Weekly Training

In this episode, Jon will be sharing about an Omni-Channel Inbox and communication tool (ChatWoot) that he has been testing in both the self-hosted and cloud version. To watch this training, go here: https://youtu.be/3UC1zQMjCGo

In this episode, Jon will give a review of a social media management software, called Metricool. He will share the advantages and disadvantages so that you can decide if it fits your digital engagement strategy. To watch this training, go here: https://youtu.be/T_maLPtulN8

Weekly Marketing Rundown - October 4th, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown we will discuss Instagram's drop in engagement, 6 tips for social media hooks, Tiktok's new search ads and more. Instagram's Drop in Publisher Engagement and Ad Spend: What It Means for Teams Instagram is experiencing a noticeable decline in both publisher engagement and ad spend, signaling a shift in how effective the platform is for businesses and organizations. It seems the way users utilize Instagram is not lending itself to publishers' goals- forcing them to move to other platforms. A large user base on a platform doesn’t guarantee effective digital engagement. In our experimentation, even though Instagram is popular in some countries, Meta’s algorithm often prioritizes Facebook when ads run on both platforms and Facebook consistently delivers more cost-effective conversions for teams. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.emarketer.com/content/instagram-sees-drop-publisher-engagement--ad-spend 6 Psychological Techniques for Writing Better Social Media Hooks: A Guide for Teams Crafting effective social media hooks is key to grabbing attention online. This article highlights six techniques: 1. Curiosity Gap: Tease valuable info to spark curiosity. 2. Emotional Triggers: Use emotions to connect and engage. 3. Social Proof: Show engagement to encourage more. 4. FOMO: Create urgency to push immediate action. 5. Storytelling: Share relatable, memorable stories. 6. Call to Action: Directly guide users to engage. By using these techniques, teams employing digital strategies can boost their content’s visibility and impact.  For more on this, click the link below: https://buffer.com/resources/social-media-hooks TikTok Launches Search Ads in the US: What Teams Should Know TikTok has introduced search ads in the US, allowing advertisers to target users based on their search queries within the platform. This new ad feature opens up opportunities for reaching audiences through more specific intent-based targeting, similar to how Google Ads work. TikTok is gaining interest for digital strategies among missions teams, but some teams have faced ad account blocks for Christian content.  For more on this, click the link below:  https://searchengineland.com/tiktok-search-ads-campaign-launch-us-446927 WordPress and WP Engine Drama: What Teams Need to Know A recent conflict between WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg and WP Engine has raised concerns about the future of WordPress hosting. WP Engine, a major hosting provider for WordPress websites, has clashed with Mullenweg over the open-source philosophy behind WordPress, sparking debates about control and innovation within the ecosystem. For teams using WP Engine, WordPress, and other services to manage their websites, this drama highlights the importance of flexibility and adaptability regarding platforms and strategies. Systems are subject to change at any time. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.fastcompany.com/91192731/bluesky-could-become-brazils-next-big-social-media-platform-it-has-elon-musks-x-to-thank  Meta Fined $101.5M for 2019 Facebook Password Breach: Key Takeaways for Teams Meta has been fined $101.5 million for a 2019 data breach that exposed hundreds of millions of Facebook passwords. This fine reflects increasing scrutiny on how tech giants handle user data and security.  For teams managing sensitive information on social platforms, this breach highlights the importance of robust security measures. Breaches are commonplace in our world and every team should have security protocols in place. Password managers and physical security keys are also excellent tools teams can utilize to keep their systems secure. For more on this, click the link below: https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/27/meta-fined-101-5m-for-2019-breach-that-exposed-hundreds-of-millions-of-facebook-passwords/ Intentional - Kavanah Media's Newsletter Subscribe to Intentional, Kavanah’s monthly newsletter, and stay inspired by stories of lives transformed, ministry milestones, and the latest business updates on how we’re intentionally leveraging digital platforms to make God known across the globe. Join us on this journey of purposeful digital engagement and global impact! For more on this, click the link below: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/sign-up  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 Author: Cody Adams Article Published: Oct. 4th, 2024

