Weekly Marketing Rundown - August 7, 2026

Weekly Marketing Rundown - September 18, 2026 Welcome to this week’s edition of Kavanah Media’s Weekly Marketing Rundown! We’re diving into the latest updates you need to know including Google Chrome updates, building websites with ChatGPT, Google Search Rank factors and more. Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM Kavanah Analytics- Webinar You're invited to a free online webinar introducing Kavanah Analytics on Monday, October 20, offered at two times to fit your team's schedule: 8:00 AM Eastern and 8:00 PM Eastern.  If your team is using digital tools to reach the lost, you already know the hard part isn't running an ad or posting a video. It's answering the questions that matter: Who responded? Did that conversation lead to a Bible study, a baptism, a disciple? Kavanah Analytics is a free tool built specifically for mission teams that automatically pulls your Facebook, Instagram, Google Ads, messaging, and follow-up data into one clear picture, so you can see the whole journey from first click to real spiritual conversation without stitching together spreadsheets or paying for enterprise software. In this one-hour session we'll show you how it works, walk through a live team dashboard, and explain how to get your own team set up at no cost.  Bring your questions, and bring whoever on your team is asking "is this actually working?"  Register at https://forms.gle/d2mLocY1MrcsazA28 and join us on October 20. kavanahanalytics.com Google Chrome Security Update Patches Active Flaw Google recently fixed a major security vulnerability in its Chrome web browser that hackers were actively exploiting to gain access to computers. Everyone should update Chrome as soon as possible to protect against these cyberattacks and help keep their information safe. For Mission Teams Keeping your web browsers updated helps protect the sensitive information of seekers you engage with through social media ads and digital platforms. This essential security practice helps ensure your team can safely execute strategies to make disciples without the risk of dangerous data breaches. https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-patches-seventh-chrome-zero-day-exploited-in-attacks-this-year/ Goodbye Like Button Recent data shows a significant drop in traditional social media engagement such as likes and comments across major platforms. Algorithms now prioritize passive metrics like watch time and video completion rates to determine what content users see. For Mission Teams Teams should optimize content and strategies for watch time and other forms of engagement, rather than focusing primarily on likes and comments, to maximize performance based on how algorithms measure engagement and serve content. https://futuresocial.beehiiv.com/p/is-the-like-button-dead Building Websites With ChatGPT You can now build professional websites in minutes just by telling ChatGPT what you want it to look like. This new tool means anyone can create simple apps and web pages without knowing how to write computer code. For Mission Teams Your team can quickly launch custom landing pages linked to social media ads to safely find seekers online. This easy-to-use tool allows you to rapidly test new digital strategies for making disciples while maintaining strict control over data security. However, caution is recommended, and teams are strongly encouraged to audit the tool’s outputs for security and compliance with data protection laws, including privacy policies and other applicable requirements. https://wondertools.substack.com/p/chatgpt-sites Paid Ads Now Appear Inside AI Answers Artificial intelligence platforms like ChatGPT and Google are now placing paid advertisements directly alongside their generated answers. This change means organizations can no longer rely solely on free search results to reach online audiences. For Mission Teams Teams hoping to leverage AI placements should consider strategically purchasing these new ad placements to safely guide online seekers toward faith-focused content when they ask questions. https://www.thestateofbrand.com/news/chatgpt-ads-paid-ai-answers Fake Error Messages Trick Users Into Hacking Themselves Cybercriminals are using fake error messages and ads to trick people into typing harmful codes into their own Mac or Windows computers. Once a person types the code, it secretly installs a virus that steals passwords and private information. For Mission Teams Your team must be very careful when clicking on digital ads or fixing computer errors. Protecting your devices from these tricks ensures your private disciple-making strategies and seeker conversations remain completely safe from hackers. https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/14/clickfix-attacks-are-tricking-mac-and-windows-users-into-hacking-themselves/ Building Custom Tools With Meta's New AI Agent Meta recently introduced a new artificial intelligence tool called Muse that helps users build web apps without knowing how to write computer code. One