Weekly Training

In this episode, Jon will be sharing several key takeaways from Meta's Summit. Areas covered will include AI, Reels, and more. To watch this training, go here: https://youtu.be/kknVdlC92dc

Weekly Marketing Rundown - October 25th, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown we will discuss Canva's latest image generator, WhatsApp's new contact saving, changes to Google in Europe and more. Instagram Carousels: A Simple Way to Boost Your Reach According to Instagram’s Chief, posting carousel posts (multiple images in one post) can help improve your content’s reach. Carousel posts encourage more engagement because users can swipe through multiple pictures or videos, leading to longer interaction times. For mission teams, using carousels is a practical strategy to get more eyes on their message. Whether sharing stories, Bible verses, or event updates, carousels could lead to greater visibility and help teams connect with seekers more effectively. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/ig-chief-recommends-posting-carousels-to-improve-reach/730232 Canva's New Magic Media Tool Having trouble finding that perfect image for your next ad? Well, if you have Canva now you can just have Ai generate it! After acquiring Leonardo.ai, Canva has launched a new AI tool called 'Magic Media,' that lets you create pictures just by typing a description. You don’t need to be a designer—just type what you want, and Canva makes the image for you. This update makes creating graphics super easy. This tool is a great benefit for mission teams needing to design custom content. Several teams we serve have already begun to use the image generator and highly recommend it. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/22/24276662/canva-ai-update-new-text-to-image-generator-leonardo Changes to Google in Europe The Digital Markets Act (DMA) in Europe is changing how big companies like Google operate. It’s designed to prevent Google from dominating the search engine market by making sure other search engines have a fair chance. This could lead to big changes in how search results are presented and how people in Europe use search engines. Potentially, mission teams may need to adjust their digital content to be optimized for more than just Google. With more search engines gaining traction, it’s important to make sure your message reaches people across different platforms.  For more on this, click the link below:  https://searchengineland.com/digital-markets-act-reshaping-google-monopoly-europe-447540 WhatsApp Introduces Contact Saving and Teases Usernames WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that lets users save contacts directly within the app, making it easier to add new people without switching to your phone’s contact list. Additionally, WhatsApp is testing the use of usernames, which could replace the need for sharing phone numbers in certain situations. These updates are aimed at improving the user experience by streamlining the way contacts are added and secured. For teams, this change could simplify the process of connecting with new seekers through WhatsApp. Saving contacts without leaving the app means faster follow-up. The potential introduction of usernames could add an extra layer of privacy, reducing the need to share personal phone numbers, which is important for digital security when evangelizing in sensitive areas. For more on this, click the link below: https://: https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/22/whatsapp-introduces-contact-saving-directly-within-the-app-teases-usernames/ Why You Should Power Off Your Phone Weekly, Says NSA The NSA (National Security Agency) recommends turning off your phone at least once a week to help prevent security risks. Regularly powering off your device clears temporary data and can disrupt potential hacking attempts. This practice is an easy way to improve your phone’s security and protect your personal information from cyber threats. For mission teams, especially those working in sensitive regions, powering off phones regularly could be a crucial step in maintaining digital security. Adding this small habit to your team’s security practices can help ensure that their devices—and by extension, their contacts and communications—remain safe from digital threats. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.zdnet.com/article/why-you-should-power-off-your-phone-at-least-once-a-week-according-to-the-nsa/ 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 Authors: Jon Ralls, Cody Adams Article Published: Oct. 25th, 2024

In this episode, Jon will be sharing and talking through ways that technology can help once a seeker has become a believer and follower of Jesus. To watch this training, go here: https://youtu.be/mILYM4x8fXQ

Weekly Marketing Rundown - October 18th, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown we will discuss Gmail's hack, Reddit's new keyword targeting, AI vs. human created content and more. New Gmail Security Alert: 7-Day AI Hack Confirmed A new Gmail security threat has emerged, affecting billions of users. Hackers are using AI-driven attacks that remain undetected for up to seven days before Google’s systems flag the issue. This vulnerability allows attackers to access accounts, read emails, and potentially steal sensitive data. For teams, this highlights the need for stronger email security measures and vigilance in monitoring accounts. The evolving use of AI in hacking emphasizes the importance of using multifactor authentication and regularly updating passwords to protect against potential breaches. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2024/10/13/new-gmail-security-alert-for-billions-as-7-day-ai-hack-confirmed/   Reddit Rolls Out Keyword Targeting Improvements for Advertisers Reddit has introduced enhanced keyword targeting tools for advertisers, allowing more precise ad placements based on user searches and post content. These updates offer advertisers better control over where their ads appear and ensure they reach the right audience based on relevant discussions and keywords. While not as widespread in usage globally, in certain locations and contexts, Reddit may be a viable platform for digital engagement. Improvements like these will make it even easier for teams to target the right audiences effectively on Reddit. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/reddit-rolls-out-keyword-targeting-improvements-for-advertisers/729689   Engagement Rate Comparison: AI-Assisted vs. Human-Created Posts Buffer, a social media management platform, recently analyzed 1.2 million posts and found that content generated with AI achieved an average engagement rate 1.5% higher than that of posts created without AI. While Buffer’s integration of AI into its platform may influence these results, the increasing use of AI in content creation raises questions about the effectiveness of this “augmented” approach. Their findings suggest that AI tools not only enhance the efficiency of content creation but may also improve audience engagement. Here’s a breakdown of engagement rates across different platforms: • Facebook: 4.8% for non-AI posts vs. 6.13% for AI-assisted content • TikTok: 4.17% for non-AI posts vs. 6.14% for AI-assisted • Pinterest: 3.86% for non-AI posts vs. 4.35% for AI-assisted • X (Twitter): 2.8% for non-AI posts vs. 3.7% for AI-assisted • YouTube: 3.7% for non-AI posts vs. 3.9% for AI-assisted • LinkedIn: 6.22% for non-AI posts vs. 6.85% for AI-assisted  For more on this, click the link below:  https://buffer.com/resources/ai-assistant-post-performance/ WhatsApp Privacy Concerns: Should You Worry? WhatsApp, a popular messaging app, has been facing privacy issues. The problem is that, despite its encrypted messaging service, some experts are concerned about how much data WhatsApp collects and shares with its parent company, Meta (Facebook). This includes things like your phone number, location, and more. If WhatsApp is potentially sharing data, it could put missionaries and local partners at risk. It is important to consider other apps or tools that prioritize privacy better than WhatsApp does- especially with inter-team communications. Teams may need to revisit their digital communication strategies, considering alternative secure messaging apps. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.theregister.com/2024/10/16/whatsapp_privacy_concerns/ 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. 18th, 2024