In this episode, Jon will be sharing about software called "Comment Guard" that Kavanah is using to help moderate and curate the comments in their social media feeds and ads.  To watch this training, go here: https://youtu.be/wipMtka0Cos

Weekly Marketing Rundown - September 27th, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown we will discuss Telegram's data releases, Bluesky's growth in Brazil, LinkedIn's data scraping and more. Telegram's Data Release and the Privacy Concerns for Mission Teams Telegram's recently announced it release user data to authorities in response to users illegal activities. This has raised significant concerns regarding privacy of users. It is a good reminder that social media companies, including Facebook and Instagram, can release user data at their discretion, meaning nothing shared on these platforms is truly private. For teams serving in secure or high-risk fields, this lack of privacy could lead to serious safety issues if personal or organizational information is exposed. To mitigate these risks, it's advisable to use third-party messaging apps like Echo Global. These tools offer an additional layer of protection by creating a disconnect between user identities and public-facing pages. These platforms will allow mission teams to continue to engage with their audiences while reducing the risk of sensitive information being traced back to individuals, helping ensure security in the face of evolving data policies. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvglp0xny3eo FTC and Regulating Social Media Companies The FTC's recent report on data retention practices highlights growing concerns over how platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Reddit manage user data. These companies often hold onto tons of data for undisclosed amounts of time. Teams utilizing digital strategies may have noticed the changes in the tools we have access to. Ten years ago, Facebook's ads manager gave marketers access to a lot more data. Changes brought about by privacy laws have restricted what we can use and the data we can see - but that does not mean that Facebook does not collect that data. This is just the latest development in the fight between big data and regulation. It is a good reminder for teams that the tools we utilize are subject to change all the time. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/19/24249073/ftc-data-retention-privacy-report-facebook-meta-youtube-reddit LinkedIn's New AI Training- Opt Out of Data Scraping LinkedIn has introduced a new AI training model that uses member data to enhance platform features and functionality. This AI is designed to improve user experience, but all LinkedIn user accounts have been automatically opted in. One must opt out if they do not wish to have their account scraped.  For more on this, click the link below:  https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/18/24248471/linkedin-ai-training-user-accounts-data-opt-in Bluesky Gains Momentum in Brazil as X Faces Ban In the wake of a government-imposed ban on Elon Musk's platform X (formerly Twitter) in Brazil, the decentralized social media app Bluesky has seen a dramatic surge in popularity. Over 9 million new users have flocked to the platform, with more than 85% coming from Brazil alone. This growth highlights Bluesky's potential as a significant player in the global social media landscape, particularly as users seek alternatives to platforms embroiled in legal or political issues. For Christian mission teams, especially those working in regions where internet access or certain platforms may face restrictions, Bluesky represents an emerging platform. This shift underscores the importance of adaptability in digital outreach efforts. Bluesky’s decentralized nature makes it a potentially safer space for communication, reducing the risks posed by centralized censorship or data breaches. However, teams should still remain vigilant about cybersecurity practices, especially in environments where social media platforms are under scrutiny or regulation. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.fastcompany.com/91192731/bluesky-could-become-brazils-next-big-social-media-platform-it-has-elon-musks-x-to-thank  Ukraine's Ban on Telegram: A Warning for Christian Mission Teams Ukraine recently banned the use of the popular messaging app Telegram on government, military, and other official devices, citing security concerns linked to Russian surveillance capabilities. The Ukrainian government has long been concerned that Russian intelligence services can access users' messages, even deleted ones, and track their data through the app. While Ukrainians can still use Telegram on personal devices, officials are restricted due to the platform’s potential vulnerabilities, which have been exploited during the ongoing conflict. For Christian mission teams, especially those working in sensitive areas, this serves as a strong reminder to be cautious when using digital platforms. Messaging apps can be convenient for sharing information but may expose mission workers to unwanted surveillance, especially in regions where government or hostile entities might monitor communications. Implementing cybersecurity practices such as using encrypted messaging apps with strong reputations for privacy or avoiding digital communication in high-risk areas can protect both mission workers and the people they serve. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/ukraine-bans-official-use-telegram-app-over-fears-russian-spying-2024-09-20/ Intentional - Kavanah Media's Newsletter Subscribe to Intentional, Kavanah’s monthly newsletter, and stay inspired by stories of lives transformed, ministry milestones, and the latest business updates on how we’re intentionally leveraging digital platforms to make God known across the globe. Join us on this journey of purposeful digital engagement and global impact! For more on this, click the link below: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/sign-up  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 Author: Yari Soto and Cody Adams Article Published: September 27th, 2024