expert used this smart helper to quickly create a custom decision-making tool in just a single evening. For Mission Teams Teams can leverage Muse to build custom apps and tools directly in Meta's platforms. Marketer Jon Loomer used it to build a Value Rules Assessment tool for his own purposes. See the link below to see how he did it : https://www.jonloomer.com/muse-meta-ai-agent/ The Value of Being Human in an Artificial World Many people are getting tired of talking to computer robots when they try to get help online. Businesses are finding that proving real people work there actually helps them connect better with their audience. For Mission Teams Your team can stand out by making sure digital seekers know they are chatting with a real, caring person rather than an automated program. Highlighting this human connection builds deep trust with seekers while you securely guide them along a path to follow Jesus. https://www.marketingideas.com/p/proof-of-humanity-is-the-biggest?utm_source=tldrmarketing Experts Reveal Top Google Search Ranking Factors A recent survey of search engine experts found that answering a user's question directly is the best way to show up on Google. Links from other trusted websites and high-quality writing were also named as top ways to get more people to see your page. For Mission Teams Your team can find seekers and make disciples through digital platforms by designing websites that directly answer their spiritual questions. Collaborating with other trusted brands and ministries in this space is also another way to help improve ranking. https://signal.zyppy.com/p/google-ranking-factors-expert-survey?utm_source=tldrmarketing Customizable Dashboards Arrive in Google Analytics Google Analytics now includes flexible dashboards that let users view all their important data in a single report. This feature helps organizations easily design charts and track performance using simple drag-and-drop tools. For Mission Teams Your team can use these new dashboards to streamline your data analytics and sharpen your disciple-making strategy while keeping sensitive platform information securely managed. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/google-ads-news-week-37-adriaan-dekker-003me/ Meta Releases Immersive Instagram Tools for Smart Glasses Meta is introducing new Instagram Story features designed specifically for users of its AI smart glasses. These tools allow creators to share multi-camera videos and interactive full-scene views directly to their social feeds. For Mission Teams eMeta glasses continue to grow in popularity. Mission teams could leverage these tools to conduct virtual prayer walks, capture footage, create more immersive content, and more. However, when sharing real-world ministry experiences, teams should carefully protect the identities and privacy of local individuals to maintain operational security and comply with local laws. https://www.instagram.com/p/DdHNxIQxhh9/?hl=en Threads Surpasses X in User Audience Growth Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated that Threads is likely now larger or will soon be larger than X in user size. He explained that using multiple social platforms helps creators reach different communities where people are already spending their time. For Mission Teams As Threads continues to experience platform growth and deeper integration with Meta Business Suite and Ads Manager, it is an accessible platform for mission teams to expand into. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/threads-might-be-bigger-than-x-says-zuckerberg/830236/ WhatsApp Expands Multi-Account Support to Three Profiles on iOS WhatsApp is testing a new update for iPhone users that allows them to run three different accounts inside a single app. Each profile keeps its own separate messages, settings, and notifications so users can easily switch between phone numbers. For Mission Teams Mission teams can use these extra profiles to manage separate numbers all from a single secure device, helping to keep your personal number hidden in higher risk fields. https://wabetainfo.com/whatsapp-is-testing-support-for-up-to-three-accounts-on-ios/ Meta Launches Paid Subscription for Video Editing Tools Meta is launching a paid subscription tier called Edits Plus for its video editing application. This subscription gives creators access to extra video storage space and expanded artificial intelligence tools. For Mission Teams Yes, Meta does have an answer to CapCut, ByteDance's popular video editing tool. Edits Plus can be used to quickly produce high-quality videos for digital seekers. Upgrading will allow more access to storage and AI tools. