Weekly Marketing Rundown - October 9, 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 - June 19, 2026 Welcome to this week’s edition of Kavanah Media’s Weekly Marketing Rundown! This week, we're covering a packed news cycle for digital marketers, from Meta's sweeping AI push and the rollout of new creator tools and business agents across its platforms to Google's significant updates to ad bidding policies and platform terms ahead of an August deadline. Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM Meta Platforms Hit by Major Global Outage On June 12, 2026, Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger went down for millions of users worldwide, with Downdetector logging over 100,000 Facebook problem reports by 10 a.m. ET. The outage lasted about four hours and also caused high disruptions to Meta Ads Manager, meaning advertisers could not run or manage campaigns during the blackout. For Mission Teams Mission teams around the world, including Kavanah Media, that rely on Meta platforms for digital outreach were forced to adjust ads, messaging, and other activities in response to the outage. Incidents like this highlight the importance of having backup communication channels in place, such as email lists or WhatsApp groups, for times when these platforms go down unexpectedly and communication cannot be delayed. https://www.tomsguide.com/news/live/meta-instagram-facebook-messenger-down-6-12-2026-live-updates Meta Launches New Community App Called Forum A few weeks ago Meta released a brand new app called Forum that works a lot like Reddit. This platform allows users to join different groups and have public discussions about topics they find interesting. For Mission Teams This new app gives ministries a fresh opportunity to connect with seekers and build communities around spiritual questions. The platform continues to grow in popularity, and as Groups become easier to access and engage with, Facebook Groups may become an increasingly viable tool for digital engagement. Missionaries raising support may also find value in the platform, as Facebook Groups can be used to communicate with supporters through this dedicated app. https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/22/meta-quietly-launches-a-new-reddit-like-app-called-forum/ UK Bans Social Media for Children Under 16 It finally happened. After months of discussion, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on June 15, 2026, that Britain will ban children under 16 from platforms including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X, and Snapchat, with enforcement directed at technology companies rather than children themselves. If approved by Parliament, the ban is expected to take effect in spring 2027. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal are not included. For Mission Teams While it remains unclear how the UK government will effectively enforce this ban, the broader lesson for digital engagement teams is how quickly platforms can be required to adapt in response to government regulations. Teams should plan for redundancy, ensure compliance with local and regional laws, and be prepared to pivot when significant policy or platform changes occur. https://www.npr.org/2026/06/15/nx-s1-5858644/britain-social-media-ban Google Ads Overhauls Bidding Rules Starting August 17 On June 15, 2026, Google announced three significant updates to Google Ads, including a new Bidding Target Optimization feature that will take effect on August 17. The update will automatically adjust budget-limited campaigns toward their stated performance targets. Advertisers also gained access to Smart Bidding Exploration globally, along with a new Promotion Mode beta that allows temporary budget increases to be scheduled around peak events. For Mission Teams For ministry teams running paid evangelism campaigns on Google, it is possible that these changes will have little immediate impact. Most of the updates are aimed at marketers focused on driving revenue and commercial conversions, which are not typically the primary objectives of mission teams and churches. Members of the Kavanah Media team are monitoring these developments closely to determine whether they warrant any adjustments to digital engagement strategies. Even so, teams that rely on Target CPA or ROAS bidding should review their settings before the August 17 deadline to avoid unexpected changes in campaign performance. This update also signals that Google is placing greater responsibility on advertisers to set accurate performance goals rather than relying on the platform to automatically exceed targets. https://www.digitalapplied.com/blog/google-ads-bidding-budgeting-overhaul-june-2026-ppc-playbook Google Updates Ads Terms to Cover AI-Powered Features Google updated its Google Ads Terms of Service effective July 1, 2026, expanding language to explain how advertiser-provided information, including conversational inputs, may be used across AI-powered and automated advertising tools. Advertisers retain responsibility for reviewing and approving any automatically generated campaigns or ad assets. For Mission Teams Organizations using Google Ads should review the updated terms carefully before July 1 to understand how their campaign data and inputs may be used by Google's AI systems. The article quotes one marketer as saying: "He pointed to new language authorizing Google to use automated features to format, select, or generate targets, ads, and destinations on an advertiser’s behalf, while advertisers remain responsible for the resulting campaigns." Similar to Meta, Google is clearly moving toward greater marketing automation. As these platforms continue to evolve, advertisers may find themselves with