Weekly Marketing Rundown - September 20th, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown we will discuss Generative AI for Visual Storytelling, Google to Flag AI-generated images, Meta's Advice for Reels, our New Newsletter, and more. Let's dive in! Using Generative AI for Visual Storytelling in Digital Evangelism Generative AI tools are becoming more accessible, enabling users to create images and visuals quickly and efficiently. This technology is increasingly integrated into platforms like Adobe and Canva, offering Christian mission teams the ability to enhance their digital evangelism with eye-catching, relevant visuals. Visual content is critical for capturing attention and sparking engagement, particularly in a media-saturated world. For Christian teams focused on outreach, leveraging these AI-powered tools can help streamline the creative process, allowing for more dynamic, visually compelling content that speaks to the heart of their mission. By producing high-quality images that resonate with diverse audiences, mission teams can expand their digital reach and connect with seekers in new, impactful ways. For more on this, click the link below: https://searchengineland.com/generative-ai-create-images-visuals-446508  Google to Flag AI-Generated Images in Search to Combat Misinformation Google will introduce a new feature by the end of 2024 that flags AI-generated or AI-edited images in search results. This move aims to increase transparency and address the growing concern over misleading AI content, such as deepfakes, which have been on the rise. The feature will appear in Google Search, Google Lens, and other tools like Android’s "Circle to Search." By accessing the "About this image" tool, users will be able to see if an image was manipulated using AI. For Christian mission teams, especially those working in regions where misinformation could hinder their efforts, this development is crucial. By knowing whether images are AI-generated, teams can avoid the spread of false information and focus on sharing genuine and impactful content. However, the reliance on metadata, which can sometimes be removed, means that users still need to be cautious about the content they encounter​. Conversely, teams utilizing AI imagery in their content may have their images flagged and may be forced to adapt.  For more on this, click the link below: https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/google-will-begin-flagging-ai-generated-images-in-search-later-this-year/   Meta's Advice for Reels To improve engagement with your reels, consider Meta's Advice for Reels:  Capture attention instantly: Ensure the first three seconds of your video include something eye-catching or intriguing to immediately hook viewers. Try different types of sound: Experiment with music or voiceovers to enhance the emotional impact of your message. Feature a relatable person: Introduce someone who can represent your brand or message to foster connection and trust with your audience. For more on this, click the link below: https://fb.watch/uFPm77koGi/? and https://www.facebook.com/business/help/370852930116232?id=271710926837064  YouTube's 2024 Update: AI Innovations for Streamlined Content Creation in Global Missions Google’s Made on YouTube 2024 introduced nine new tools aimed at enhancing content creation and audience engagement. For Christian mission teams, the upgraded Community Hub and auto-dubbing features provide opportunities to connect globally, especially across language barriers. These tools could be useful for mission teams to build relationships with their audiences. Additionally, AI-powered tools like Veo’s video generation and Inspiration features allow content creators to produce compelling, contextual media, essential for amplifying evangelistic efforts in an increasingly digital world. For more on this, click the link below: https://blog.google/products/youtube/made-on-youtube-2024/   Intentional - Kavanah Media's Newsletter Subscribe to Intentional, Kavanah’s monthly newsletter, and stay inspired by stories of lives transformed, ministry milestones, and the latest business updates on how we’re intentionally leveraging digital platforms to make God known across the globe. Join us on this journey of purposeful digital engagement and global impact! For more on this, click the link below: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/sign-up  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 Author: Yari Soto and Cody Adams Article Published: September 20th, 2024