In this episode, Jon will be sharing several ways to increase engagement without paying for ads. To watch this training, go here: https://youtu.be/GtKPrdVrcac

Kavanah Media empowers mission teams to spread the Gospel through digital engagement. Leveraging strategic partnerships, the organization provides cutting-edge tools, resources, and training to help missionaries navigate the digital space while ensuring their security. Kavanah Media supports over 100 global teams, bridging the gap between those unreached with the message of Christ and the billions of internet users worldwide. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, Kavanah Media aims to expand its reach and impact in even the most challenging regions.

Weekly Marketing Rundown - October 10th, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown we will discuss Meta's new AI tools, Tiktok's new search ads, Youtube Shorts and more. Meta Introduces AI-Edited Video Ads on Facebook and Instagram: Key Tools for Teams Meta has rolled out new AI-powered tools for video ads on Facebook and Instagram, making content creation more streamlined. These tools include automatic video trimming, scene selection, and format adjustments for different placements. Key features also include a video expansion tool, which resizes videos to fit various formats, an auto music tool that selects background music, and an image animation tool that brings static images to life with simple animations. Truth be told, Kavanah Media team members have seen these tools being quietly rolled out for some time. They have allowed for quicker creation of multiple ad variations, allowing images and videos to be shown in more ad placements. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/8/24265065/meta-ai-edited-video-ads-facebook-instagram Google Faces Declining Search Share Amid AI Competition and TikTok's New Ads: Implications for Teams Google's search share is slipping as AI-driven competitors and TikTok's new search ads challenge its dominance. While Google remains the leading search engine, these rising alternatives are attracting users with innovative features that enhance search experiences. For teams, this trend emphasizes the need to diversify digital strategies. As users turn to platforms like TikTok for search, teams should adapt their SEO and content strategies to maintain visibility across various channels.  For more on this, click the link below: https://www.yahoo.com/?err=404&err_url YouTube Expands Shorts Length and Adds Templates: What Teams Should Know In order to compete with TikTok, YouTube is increasing the maximum length of Shorts and adding new video templates. This move allows creators to produce longer short-form content while using templates to streamline video creation. For teams, these updates mean greater flexibility in crafting short videos to engage audiences. With longer content and easy-to-use templates, creating videos should be even easier.  For more on this, click the link below:  https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/3/24260170/youtube-shorts-increased-length-templates-tiktok WhatsApp's New Contact-Saving Feature: What Teams Should Know WhatsApp is testing a feature that lets users save contacts directly within the app without storing them on their phone. If adopted this could simplify contact management for teams and offer some privacy benefits. For teams the advantages include: 1. Privacy: Contacts can be stored within the app, reducing the need to save personal numbers on your phone. 2. Efficiency: Easier access and management of contacts within WhatsApp itself. 3. Clutter-Free: Keep work-related contacts separate from personal ones without filling up your phone directory. This update can streamline communication and improve privacy, especially for teams in sensitive environments. For more on this, click the link below: https://x.com/ahmedghanem/status/1842100577255195049 EU Court Backs Activist in Privacy Dispute with Meta: Key Takeaways for Teams The EU's top court has ruled that Meta must limit its use of personal data for targeted advertising. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) stated that platforms like Facebook cannot use all personal data without restrictions on time or type, meaning only a small portion of Meta's data pool will be permitted for advertising, even with user consent. Rulings like this are already affecting audience targeting. As data privacy laws tighten, advertisers will likely have less and less access for audience targeting. Teams may need to change their marketing strategies as a result. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.reuters.com/technology/eu-top-court-sides-with-activist-schrems-privacy-dispute-with-meta-2024-10-04/ 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. 10th, 2024

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