EP 468: The Facebook Ads Metrics That Matter Most in 2026

Quick 3 minute episode about Meta's earnings report today and how it affects advertisers. Website: https://philgrahamdigital.com

Too many advertisers are watching the wrong numbers and making bad decisions because of it. In this episode, I walk through the metrics that actually matter and how to think about them without getting lost in the dashboard. Website: https://philgrahamdigital.com

Getting leads is not the same as getting the right leads. In this episode, I break down why some ads pull in the wrong people, what causes it, and how to spot the problem before it wastes more time and budget. Website: https://philgrahamdigital.com

Instagram Reels ads deserve more attention than a lot of advertisers are giving them. In this episode, I cover what helps a Reels ad actually hold attention, from the first second and native feel to pacing, visuals, hooks, and keeping the message focused. If you are using Reels placements, this is a must listen episode! Website: https://philgrahamdigital.com

Some Facebook and Instagram ads struggle long before they ever go live. In this episode, I talk about why certain ads are set up to fail from the start, including weak testing, unclear messaging, copycat creative, no real hook, low trust, and a lack of differentiation. If an ad never had a real shot, it is worth understanding why. Website: https://philgrahamdigital.com

A lot of advertisers jump straight into creatives, targeting, and campaign setup. But before any of that, your offer has to make sense in the marketplace. In this episode, I cover what I look at first, including clarity, specificity, differentiation, friction, and whether the offer is even compelling enough for cold traffic. Website: https://philgrahamdigital.com

Facebook and Instagram ads can be powerful, but that does not mean they are always the right move at the right time. In this episode, I break down a few situations where running ads may do more harm than good, including when you are desperate for fast results, following bad advice, leaning on lazy templates, or lacking the runway to give ads a fair shot. Website: https://philgrahamdigital.com

In this episode, I explain why copying competitor Facebook and Instagram ads can backfire. We'll talk about how to study competitors the smart way without blending into the noise. If you want your ads to stand out instead of sounding like everyone else, this one's for you.  Website: https://philgrahamdigital.com

In this episode, I walk through how I am doing retargeting ads in 2026, when I use it, when I don't, how I layer audiences, and how I'm doing creatives for people that already know who you are. If your warm audiences feel scattered or are underperforming, this episode could help you simplify your approach and focus on what actually matters. Learn how to leverage your warm audience with my strategic retargeting plan today!  Website: https://philgrahamdigital.com

Most advertisers blame Facebook when their ads don't work. But what if the real problem isn't your targeting, your budget, or even your creative? In this episode, I break down the deeper issues that sometimes sabotage ad performance and explain why ads often just expose problems that were already there. If you've ever felt like you're "doing everything right" but still not seeing traction, this episode will give you a different lens to look through. Website: https://philgrahamdigital.com