In this episode, Jon will be joined by Amanda (Director of Marketing at Kavanah Media), who will be sharing her insights from researching and looking in to the many changes that Meta has done recently to audiences, targeting, and more. To watch this training, go here: https://youtu.be/wVVrEfk4Jg4

In this episode, Jon will be sharing an encouraging word about how to view your work and ministry for the Lord. If you struggle with feeling like you don't compare or don't want to compete, then this teaching is meant for you. To watch this training, go here: https://youtu.be/zLo0LjTTr5g

Weekly Marketing Rundown - September 13th, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown we will discuss an update on Brazil vs. X, Threads, Meta's data scraping and changes to tracking, our new newsletter, and more. Let's dive in! Shifts in Brazil's Digital Landscape After X Ban With X (formerly Twitter) banned in Brazil due to its refusal to curb misinformation, millions of Brazilians are seeking alternative platforms like Bluesky and Meta’s Threads. This shift provides a unique opportunity for Christian mission teams to explore new digital spaces for outreach. Bluesky’s user base surged 50%, and Threads saw similar growth, making these platforms viable options for engaging with younger, mobile-savvy audiences. For mission teams looking to explore these platforms, testing is key. Additionally, there is always inherent risk in adopting a platform as new as BlueSky. Staying vigilant about cyber security is crucial, especially as misinformation and political tensions rise. Using secure accounts and vetted platforms is important in safeguarding ministry communications while spreading the Gospel to these newly concentrated audiences. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/bluesky-threads-rise-following-xs-brazil-ban/726383/ Meta Threads Ads: A Possible New Avenue for Digital Evangelism?  Meta is preparing to roll out ads on Threads, offering a new platform to users to engage wider audiences through digital campaigns. For mission teams, leveraging in-feed ads on Threads could provide the opportunity to enhance outreach during key ministry moments, such as holidays or community events. In addition, with 85 million active users, Threads could represent another platform option for ministries to share the gospel. As Meta integrates these ads into its Advantage+ alongside Facebook and Instagram, teams can explore in-feed placements for engaging with new audiences and potential followers. However, as new tools roll out, ensuring secure management of digital accounts is vital. Cybersecurity measures should be in place to protect both ministry resources and sensitive communications. For more on this, click the link below: https://searchengineland.com/meta-threads-ads-this-year-439739 Meta's AI Scraping Raises Privacy Concerns for Australian Users Meta is using public posts from Facebook and Instagram to train its AI models, allowing European users to opt out due to GDPR regulations. However, Australian users currently do not have this option. Australian senators raised concerns, questioning why Australians are excluded from this privacy protection. For mission teams using social media for outreach, this raises critical concerns about privacy and data security. Ensuring proper account settings and understanding public post exposure is vital for maintaining secure and respectful ministry efforts online. With Meta's AI scraping Australian users’ public posts, mission teams must be mindful of the privacy risks this poses. Photos, videos, and text content could be used without explicit consent, potentially compromising sensitive ministry work. Teams should regularly review their social media privacy settings and remain vigilant in their digital engagement to protect both team members and outreach efforts from unintended data exposure. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/sep/11/meta-ai-post-scraping-security-opt-out-privacy-laws New EU Regulations and WhatsApp's Privacy Changes: What Christian Mission Teams Need to Know Meta highlights significant changes to WhatsApp's privacy and security policies in response to new EU regulations. These updates, mandated by the Digital Markets Act (DMA), require WhatsApp to open its platform to third-party chat apps, which could potentially impact the privacy and security of communications. For mission teams who often rely on secure messaging to coordinate sensitive outreach activities, understanding these changes is crucial. The integration of third-party apps could expose vulnerabilities if proper safeguards are not in place, affecting both the confidentiality of their communications and their operational security. It is important to highlight strong cybersecurity practices amidst these regulatory shifts. Christian mission teams which may not have extensive technical resources, should prioritize staying informed about these changes and consider adopting additional security measures to protect their digital communications. By doing so they can better safeguard their mission-critical interactions and ensure that their outreach efforts remain secure and effective despite the evolving digital landscape. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/6/24237753/whatsapp-messenger-third-party-chat-eu-dma Meta’s New Data Limits: What Christian Teams Need to Know Meta is making big changes to how businesses can access user data through its tools, reducing the amount of information available for targeting and tracking. This move is aimed at complying with global privacy laws and could affect how Christian mission teams use platforms like Facebook to reach people with their messages. These changes will impact custom audience targeting. However, many teams worldwide are finding success with engagement ads that drive people to Messenger, even without advanced targeting or custom audiences, using only regional and age-based targeting. If this approach is adopted, the impact of these changes could be minimal. For more on this, click the link below: https://searchengineland.com/meta-restrict-data-business-tools-446439 Intentional- Kavanah Media's Newsletter Subscribe to "Intentional", Kavanah's monthly company newsletter, where we will share stories, celebrations, and business updates on how we are pursuing intentionality with digital engagement around the world to make God known. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/sign-up 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 Author: Yari Soto and Cody Adams Article Published: September 13th, 2024

