The online marketing industry is shifting in 2026. And no, it’s not collapsing. It’s maturing. In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s actually happening behind the scenes, why panic isn’t the move, and how freelance service providers and implementers are more valuable than ever in this next phase.

Listen to learn more about:

Why the online marketing industry is NOT dying
What big-name course closures really signal (and what they don’t)
Why implementation beats information in today’s market
How freelancers can move into fractional roles and higher-value work
What buyers expect now and how to meet that demand confidently

2026 will be about alignment. If you’ve been feeling unsettled, confused, or questioning your place as a service provider in the industry, this episode will ground you and show you exactly where opportunity still exists.

Sponsored by The Digital Marketer’s Workgroup

Already doing marketing work and ready for more clients and better referrals? Join a supportive, tight-knit community of freelancers where you’ll get behind-the-scenes conversations, ongoing support, advanced training, and exclusive job leads. Apply here!

Links Mentioned in Show:

Natalie Gingrich’s 2026 State of the Union for Service Providers: We’re reflecting on 2025 and discussing the most significant shifts service providers experienced.
Check out my full Freelance Job Report 2025 and stop guessing what services to offer. This list shows what businesses consistently hire for: marketing implementation, tech setup, and content support — real data straight from 3,000+ job opps posted in our Workgroup.
#260 How Service Providers Can Confidently Sell High-Ticket Offers with Stacey Brass-Russell
#249 The Authority Framework: How Freelance Marketing Assistants Can Build Visibility with Rob Marsh (part of our Visibility Series)
#242 Mastering Automated ManyChat Funnels with Katy Widrick

Connect with Emily:

> Grow your freelance business inside the Digital Marketer’s Workgroup: Apply to join our tight-knit community for advanced training, ongoing support, troubleshooting, and exclusive job leads.

> Enroll in the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School: Learn in-demand, tactical digital marketing skills on your own time so you can move beyond admin work and offer high-value marketing services.

> Hire a Digital Marketing Assistant: Submit your job posting and I’ll share it with the skilled & vetted freelancers in our Workgroup.

> Download my free Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services to see what clients are hiring for right now.

Walter Hooper - Part 1 (Encore)