Weekly Marketing Rundown - September 11, 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 - April 17, 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 Iranian Cyber Attacks, Changes to Meta's Flexible ad format, Russia's crackdown on VPN's and more. Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM Iranian Cyber Actor Warning The FBI and CISA warned that cyber actors are targeting critical infrastructure by manipulating data on control displays. While focused on utilities, these actors often use similar tactics to disrupt communication networks. For Mission Teams This highlights the importance of using strong, unique passwords for any devices connected to your ministry network. Teams in sensitive regions should remain extra vigilant against unusual activity on their internet-connected hardware. https://www.ic3.gov/CSA/2026/260407.pdf Critical Vulnerability in Ninja Forms WordPress Plugin Hackers are using a major weakness in a popular website tool called Ninja Forms to take over websites. This flaw allows outsiders to run hidden code and gain full control of the site without needing a password. For Mission Teams Security flaws in web forms can expose sensitive contact information of seekers and disrupt digital disciple-making efforts. Teams must update their WordPress plugins immediately to protect their platform's integrity and ensure the safety of those engaging with their content. https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-exploit-critical-flaw-in-ninja-forms-wordpress-plugin/? Changes to Meta’s Ad Formatting Meta is removing the Flexible Format option from its ad setup tools. This change means advertisers will soon use a new system called Format Display Options to manage how their images and videos appear. For Mission Teams This update requires teams to adapt their creative strategies for social media ads used in seeker outreach. Many teams leveraged the Flexible ad format, avoiding the dreaded "creative ad fatigue." A possible alternative is developing custom formats for each placement and creating multiple ads per ad set to allow for even more creative options. https://www.jonloomer.com/new-value-rules-for-audiences/ Official Meta Pixel Integration for GA4 Meta has updated its official tracking template to integrate more seamlessly with Google Analytics 4. This update enables more consistent data sharing between platforms, helping advertisers better understand how users interact with their websites. For Mission Teams This integration can help simplify the setup and management of the Meta Pixel. While Meta’s religious data restrictions have reduced the effectiveness of traffic campaigns for many teams, there are still strategic use cases where they remain viable. For teams that continue to rely on the Meta Pixel and website-based campaigns, this updated tracking template should provide more reliable data and improved insights. https://tagmanager.google.com/gallery/#/owners/facebook/templates/GoogleTagManager-WebTemplate-For-FacebookPixel Russia’s VPN Crackdown Disrupts Financial Infrastructure The Russian government attempted to block VPN services, but the technical process accidentally crashed the country's banking systems. This caused many people to lose access to digital payments and forced them to use cash for a short time. For Mission Teams This crackdown shows that digital evangelism efforts in restricted areas face high risks of sudden internet instability and surveillance. Teams must prepare backup communication methods, prioritize high-security tools and practice good cybersecurity hygiene. https://archive.is/4Z74V YouTube Viewing Trends and Platform Growth YouTube Shorts have grown significantly and now reach over 200 billion views every single day. Additionally, global audiences are consuming more than one billion hours of YouTube content on their television screens daily. For Mission Teams The scale of Shorts highlights the importance of prioritizing short-form video in digital engagement strategies. However, the high volume of TV-based viewing also points to a growing opportunity for long-form discipleship content—particularly for reaching individuals and families in more private, in-home environments. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/youtube-expands-ai-powered-tools-shares-trend-insights/751149/ Meta Expected to Overtake Google in Digital Advertising Meta is projected to become the world's largest digital advertising business this year, surpassing Google for the first time. This growth is largely driven by artificial intelligence improvements and the success of short-form video content like Reels. For Mission Teams Meta's increasing dominance suggests that advertising on platforms like Facebook and Instagram is currently still a very effective way to reach large audiences. It should not be discounted as a viable option for digital engagement work. https://www.wsj.com/business/media/meta-expected-to-unseat-google-as-worlds-largest-digital-ad-player-83d3f522?st=UHLFza&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink&mod=tldr& Meta Challenges X’s Dominance in Japan Through Threads Meta is launching a localized campaign to grow its Threads platform in Japan where the app X is currently very popular. They created a special account to share local tips and help more Japanese users switch to their new social network. For Mission Teams Japan remains a critical frontier for digital evangelism where the majority of the population is active on X but transitioning to Threads. Teams should consider establishing a presence on Threads now to connect with early adopters. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/meta-looks-to-grow-threads-in-japan/816782/ Faith, Masculinity, and the Rise of “Catholicmaxxing” TikTok creators are increasingly blending traditional religious themes with modern fitness and dating culture. While these viral videos often present faith as trendy and masculine, broader data suggests that more young people are leaving the church than joining it. For Mission Teams While this trend is most visible in Western contexts, it highlights a growing desire for identity, purpose, and community among young men. Mission teams can engage this audience through relatable, lifestyle-oriented content that reflects real experiences. Authenticity is especially important so teams should prioritize using real people and genuine stories whenever possible to build trust and connection. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/07/catholicmaxxing-catholicism--church-religion-tiktok-gen-z-influencers Major Tech Companies Track Users Despite Opt-Out Requests An independent audit found that Google, Meta, and Microsoft may continue tracking users even after opt-out signals are enabled. In some cases, advertising cookies were still placed on user devices despite the use of official privacy controls. For Mission Teams This report highlights the ongoing tension between user privacy and large-scale data collection. Data privacy and Big Tech remain in a constant tug of war. As a result, teams should not assume that platform-based privacy settings fully prevent tracking and should remain flexible as policies and technologies evolve. When handling sensitive or internal communications, it is important to prioritize tools with strong security features, such as end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure backups. Platforms like WhatsApp can be useful in certain contexts, but teams should carefully evaluate each tool based on their specific risk environment. https://www.404media.co/google-microsoft-meta-all-tracking-you-even-when-you-opt-out-according-to-an-independent-audit/ Foundations of Digital Engagement Strategy Course May 13-16, 2026 (Pre-EMDC Training) Chiang Mai, Thailand This course is for you. Digital permeates virtually every aspect of people's lives and it should be present in every stage of your mission and ministry strategy. Join Kavanah Media staff during the Pre-EMDC training week for a time of practical training in digital engagement. This course is designed for you to examine your end to end strategy and find ways that digital components can be added or improved whether you are just ready to begin or an experienced practitioner. Follow the link or contact us for more details. https://emdcon.org/ 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. YouVersion Reading Plan– Jon Ralls, CEO of Kavanah Media, just launched a powerful 4-day devotional on YouVersion called "Love Where You Are." Subscribe 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.  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: Cody A. and Cherry Messimer Article Published: April 17, 2026