replace your Search campaigns?

It's one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer is usually no.

Performance Max can be an incredibly effective tool, but only when it's built on a solid strategy. That means reliable conversion tracking, realistic expectations during the learning period and a focus on generating qualified leads, not just more clicks or form submissions.

If you're planning your Google Ads strategy for 2026, our latest blog breaks down what we've learned about getting the most from Performance Max and where it fits alongside Search campaigns.

Read it here: https://hubs.li/Q04ykwbt0

One thing we love about marketing is that we can learn something from every single campaign. That's why we were excited to go 'back to school' as we partnered with Edgewood University. Our paid digital campaign was all about learning what actually motivates prospective students to take the next step.

Through ongoing testing across Google and Meta, we uncovered the audiences, messaging, and creative that consistently resonated with working nurses while improving campaign efficiency along the way. Read the full story here: https://hubs.li/Q04xTpSp0

Big ideas, good times and the very best people—that’s what the TDR retreat was all about. 💛

We spent a few days in Madison talking client strategy, sharing ideas and, most importantly, enjoying time together as a team. We left feeling energized, inspired, and especially grateful for the smart, talented, and genuinely wonderful people who make TDR what it is.

If you had an extra $10,000 to invest in paid media tomorrow, where would you put it? Google Search? LinkedIn? Meta? Retargeting?

Here's the good news: There's no universal answer.

Now, here's the bad news: There's no universal answer.

No, that wasn't a typo. It's actually the whole point!

Your paid media budget should follow where your pipeline needs support, not whichever platform is getting the most attention. Sometimes that means investing more in Search. Other times, it means building awareness or filling the top of the funnel before asking prospects to convert.

Our latest blog breaks down a practical framework for allocating your B2B paid media budget based on qualified pipeline, business goals and long-term growth. Check it out here: https://hubs.li/Q04x50170

The marketing world moves fast, and we're always looking for resources that help us stay curious and keep learning.

These are a few of the newsletters, podcasts, and websites our team has been reading, listening to, and bookmarking lately.

What did we miss?

Share your favorite marketing resource in the comments. We're always looking for the next great recommendation.

🚨 Big news: we’re officially in the ChatGPT Ads Beta.

We now have access to build, launch, and manage paid ad campaigns inside ChatGPT for eligible brands.

It’s a brand-new channel with real intent and low competition, which means there’s an opportunity to get in early.

We’ll help determine if ChatGPT Ads are a fit for your brand — and if they are, handle the strategy, creative, setup, and ongoing management.

Want to explore it? Send us a message.

Meta has a new AI feature that recommends ad creative from your existing library.

Helpful?

Potentially...but hold your horses.

The more control platforms take over bidding, audiences, and creative, the more important it becomes to understand when to trust the algorithm, and when to step in.

We took a closer look at Meta Related Media, what it actually does, and why we're approaching it with a healthy dose of caution.

Get the full scoop here: https://hubs.li/Q04thCz60

🌟 Client Spotlight: Commercial Recreation Specialists

Great partnerships are built over time, and we're grateful to be part of CRS's growth story.

Together, we've expanded their digital marketing strategy, generated new business opportunities, and uncovered insights that continue to shape what's next.

Take a look at what we've accomplished together, then learn more about CRS here: https://hubs.li/Q04slZLx0

"How much should we spend on ads?"

It's one of the first questions we get asked, and understandably so. Unfortunately, it's usually the wrong place to start.

A roofing company in rural Wisconsin, a local coffee shop, and a national SaaS company aren't playing the same game. Their budgets shouldn't look the same, either.

Before you decide what to spend, figure out what you're trying to accomplish, how much demand exists, and what success actually looks like for your business.

We dive into that (and a few other PPC budget tidbits) in our latest blog. Check it out here: https://hubs.li/Q04s6h-k0

Your subject line is often the deciding factor between an open and a scroll.

The strongest subject lines create genuine curiosity, communicate clear value, and sound like they came from a real person. They give readers a good reason to open the email—and they deliver on that promise.

Over time, every email shapes what your audience expects from your brand.

Here are a few of the principles we keep in mind every time we hit send.