Weekly Training

Weekly Marketing Rundown - April 3 , 2026

Weekly Marketing Rundown - March 27 , 2026

Weekly Marketing Rundown - March 27, 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 Jon Ralls' new book, security concerns related to e-sims and LLMs, TikTok Ads, and more. Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM The Reluctant Whisper by Jon Ralls This book by Jon Ralls, founder of Kavanah Media, explores the tension between holding the best news in the world and feeling hesitant to share it. It highlights how the Kingdom of God often advances through quiet, faithful presence rather than through scripted strategies or large spectacles. For Mission Teams For mission teams using digital engagement strategies, it can be easy to lose sight of the importance of presence. The Reluctant Whisper offers a helpful reminder that meaningful impact is not always driven by scale or efficiency, but by consistent, faithful engagement. If you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription, the book is currently available for free—worth adding to your reading list. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSKYSF97?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_T66FJ0DB70KT2HWNRQRF Choosing a Secure eSIM for International Travel Original article by Corey Keating of Ericius Security (https://www.ericiussecurity.org/) Many modern smartphones use digital eSIMs instead of physical SIM cards to provide connectivity across different countries. However, not all eSIM providers handle data securely. Some low-cost providers may route internet traffic through high-risk jurisdictions, which can increase the likelihood of data monitoring or interception. For Mission Teams For mission teams operating internationally, using untrusted eSIM resellers can expose sensitive information—such as location data and communications—to potential surveillance. This is especially important when coordinating outreach efforts or managing digital campaigns. To reduce risk, teams should choose trusted eSIM providers, such as major network operators like AT&T and Vodafone, or reputable global providers like Ubigi and Saily. These providers are more likely to follow established data protection practices and route traffic through secure networks. Check out the full article here to see Ericius' full write up and list of recommendations here: Choosing a Secure eSIM for International Travel by Ericius Security Federal Security Ban on Tech Brands The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned equipment from several Chinese technology companies, including Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision, and Dahua Technology. These products are no longer authorized for certification or sale in the United States due to national security concerns. For Mission Teams Mission teams should review their existing hardware to ensure none of these restricted brands are in use. Equipment from these vendors—such as cameras or communication devices—may introduce elevated security risks, including potential data exposure or unauthorized access. In sensitive or high-surveillance regions, even indirect use of affiliated technologies or supply chains may increase vulnerability. Teams are encouraged to prioritize trusted vendors and regularly assess their technology stack for potential risks. Note on TP-Link While TP-Link has not been formally included in the FCC ban, it has faced separate scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and cybersecurity researchers regarding potential firmware vulnerabilities and its corporate structure. Teams should stay informed and evaluate such risks in the context of their operational environment. https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-420034A1.pdf or https://www.instagram.com/reels/DWQ3SwKCTLN/ (need an Instagram Account) Anonymity Online is a Myth Researchers have discovered that large language models can be used to identify anonymous people by analyzing their writing styles and public data. This automated process allows computers to link different online accounts to a single person with high accuracy across various social media platforms. For Mission Teams This technology poses a significant risk to digital missionaries and seekers who rely on anonymity to stay safe in restricted areas. Teams must be aware that their digital footprint can be easily connected, meaning they should use different writing styles and strict security protocols to prevent their real identities from being exposed. https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.16800v2 AI Risks, Ad Account Suspensions, and Other Updates Meta is increasingly relying on automated AI systems to detect and disable ad accounts that exhibit suspicious activity or policy violations. In many cases, these suspensions appear to be related to accounts that have integrated third-party AI agents such as Claude or ChatGPT. High volumes of automated API calls or unusual interaction patterns may trigger Meta’s enforcement systems. At the same time, Meta continues to expand its own AI ecosystem. Recent updates include deeper integration of its Manus AI agent for ad analysis and creative recommendations, the Meta AI Business Assistant