Weekly Marketing Rundown - September 5th, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown we will discuss Facebook and the Engagement among Younger Generations, AI Beginner's Guide, and Brazil’s Ban on Musk’s X Platform. Let's dive in! Facebook's Push to Engage Younger Generations in the Digital Space Despite perceptions that Facebook is less popular among younger users in the West, the platform continues to make strides in engaging this demographic through tailored features like Groups, job boards, and mental wellness resources. This ongoing investment continues to mean Facebook is a relevant and viable tool for mission teams focused on digital evangelism - even with younger generations in the Western World.   For more on this, click the link below: https://about.fb.com/news/2024/09/navigating-your-20s-with-facebook/ AI Beginner's Guide As AI becomes increasingly crucial in digital marketing, it holds immense potential for mission teams utilizing digital strategies. Yet, understanding and implementing AI can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Search Engine Land offers a clear beginner’s guide to AI usage in marketing, helping teams tap into this powerful technology for more personalized outreach and greater efficiency. For those just getting started, this guide is a valuable resource to demystify AI and put it to practical use.   For more on this, click the link below: https://searchengineland.com/ai-marketing-beginners-guide-446116 Brazil’s Ban on Musk’s X Platform: A Digital Censorship Battle That Impacts Global Missions Brazil’s ban on Elon Musk’s X platform (formerly Twitter) has sparked controversy as conservative groups challenge the decision in court. The platform was blocked after it failed to remove disinformation and hate speech. The legal battle highlights the risks of censorship and the importance of using trusted, compliant platforms for sensitive communication in regions with strict cyber laws. For mission teams, the ban underscores the need for robust digital security strategies. Depending on platforms like X for outreach could lead to sudden disruptions, especially in politically tense regions. Teams should consider alternative, reliable platforms and secure methods for digital engagement, ensuring their communications and missions are not hindered by unforeseen legal or governmental actions.   For more on this, click the link below: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/conservative-challenge-brazils-ban-musks-x-may-escalate-feud-2024-09-05/ 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 Author: Yari Soto and Cody Adams Article Published: September 5th, 2024

In this episode, Jon will be sharing about a great app that can help you in your Discovery Bible Studies AND even with training other leaders.  To watch this training, go here: https://youtu.be/fa1_eVfKpMI

After installing and testing multiple password programs, Jon will be sharing about two different ones that he recommends due to open-source, cost, security, and more.  To watch this training, go here: https://youtu.be/ahvHXVeFEtc