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/meta-announces-edits-plus-paid-subscription-tier/830473/ Stay Equipped for Digital Engagement  Looking for ways to use digital tools to grow evangelism and disciple-making? Check out our other resources: Kavanah Media Blog – Learn from our experiences serving hundreds of mission teams worldwide. We share practical lessons, real stories, and best practices to help your team avoid mistakes and grow in digital outreach. Subscribe here. Jon Ralls' new book–  Check out Jon Ralls' new book The Reluctant Whisper on Amazon, where he talks of evangelism from a sales pitch into an authentic act of presence—sharing faith through story, not scripts! Check it out here. Ad Resource Store- Stumped on what ads to run next? Check out Kavanah Media's Ad Resource Store for ideas, templates and more! Digital Strategies got you stumped? Reach out anytime—we’re ready to help. Contact Us Church GAP Analysis Tool- Uncover hidden risks before they become problems. Use our Free GAP Analysis Tool to evaluate your church or non-profit’s cybersecurity, compliance, and governance today.  Kavanah Analytics- How is your digital content truly impacting lives? We created Kavanah Analytics to help churches and mission teams answer that question. Learn More Thanks for reading this edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown! For more up-to-date insights in digital marketing, make sure to follow us on Instagram @kavanah_media and stay connected through all our social media channels via the link below. https://linktr.ee/kavanah_media Authors: Jon Ralls, Cody A. and Cherry Messimer Article Published: September 18, 2026

Weekly Marketing Rundown - October 23, 2026 Welcome to this week’s edition of Kavanah Media’s Weekly Marketing Rundown! We’re covering the latest updates you need to know: a critical PHP security update, recent changes to Meta ads, new recommendations for ideal video length and more. Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM Critical PHP Security Updates Required to Prevent Server Hijacking Security experts discovered critical flaws in PHP that allow hackers to take over websites without needing a password. Server administrators must update their PHP software immediately to block these dangerous attacks. For Mission Teams Outdated PHP versions leave your website open to attacks that can expose the private contact details of seekers who reach out through your social media ads and landing pages. If your team manages a website, update its PHP version right away. If you can’t update it immediately, take the site offline until you can. https://www.wordfence.com/blog/2026/10/psa-php-security-updates-available-for-two-critical-vulnerabilities-update-now/ Meta's New Feature for Ad Targeting Meta is launching a feature that lets you choose the audience for each individual ad creative. Instead of creating separate ad groups for different audiences, you can now set age and gender targets directly on each ad. For Mission Teams This update changes the way audiences can be targeted. It’s also important to note that this does not override Advantage+ targeting, and Meta’s algorithm will still show ads to people who might convert, even if they fall outside a team’s target persona. However, it could be a useful way to match different ads to different audiences, rather than relying on ad set–level targeting alone. Teams that have access to this new feature are encouraged to test its functionality and see how it affects ad engagement. https://www.jonloomer.com/choose-an-audience-for-each-ad-creative/ Meta's Future Automations In a recent podcast, Nik Ketkar, Director of Product Management at Meta, laid out upcoming changes to ad defaults and automated media buying. Meta is building automated tools so advertisers spend less time setting up campaigns and more time focusing on overall strategy. While artificial intelligence will suggest ad adjustments and create materials, human advertisers will still retain final approval over all decisions. These updates will automatically turn on in late October and alter how ads direct users unless advertisers choose to opt out. For Mission Teams Mission teams must review these new defaults as they roll out and test them to ensure continued ad performance. Several teams around the world have had difficulty getting good engagement from their desired target audiences with Meta's Advantage+ tools when they were rolled out previously, however, the automations that change brought also made it easier than ever to build ads. It is yet to be seen how these future changes will further affect digital engagement work. As always, testing is encouraged. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BNAIirKUZs Ideal Length for Social Media Videos A recent study of millions of videos shows Instagram Reels under three minutes perform best, while TikTok favors longer videos between three and ten minutes. However, the most important factor is keeping your videos engaging regardless of length. For Mission Teams You can use these time limits to design better short-form videos that catch the attention of seekers scrolling on social media. Making your videos the right length for each platform helps your digital campaigns reach more people so you can connect with them and make disciples. https://virev.ai/blog/how-long-should-a-reel-be?utm_source=tldrmarketing Meta Pauses AI Sharing Feature Over Major Privacy Leak Meta paused the