We continue our discussion on why Meta is still the most powerful ad platform and what to expect in the coming year. We break down how Facebook figured out monetization, from early Microsoft deals and disastrous missteps like Beacon to right-hand rail ads and the moment ads entered the newsfeed.

We’ll walk you through the desktop era, the transition to mobile, and why Meta’s make-or-break moment before its IPO changed everything about how ads work today. Plus, we connect the dots to what’s happening right now with the Andromeda update and the increasing need for creative diversification.

In This Episode:

- Why Meta’s global reach matters

- Meta’s early advertising mistakes

- Facebook’s Beacon backlash explained

- The right-hand rail ads era

- Mobile ads turning point

- Why Andromeda update changes everything

Mentioned in the Episode:

Previous Episode on Why Meta is The Best Ad Platform:

Acquired Podcast’s Episode on Meta: https://www.acquired.fm/episodes/meta

Perpetual Traffic YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@perpetual_traffic?sub_confirmation=1

Facebook’s Failed Beacon Project: https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/facebook-shuts-down-beacon-marketing-tool-1.832698

Ralph’s Photo at Meta’s Home Office:

Listen to This Episode on Your Favorite Podcast Channel:

Follow and listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perpetual-traffic/id1022441491

Follow and listen on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/59lhtIWHw1XXsRmT5HBAuK

Subscribe and watch on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@perpetual_traffic?sub_confirmation=1

We Appreciate Your Support!

Visit our website: https://perpetualtraffic.com/

Follow us on X: https://x.com/perpetualtraf

Connect with Ralph Burns:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralphburns
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ralphhburns/
• Hire Tier11 - https://www.tiereleven.com/apply-now

Connect with Lauren Petrullo:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenepetrullo/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenpetrullo
• Consult Mongoose Media -

Meta’s global reach and heavy AI investments give it an undeniable edge over other digital marketing platforms. In today’s episode, we are exploring how Meta’s ongoing innovations will reshape advertising in 2026 and what this means for your business or agency.

Lauren shares her firsthand experience testifying at a House subcommittee about how Meta’s AI tools are helping small businesses scale. We unpack why Meta's capabilities (like Andromeda) are game-changers for businesses that overcome AI fears and leverage Meta’s creative diversification.

Plus, we look at real-world examples of how AI is amplifying business growth, and how Meta’s ecosystem can supercharge marketing strategies in ways other platforms simply can’t match. Join the conversation now if you want to stay ahead of the curve in 2026.

In This Episode:

- Lauren's AI testimony at a House subcommittee

- Fear of AI replacing jobs vs. AI as a growth opportunity

- The rising need for human interactions

- Meta’s global influence on internet users

- Why Meta is the best ad platform

- Meta’s investment in AI and its implications for 2026

- Statistics on Meta’s usage and revenue growth

Mentioned in the Episode:

Global Internet Users: https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/

Facebook Usage Statistics: https://www.demandsage.com/facebook-statistics/

Previous Episodes on Meta’s Andromeda: https://perpetualtraffic.com/?s=andromeda

Listen to This Episode on Your Favorite Podcast Channel:

Follow and listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perpetual-traffic/id1022441491

Follow and listen on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/59lhtIWHw1XXsRmT5HBAuK

Subscribe and watch on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@perpetual_traffic?sub_confirmation=1

We Appreciate Your Support!

Visit our website: https://perpetualtraffic.com/

Follow us on X: https://x.com/perpetualtraf

Connect with Ralph Burns:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralphburns
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ralphhburns/
• Hire Tier11 - https://www.tiereleven.com/apply-now

Connect with Lauren Petrullo:

• Instagram -

Set up your business for success with our Creative Diversification Package. You’ll get 30+ fresh creatives monthly in 10 high-converting formats plus free access to media buying and Tier 11’s Data Suite: https://tiereleven.com/cd

Are you ready for 2026? Many businesses are focusing on the wrong things right now, but setting specific, measurable goals today could set you up for massive growth next year. In this episode, we share the importance of goal-setting and how it should be the top priority as you plan for your company’s future.

We explore how most businesses fail to reach their potential because they lack clear, transparent goals, especially at the leadership level. We also examine real-world examples of businesses that didn’t set measurable objectives and discuss how companies can reverse engineer their success by breaking down their annual goals into smaller, actionable pieces.

Plus, we give you the blueprint to ensure your 2026 is a massive success. Whether you're in charge of a marketing department or running a multi-million-dollar business, we challenge you to define exactly what you want to achieve and the steps to get there.

In This Episode:

- Why setting SMART goals is critical

- Setting transparent, company-wide goals

- Breaking down annual goals into actionable steps

- Determining the resources needed to achieve goals

- How to involve your team in goal setting

- Real-world example of setting goals from Disney

- Setting yourself up for success in 2026

Mentioned in the Episode:

Tier 11’s nCAC Calculator: https://www.tiereleven.com/ncac

JFK’s SMART Goals: https://biggsuccess.com/2009/07/20/how-to-set-goals-like-john-kennedy/

RØDE PSA1+ Professional Studio Arm: https://amzn.to/3Y6kSsK

Rode Dynamic Podmic: https://amzn.to/4rAPWOY

Shure Dynamic Podmic: https://amzn.to/3Ks4fVu

Sony ZV-1F Vlog Camera: https://amzn.to/44O1MeG

Listen to This Episode on Your Favorite Podcast Channel:

Follow and listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perpetual-traffic/id1022441491

Follow and listen on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/59lhtIWHw1XXsRmT5HBAuK

Subscribe and watch on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@perpetual_traffic?sub_confirmation=1

We Appreciate Your Support!

Visit our website: https://perpetualtraffic.com/

Follow us on X: https://x.com/perpetualtraf

Connect with Ralph Burns:

• LinkedIn -