Weekly Marketing Rundown - February 28, 2025

Weekly Marketing Rundown - March 6, 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 virality on Youtube, FAQs for SEO/ AEO, passkeys for Google ads and more! Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM YouTube Virality Strategies In an analysis of over 62 billion YouTube views, YouTube strategist Richard identified several key insights: 1) Virality Is Emotional Before It Is Informational The study found that clicks are driven primarily by emotion—not by usefulness or information. 2) High-Performing Emotions Among all emotional drivers, the top performers are anger, humor, and controversy. 3) Emotional Drivers Ranked by Performance When broken down further, emotional performance ranks as follows: Joy / Humor Controversy Anger Fear Nostalgia Curiosity Relatability Sadness Desire For Mission Teams While avoiding harmful anger, using gentle controversy can help your team address the big life questions seekers are already asking. However, campaigns built around felt needs (joy, community, etc.) have consistently performed well across a variety of global contexts. While apologetic or informational-type content may be useful in some settings, the data shows that appealing to emotion is a powerful strategy. https://x.com/richard_yts/status/2024937612813701486?utm_source=tldrmarketing Using FAQs to Influence Search Results Chris Long shares how using Frequently Asked Questions on a website can help control what people see in search results. By adding specific questions and answers, a site can show up more often when people search for those exact topics. For Mission Teams This strategy helps mission teams ensure that seekers find biblically accurate answers when searching for spiritual questions online. It also helps teams manage their digital reputation and improve the safety of their online spaces by directing users to trusted content. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/chris-long-marketing_seos-this-is-a-brilliant-use-of-faqs-influencing-activity-7432854487377092608-s8tD/ Better Images and Faster Results with Nano Banana 2 Google released a new tool called Nano Banana 2 that makes high-quality pictures very quickly. It can follow difficult instructions and even put correct words inside the images without making mistakes. For Mission Teams This tool enables teams to create professional gospel media and social media ads more quickly and at a lower cost. Its built-in watermarking helps keep digital content secure and verifiable while ensuring that ads for seekers appear authentic and clear. https://gemini.google/overview/image-generation/ Google Ads Security With Passkeys Google Ads now allows users to sign in using passkeys instead of traditional passwords. This new method makes it much harder for hackers to steal account information or trick people into giving away their logins. For Mission Teams Using passkeys protects mission accounts from being hacked while running sensitive evangelism ads in restricted areas. This security update ensures that only authorized team members can modify account settings or access seeker data. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/google-ads-news-week-9-adriaan-dekker-mqwee/ The Shifting Landscape of Search Engines, AI and Social Media Searches New data shows that Gen Z's preference for TikTok is dropping as they return to Google and adopt AI platforms like ChatGPT. A large number of users are now choosing these advanced AI tools to find specific answers instead of scrolling through social media. For Mission Teams While this survey took place in the US, it is likely that this trend will continue globally. Mission teams would benefit from platform diversity and adjusting strategies to including both social media and SEO/ AEO (Search Engine Optimization/ Answer Engine Optimization) optimized websites. Strategic adaptation to these changing digital habits is essential for maintaining secure and reliable connections with those searching for spiritual guidance. https://www.searchenginejournal.com/gen-z-preference-for-tiktok-over-google-drops-50-data-shows/568267/ Google Discover Increases Social Media Content Google is now showing more posts from social media apps like TikTok and Instagram in its main news feed. This change happened because many people enjoy reading short and personal stories written by real people. For Mission Teams This update increases the likelihood that social media posts created by mission teams will reach seekers through Google search results. Teams should focus on creating authentic content to improve visibility and reach more people with the gospel. https://www.seroundtable.com/google-discover-feed-social-media-posts-41011.html Facebook Web Outage Interrupts Service Facebook recently experienced a technical problem that prevented the website from working for about three hours. While the mobile apps mostly continued functioning, people trying to use Facebook through web browsers could not access the platform. For Mission Teams Teams leveraging Meta in their digital engagement strategies likely saw a dip in performance. This outage reminds teams that relying on a