less direct control over automated tools and campaign optimization. Teams are encouraged to review the updated policy and audit their accounts and campaigns in July to better understand how these changes may affect their digital engagement efforts. https://searchengineland.com/google-ads-updates-terms-of-service-ahead-of-july-2026-rollout-479255 Google Expands Limited Ad Serving to Search Results Google officially updated its Limited Ad Serving policy on June 12, 2026, to cover additional scenarios on Google Search, meaning accounts flagged as less trustworthy will have their ads shown less frequently on certain search queries. The policy was originally introduced in 2023 for new advertisers and expanded to YouTube in 2024, making this the broadest enforcement step yet. For Mission Teams Newer or smaller ministry advertising accounts should maintain a clean account history and establish strong brand credibility to avoid being throttled under this policy, particularly when promoting events or outreach campaigns. Google considers several factors holistically, including user reports, account maturity, ad format usage, compliance history, industry, and verification status. However, Google does not disclose specific metrics or thresholds that trigger account reviews. https://www.digitalapplied.com/blog/google-limited-ad-serving-expands-search-2026-advertiser-guide Meta Launches AI Business Agents Across All Apps At its Conversations event in London, Meta announced the expansion of AI-powered business messaging agents across Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram. These agents can automatically answer customer questions, collect leads, and assist with bookings. Meta is also building deeper integrations with platforms such as Shopify and Zendesk to connect these agents with existing business systems. For Mission Teams Ministries and Christian nonprofits that receive frequent inquiries via Messenger or WhatsApp could potentially use these AI agents as online responders, though it remains to be seen how effective they will prove in practice. Several teams around the world leveraging similar chatbots report some success in filtering initial conversations, but human oversight remains critical. Others continue to raise concerns related to security, authenticity, AI hallucinations, and the theological implications of using AI chat agents in evangelism. Teams are encouraged to explore these tools to assess their viability, but thorough testing is strongly recommended. https://socialbee.com/blog/social-media-news/ Zero-Click Searches Now Account for 68 Percent of Google Traffic A new 2026 study by SparkToro found that 68 percent of all Google searches now end without any click leaving Google's ecosystem, meaning only 232 out of every 1,000 US Google searches result in a visit to an external website. Google's AI Mode and AI Overviews are keeping users inside Google rather than sending them to publisher sites. For Mission Teams This is a major wake-up call for any ministry or Christian organization relying on Google traffic to drive people to their website, as the traditional model of ranking on search to get visitors is fundamentally breaking down. Teams should explore building owned audiences through email lists, community apps, direct social channels, and paid ads so they are not fully dependent on search engine traffic. Additionally, optimizing sites for AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) could help to ensure site content is still referenced by agents when answering user questions. https://ignitevisibility.com/digital-marketing-news/ ChatGPT Ads Expand to New Markets OpenAI is expanding its ChatGPT advertising platform into five new countries: the UK, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and Mexico. It is also testing a feature that displays multiple ads at once. The company is additionally adding new tools to help businesses better manage their advertising budgets and campaigns. For Mission Teams As AI platforms become increasingly popular places for people to search for answers, these new ad tools could offer a powerful way to reach spiritual seekers globally. Teams in these regions are encouraged to test the platform to assess its viability in their context. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/google-ads-news-week-24-adriaan-dekker-pqoze/ ShapedPlugin Security Compromise Hackers recently inserted malicious code into several premium WordPress plugins developed by a company called ShapedPlugin. The malware is designed to secretly steal user passwords and bypass additional security protections on affected websites. For Mission Teams A compromised ministry website could expose sensitive seeker information and significantly disrupt digital evangelism efforts. Teams using paid ShapedPlugin tools should immediately scan their sites for malware and update their software to help protect these important engagement platforms. This also serves as a reminder for teams using WordPress sites that even when best practices are followed in terms of cybersecurity and plugin selection, websites can still be compromised. You may research a plugin, monitor it, test it, and avoid installing plugins from untrusted sources, yet still be exposed if the plugin itself is compromised. Teams are encouraged to audit their sites, test plugins, and scan for signs of compromise. If you would like help ensuring your site is secure, we can assist—please reach out. https://www.wordfence.com/blog/2026/06/psa-supply-chain-compromise-targets-shapedplugin-backdoored-pro-plugins-distributed-via-official-channels/ 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: Cody A. and Cherry Messimer Article Published: June 19, 2026