Weekly Marketing Rundown - April 3 , 2026

Weekly Marketing Rundown - August 7, 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 several Signal updates, Instagram user demographics, changes to ChatGPT ads, concerns over new fake WIFI network attacks, and more. Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM New ChatGPT Ad Features For Custom Audiences And AI Generation OpenAI is testing new features for ChatGPT Ads that let advertisers target specific people using email lists and also an artificial intelligence tool that can automatically write ad content based on a website. For Mission Teams As ChatGPT continues to develop it's advertising platform and it's capabilities, marketing on the platform is becoming even easier. Teams are encouraged to experiment with the platform, but more long term data on its effectiveness in digital engagement is still forthcoming. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/google-ads-news-july-recap-adriaan-dekker-qwf1e/ Signal Adds Automatic Security Warnings for External Links Signal is rolling out automatic safety checks when users click web links inside private chats. The app displays a warning screen if a link leads to a known dangerous or fraudulent site. For Mission Teams This feature adds an extra layer of protection for all Signal users by requiring one additional step before potentially malicious links can be opened. https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/signal-adds-security-warnings-for-social-engineering-phishing-attacks/ YouTube Shorts Launches Interactive Poll Stickers for Ads YouTube now allows content creators and advertisers to add clickable polling stickers directly to Shorts videos. Viewers can vote on options without leaving the video player or stopping their viewing session. For Mission Teams Interactive polls could provide a simple way to engage ad viewers by asking spiritual questions or offering encouragement. Teams are encouraged to test the feature before a full rollout. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/youtube-adds-poll-stickers-shorts-ad-category-blocking-channels/730826/ New WhatsApp Group Chat Features WhatsApp is adding new tools to make talking in groups much easier. Users can now tag everyone at once, change poll settings, and quickly create side chats from a big group. For Mission Teams These updates allow teams using WhatsApp Groups more capability when managing group chats. https://about.fb.com/news/2026/08/were-upgrading-your-whatsapp-group-chats/ Starting Campaigns With Fewer Ads According to Jon Loomer, launching a new campaign with a large number of ads often reduces quality and wastes time. It is generally better to start with a small number of high-quality ads, identify what performs best, and then scale from there. For Mission Teams In both marketing and digital engagement, simplicity is often the best strategy. It is generally better to start small and grow than to build an overly complex campaign from the outset. More often than not, launching a simple ad and allowing the data to guide future strategy adjustments is more effective than adding unnecessary complexity. https://www.jonloomer.com/qvt/start-with-fewer-ads/ Fake Updates on Hotel Wi-Fi Install Spyware Hackers are breaking into hotel Wi-Fi networks to trick guests into downloading fake software updates. If users click on the fake updates, the hackers install a program that can steal passwords and take pictures from their webcams. For Mission Teams Missionaries traveling and using hotel Wi-Fi should avoid connecting to untrusted Wi-Fi networks, avoid public Wi-Fi whenever possible, and consider using a VPN. Workers should also be cautious about clicking pop-ups or software update prompts while connected to public networks to help protect their digital security and communications. https://thehackernews.com/2026/08/hijacked-hotel-wi-fi-pushes-fake.html Signal Expands Multi-Device Support to Secondary iPhones Signal now allows iPhone users to link a second iPhone to their existing account using end-to-end encryption. Users can choose to sync their full chat history and 45 days of saved media across both mobile devices. For Mission Teams This update makes it easier for mission teams to separate personal phone numbers from secure ministry accounts across multiple devices. Field workers can manage sensitive seeker messages on a backup test phone without losing access to encrypted conversation histories. https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/04/signals-latest-ios-update-expands-multi-device-feature-for-iphone-users/ Platforms Crack Down on Low-Quality AI Content Major social media platforms are tightening their rules to limit low-effort, AI-generated content across their services. Companies such as YouTube, TikTok, Snap, and Meta are introducing mandatory labels, watermarks, and reduced distribution to help curb spammy content. For Mission Teams Relying on fully automated AI tools to quickly produce large volumes of gospel content could eventually reduce your account's overall reach. Teams should prioritize authentic, human-led messaging and content to help ensure their digital outreach efforts are not penalized or flagged as low-quality spam. https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-slop-substack-youtube-tiktok-pinterest-facebook-instagram-threads-2026-7 Meta Ads Introduces Stablecoin Payment Options Meta now allows businesses to pay for ad campaigns using stablecoins, digital currencies designed to maintain a consistent value, such as USDC. A third-party payment provider converts the digital funds into local currency before crediting the advertising account. For Mission Teams This payment option provides field teams in financially restricted countries a flexible way to fund gospel ad campaigns without relying on local banks. However, teams must use secure digital wallets to protect financial assets and maintain operational privacy. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/meta-ads-introduces-stablecoin-payment-options/827034/ X Blocks Account Access in Saudi Arabia Following Government Demands X has started blocking dozens of user accounts inside Saudi Arabia after receiving official legal demands from the local government. The platform stated these restrictions were necessary to comply with local laws regarding public order and religion. For Mission Teams This censorship highlights how quickly governments can force tech platforms to restrict accounts operating in sensitive regions. Mission teams must establish secondary communication channels so connections with local seekers are not lost if primary social media pages are suddenly blocked. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/04/x-twitter-blocks-dissident-accounts-saudi-arabia Myspace Owners Plan Relaunch of Social Platform The owners of Myspace announced plans to bring back the once-popular social media network. While no official launch date was given, they hope to revive the classic platform for old and new users. For Mission Teams While a Myspace comeback is driven by nostalgia, mission teams should monitor if it creates new digital communities for online outreach. However, teams should keep primary digital evangelism resources focused on established platforms where seekers currently gather. https://mashable.com/life/myspace-comeback-owners-relaunch-plans Google AI Max Will be Standard In September Google is updating its Dynamic Search Ads to an artificial intelligence system called AI Max. This tool automatically creates ad headlines and connects people’s search questions directly to the best page on a website. For Mission Teams This upgrade helps match seekers with gospel resources. However, teams must carefully monitor these automated systems for relevancy and performance. https://blog.google/products/ads-commerce/dsa-upgrade-to-ai-max-2026/ 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: 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