single platform can suddenly halt communication with seekers and disrupt advertising campaigns. Teams should use multiple digital tools to ensure their outreach efforts remain active, even when one platform goes down. https://www.theregister.com/2026/03/03/facebook_outage/ Social Media and AI Growth in 2025 According to the State of Mobile 2026 Study, social media apps saw a massive increase in the amount of time people spent using them globally last year. At the same time, usage of artificial intelligence assistants grew faster than almost any other type of app. For Mission Teams High social media usage provides a significant opportunity for digital evangelism, allowing teams to reach seekers where they spend their time. The rapid growth of AI usage suggests that teams should integrate AI tools to safely manage large volumes of spiritual conversations and automate initial engagement. https://content-naf.emarketer.com/genai-was-2025-s-fastest-rising-app-category--social-media-still-lapped-field 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: February 27, 2026

Weekly Marketing Rundown - August 8, 2025 Welcome to this week’s edition of Kavanah Media’s Weekly Marketing Rundown! In this issue we cover Meta's new "Review Keywords," AI enhancement, Youtube's decision regarding AI slop, the dangers of an over sanitized social media presence and more. Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM Meta to Stop Political and Social Issue Ads in EU Starting in early October 2025, Meta will no longer allow paid political, electoral, or social issue ads in the European Union. This change is a response to the EU’s new Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising (TTPA) law. For Mission Teams: While digital evangelism ads typically are not typically political or tied to social issues, teams are strongly advised to avoid content that could be interpreted that way to prevent ad rejections or delays. It’s also important to research local advertising laws related to political and social issues, as both regulations and Meta’s enforcement can vary significantly by country. https://about.fb.com/news/2025/07/ending-political-electoral-and-social-issue-advertising-in-the-eu Meta Tests New “Review Keywords” Ad Feature A Meta AI enhancement now in testing—called Review Keywords—can automatically display positive keywords from your Facebook Page reviews under your ads. For example, phrases like “Great service” or “Fast shipping” may appear below your ad creative. This feature is part of testing under Advantage+ Creative and may appear in less than 5% of impressions in participating ad accounts.  For Mission Teams: For mission teams whose Facebook Pages collect endorsements—such as event or ministry feedback—this feature can help add social proof to ads effortlessly. Conversely, if a page has negative reviews it could have the opposite effect. However, since it’s still in testing and represents minimal impressions, it’s best to monitor its impact closely. If a team is unsure, simply turn off the enhancement. https://www.jonloomer.com/qvt/review-keywords-enhancement/ Facebook Updates Data Privacy and Transfer Terms Meta has updated its platform terms related to data privacy and international data transfers, specifically focusing on the Developer Features and Customer Data Protection Terms and its Privacy Policy on Data Transfers. These updates clarify Meta’s expectations for developers and advertisers regarding data collection, processing, and cross-border data transfers, especially in light of legal requirements like the GDPR and other international data agreements. For Mission Teams: When using Meta tools like Facebook Ads or APIs, it’s important to be mindful of how user data is handled—especially in regions with strict privacy laws. Teams running campaigns in or targeting countries listed in Meta’s legal addendum should ensure their data practices comply with local regulations. In some cases, such as in Türkiye, this includes appointing local parties to act as representatives on behalf of the company or ministry. This requirement presents a double-edged challenge. Non-compliance can result in steep fines and legal consequences, while compliance may involve disclosing sensitive details—such as identities, types of data collected, and the purpose—to local authorities. For teams operating in politically sensitive areas, this level of transparency may not be feasible, making strategic planning and legal consultation essential. https://developers.facebook.com/terms/dfc_platform_terms/ https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/Privacy/Transfers For More Info on Data Laws and how they might effect you and your team please see this previous edition of the Weekly Marketing Rundown: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/resources/90567/weekly-marketing-rundown-july-17-2025 Google Search Indexing Meta Ai Chats Meta’s AI app enables users to share conversations publicly in a “Discover” feed—and Google is indexing that content. Even private chats, like medical questions or contact information, can appear in search results if shared—unlike ChatGPT, which ended this practice. Meta