Weekly Marketing Rundown - November 28, 2025

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

Weekly Marketing Rundown - March 21, 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 changes to Meta, new country-specific fees for marketing, MFA, data laws, and more. Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM Updates to Meta Meta is now adding extra fees for ads shown to people in certain countries to cover local digital taxes. It is also testing a new feature that lets you describe your audience in simple terms, with AI automatically suggesting the best interests and behaviors to target. For Mission Teams These new location fees mean your advertising budget might not go as far in specific regions, so you must plan for these extra costs in your digital strategy. The update to interest and detailed targeting is capturing the attention of marketers worldwide. For some time, Meta has limited marketers’ ability to use detailed targeting, instead relying on its algorithm. Teams are encouraged to test this new feature, although it is likely to serve only as a “suggestion,” similar to the previous iteration. Meta Location Fees by Country The following fees are added to your bill based on where your ads are delivered: Austria: 5% Türkiye: 5% France: 3% Italy: 3% Spain: 3% United Kingdom: 2% https://www.jonloomer.com/meta-location-fees/ Signal App Face Blur for Secure Photos Signal includes a built-in image editor that can automatically detect and blur faces in photos before you send them or save them to your device. This feature uses local on-device processing to ensure that unedited versions of your photos are never sent to a server or seen by anyone else. For Mission Teams This tool is vital for protecting the identity of seekers and local believers in sensitive regions where digital surveillance is a high risk. Teams can leverage this tool, but it is recommended to always manually check the image before sending. https://signal.org/blog/blur-tools/ Data Privacy and Digital Missions Compliance Data privacy laws, such as the GDPR in the European Union, the LPDP in North Macedonia, and U.S. data laws, regulate the handling of personal information. These laws are designed to protect individuals’ data and include stipulations regarding data breach handling, required data security measures, data sovereignty, consent, and more. While the specifics of these regulations can vary significantly by region and impact marketers and mission teams differently, one constant remains: marketers are responsible for ensuring that their data governance, marketing practices, and platforms comply with these laws. For Mission Teams Mission teams, agencies, and local churches using digital strategies are also likely to have exposure to these laws. In some jurisdictions, the costs of non-compliance are enough to bankrupt many mission agencies. Teams should review how local data privacy laws may affect their digital engagement projects and take steps to ensure compliance and mitigate risk. Check the link below to read more about Europe's GDPR laws: https://gdpr-info.eu/ If you want assistance navigating this topic, the Kavanah Media team is here to help. Please reach out here. Has Your Team Enable MFA? Multi-Factor Authentication, or MFA, acts like a second lock for your digital accounts to keep them safe. It requires a code from your phone, an app, a message, or a USB security key after you enter your password to verify that it is really you. For Mission Teams Using MFA is critical because it prevents attackers from taking over your social media ads or accessing sensitive conversations with seekers, even if they steal your password. Without this extra layer, a single hacked account could lead to financial loss, the deletion of years of ministry work, or the exposure of vulnerable contacts in high-risk regions. Priority Platforms to Secure To ensure your team is fully protected, please verify that MFA is enabled on the following platforms: Social Media: Facebook Business Suite, Instagram, X, and YouTube. Ministry Tools: Echo Global and Disciple.Tools instances. Core Systems: Organization email and website administrative logins. Financials: Any accounts linked to ad spend or donation processing. We Are Here to Help The Kavnaah Media team is committed to the safety and success of your digital outreach. If you need assistance setting up MFA or auditing your team's security settings, we are happy to help you walk through the process. Please reach out here.  Meta Buys MoltBook Meta has officially acquired Moltbook, a unique social media platform designed entirely for artificial intelligence agents to interact without human interference. On this site, thousands of bots created by developers, engaged in "synthetic social theater," where they debated topics, shared digital art, and even formed automated communities to see how AI evolves in a social ecosystem. For Mission Teams AI continues to develop rapidly and is being actively promoted by major digital platforms. Meta's recent acquisition is just another step in this progression. Changes are inevitable, and teams utilizing digital engagement strategies must be ready to learn, adapt their approaches, and prepare for the new risks that AI may introduce. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/news-meta-acquires-moltbook-bot-only-social-network/ Google Ads Expands In-Platform Creative Assets Google Ads is introducing a major update that allows advertisers to access "rich media" assets like photos, videos, and 3D models directly within the platform. Additionally, automatic YouTube channel linking and AI-generated voice-overs for video ads, similar to Creative Enhancements on Meta, are also being rolled out. For Mission Teams These automated tools allow your team to create professional-looking ads more easily. However, as with all AI tools, teams should carefully review these assets to ensure the message remains culturally sensitive and theologically accurate for the seekers they are trying to reach. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/google-ads-news-week-11-adriaan-dekker-oltle/ Echo Global CRM and TikTok Integration Echo Global has launched a new TikTok integration that allows teams to manage video comments directly within the Echo platform. Once connected, your team can read, reply to, and track interactions from the “Social Media” area, including the ability to manually import older videos by URL. It is important to note that the TikTok integration currently supports only comment management. It does not support full inbox management. Teams wanting to leverage TikTok for engagement campaigns will still need to handle messages on the TikTok platform itself. For Mission Teams Many teams have reported high engagement via TikTok. This new integration could make it easier for teams to integrate TikTok into their larger digital strategy systems. https://www.echoglobal.org/help-center (search TikTok) Instagram Ends Encrypted Messaging Feature Meta has announced it will discontinue the option for end-to-end encrypted direct messages on Instagram starting May 8. The company stated that very few users utilized this specific security feature and is encouraging those who need high privacy to move their conversations to WhatsApp instead. For Mission Teams This change significantly reduces the security of your communication with seekers on Instagram, as your messages will no longer be hidden from the platform or potential surveillance. Additionally, using Instagram for sensitive or internal communications is not recommended. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/meta-ends-end-to-end-encryption-on-instagram/814765/ 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: March 21, 2026