sharing feature in its new Muse AI assistant after researchers discovered that shared links leaked private user conversations online. The web addresses included chat titles directly in the link, allowing anyone to easily search for and read confidential personal notes. For Mission Teams Using automated AI tools without strict privacy controls can inadvertently expose sensitive conversations and personal information shared by online seekers. Teams should exercise caution when using AI tools such as Muse, particularly when granting them access to files, systems, and data. https://arstechnica.com/security/2026/10/meta-muse-exposes-users-personal-and-business-secrets-when-they-share-conversations/?utm_source=tldrinfosec Google Ads Introduces Stricter Verification and Promotes AI Campaign Creation Google Ads now prioritizes an AI-driven campaign builder by default, while requiring a second official document like a utility bill to verify advertiser addresses in select locations. Users who prefer hands-on campaign management must click a less prominent manual setup link, and failing to verify your address will prevent ads from running. For Mission Teams Google has rolled out a requirement for a second verification document in South Sudan and says other countries may soon follow. Account verification is required to advertise on the platform. Separately, new AI features can help marketers build ads, but marketers should always check AI-generated content for accuracy. https://adriaan-dekker.nl/google-ads-can-now-ask-for-a-second-document-to-verify-your-address/ ChatGPT Expands Ad Formats and Shifts Web Traffic Attribution OpenAI is testing larger visual ads and clickable buttons in ChatGPT while adding new measurement tools to track campaign results. At the same time, recent tracking changes mean web visits from ChatGPT may now mistakenly appear as direct traffic instead of referral clicks. For Mission Teams Monitoring these analytics changes ensures your team accurately tracks how seekers discover and access your digital ministry platforms. Experimenting with these new visual formats and call-to-action buttons can help you engage more seekers and guide them toward becoming disciples. https://adriaan-dekker.nl/google-ads-can-now-ask-for-a-second-document-to-verify-your-address/ WhatsApp Tests In-App Browser for Chat Links WhatsApp is developing a built-in browser that allows users to open any shared web link directly inside their chats. This update keeps people inside the messaging app while browsing, though users can still switch to an outside browser and clear their stored data. For Mission Teams Meta uses in-app browsing to support user retention and collect tracking telemetry. This means that visits to external websites still consume standard mobile data under free carrier plans, but the in-app browsing environment could improve ad engagement tracking. Teams running traffic or sales campaigns for Bible orders or similar offerings may see improved tracking metrics; however, they may still face challenges due to Meta’s restrictions on religious data. https://wabetainfo.com/whatsapp-is-testing-an-in-app-browser-for-chats-on-ios/ X Plans to Ban Low-Quality and Misleading Advertisements Elon Musk announced that X will ban advertisers who post ugly, loud, or misleading ads. The platform is asking users to report bad promotions, but it has not yet explained the exact rules for judging them. For Mission Teams Teams using X for digital engagement should create clear, honest digital ads to reduce the risk of sudden account suspensions. Producing high-quality visuals can also help campaigns remain active across social media platforms. https://www.theverge.com/news/1013118/elon-musk-says-he-wont-allow-ugly-ads-on-x Stay Equipped for Digital Engagement  Looking for ways to use digital tools to grow evangelism and disciple-making? Check out our other resources: Jon Ralls' new book–  Check out The Reluctant Whisper on Amazon, where he talks of evangelism from a sales pitch into an authentic act of presence—sharing faith through story, not scripts! Check it out here. Ad Resource Store- Stumped on what ads to run next? Check out Kavanah Media's Ad Resource Store for ideas, templates and more! Digital Strategies got you confused?- Reach out anytime—we’re ready to help. Contact Us Church GAP Analysis Tool- Uncover hidden risks before they become problems. Use our Free GAP Analysis Tool to evaluate your church or non-profit’s cybersecurity, compliance, and governance today.  Kavanah Analytics- How is your digital content truly impacting lives? We created Kavanah Analytics to help churches and mission teams answer that question. Learn More Thanks for reading this edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown! For more up-to-date insights in digital marketing, make sure to follow us on Instagram @kavanah_media and stay connected through all our social media channels via the link below. https://linktr.ee/kavanah_media Authors: Jon Ralls, Cody A. and Cherry Messimer Article Published: October 23, 2026