has since added clear warnings before users share chats, but confusion remains about the visibility of those posts. For Mission Teams: For mission teams, this raises major privacy concerns. Communications with chatbots—even those meant for ministry or outreach—might become automatically searchable online if shared. Teams should be cautious about using AI platforms, train users on sharing risks, and avoid sharing any content with sensitive or personal details. https://www.businessinsider.com/meta-ai-chat-google-search-openai-chatgpt-2025-8 YouTube Tightens Rules on AI-Generated “Slop” Content YouTube is updating its monetization policy starting July 15, 2025, to crack down on repetitive, low-effort, AI-generated videos—often called “AI slop.” The update aims to ensure monetized videos include meaningful content and originality, not just generic voiceovers or recycled visuals. YouTube says this is a refinement of existing standards, not a major shift. For Mission Teams: This trend is a good reminder to prioritize quality over quantity. If you’re using AI to help create content (like Bible stories, animations, or voiceovers), make sure your videos include real value—like commentary, personal testimony, or custom visuals. The algorithm is watching for authenticity. https://www.androidauthority.com/youtube-partner-monetization-policy-changes-3575999/ Instagram Increasingly Favors Fresh Creator Posts Meta reported that more than two-thirds of Instagram’s suggested content in the U.S. now comes from original creators. It reflects Meta’s ongoing effort to highlight unique, user-generated posts. For Mission Teams: As platforms prioritize original content, teams relying solely on pre-made media like the Jesus Film may see a drop in organic engagement, especially if relying only on organic traffic. To stay visible, it’s smart to balance strategies—mixing paid ads and organic posting with both pre-made and original content can help maintain reach and relevance. As always, experimentation is recommended. https://s21.q4cdn.com/399680738/files/doc_financials/2025/q2/META-Q2-2025-Earnings-Call-Transcript.pdf Scrubbing Your Social Media Can Sometimes Do More Harm Than Good Employers, governments and social media platforms themselves are increasingly relying on users' social media presence for things like identity verification, vetting and more. Deleting every old post or comment from your social media in an effort to present a perfectly clean profile may actually backfire. Experts caution that overly sanitized feeds can raise suspicion, look inauthentic, or hide personality traits that employers value—leading them to view candidates as overly cautious or even untrustworthy. For Mission Teams: Even though mission teams aren’t job hunting, their internet presence still matters—especially when applying for visas, residency, or launching digital outreach. Deleted or overly sanitized social media profiles can raise red flags, and platforms like Meta may even flag new accounts used for advertising as suspicious or bot-like. Building a genuine online presence that follows basic cybersecurity practices is recommended. If cleaning up accounts is necessary, it should be done carefully to preserve authenticity. For teams with no digital footprint, starting one is a smart move. https://www.forbes.com/sites/mariagraciasantillanalinares/2025/08/02/how-scrubbing-your-social-media-could-backfire-and-even-hurt-your-job-prospects/ UAE Now Requires Permit for Social Media Promotions The UAE has introduced a new rule requiring anyone—residents or visitors—who post promotional content on social media to obtain an official “Advertiser Permit.” This includes both paid and unpaid promotions across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. The law goes into effect October 2025. Residents can apply for a free three-year permit, while visitors must apply for a temporary three-month permit through an agency. Penalties for non-compliance can reach up to AED 1 million. For Missions Teams: The impact of these emerging laws on foreign companies—including missions teams overseeing digital engagement initiatives—remains uncertain. It will be important to observe how social media platforms adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape. As the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye implement new legislation targeting digital marketers and data controllers, organizations will likely need to reassess and modify their strategies to remain compliant and effective. https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/07/30/uae-social-media-advertiser-permit/ Stay Equipped for Digital Engagement At Kavanah Media, we’re committed to helping mission teams use digital tools to make God known around the world. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, practical insights, or in-depth strategy, we’ve got resources to help: 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 8-day devotional on YouVersion called "Living in Tension." Subscribe here Digital Strategies got you stumped? Reach out anytime—we’re ready to help. Contact Us 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: August 8, 2025