for account support, and new AI-driven creative enhancements that allow users to ask an AI agent questions about a business directly within the ad experience. For Mission Teams For teams running ads to reach seekers, integrating third-party AI tools directly with ad accounts carries increased risk. It is recommended to prioritize Meta’s native AI tools before experimenting with external solutions. As always, teams should carefully test and review AI-generated outputs before full adoption to ensure accuracy, appropriateness, and alignment with ministry goals. https://www.jonloomer.com/ai-related-ad-account-shutdowns/ Google Ads Policy Simplification Google is removing several legacy ad format requirements to make way for more automated, AI-driven campaigns—similar to Meta’s Advantage+ creative approach. This update reduces older constraints on text and image ads, shifting toward more unified standards designed for modern campaign types. Additionally, some advertisers can now request support responses through WhatsApp, providing an alternative channel for communicating with Google Ads support teams. For Mission Teams Mission teams using Google Ads in their digital engagement strategies should be prepared to adapt to more AI-driven creative systems. As automation increases, it becomes especially important to review ad outputs carefully to ensure messaging remains accurate and contextually appropriate. The availability of support via WhatsApp may also streamline communication with Google Ads specialists, particularly for teams operating internationally. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/google-ads-news-week-12-adriaan-dekker-kbaee/ TikTok Creative Cycle Strategies TikTok ads tend to lose effectiveness quickly, requiring creators to regularly refresh content to maintain engagement. To keep pace, brands should approach content creation like a supply chain—developing modular ads with varied hooks, formats, and calls to action. For Mission Teams This rapid turnover means teams should prioritize simple, high-volume content over highly polished, resource-intensive videos to effectively reach seekers. The pace of content decay is simply too fast for most teams to sustain high-quality production without dedicated media support. https://searchengineland.com/tiktok-ad-creative-short-shelf-life-472363 OpenAI Shuts Down Sora Video Platform OpenAI is closing its Sora video application and ending its major partnership with Disney. The company is refocusing its efforts away from creative video tools toward productivity, coding, and building a unified “superapp.” For Mission Teams Teams that were using Sora for creative video work will need to pivot, as the platform is no longer a reliable solution for high-end video generation. Instead, teams should explore more stable AI and creative productivity tools. Platforms such as Canva, Adobe, and Google's Nano Banana may provide effective alternatives. https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/899850/openai-sora-ai-chatgpt WhatsApp Testing Auto-Translation for iPhone WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows iPhone users to instantly translate incoming messages within their chats. This tool uses Apple’s on-device technology to translate text into 21 different languages while keeping the conversation encrypted and private. For Mission Teams This update could be a game-changer for digital missionaries who communicate with seekers across language barriers in real time. As with all other AI tools, translations should be verified for accuracy before sending. https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/20/whatsapp-for-iphone-may-soon-offer-automatic-message-translation-across-21-languages/ Lawmakers Target VPNs to Enforce Age Checks As online age verification laws become more common, government officials are exploring ways to prevent people from using VPNs to bypass these restrictions. Some proposals include blocking or strictly limiting VPN access to ensure compliance with digital regulations. For Mission Teams With modern internet encryption protocols, VPNs are generally less critical than in the past. However, if VPN use is restricted or banned, digital missionaries could lose a key tool for maintaining anonymity and accessing blocked platforms in high-risk regions. This shift may make it easier for authorities to monitor team movements, platform usage, and access to certain online tools. https://www.theverge.com/column/898122/online-age-verification-vpns 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 27, 2026

Weekly Marketing Rundown - March 21, 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

Weekly Marketing Rundown - March 13, 2026

Weekly Marketing Rundown - March 6, 2026

Weekly Marketing Rundown - March 6, 2026 Welcome to this week’s edition of Kavanah Media’s Weekly Marketing Rundown! We’re diving into the latest updates you need to know including virality on Youtube, FAQs for SEO/ AEO, passkeys for Google ads and more! Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM YouTube Virality Strategies In an analysis of over 62 billion YouTube views, YouTube strategist Richard identified several key insights: 1) Virality Is Emotional Before It Is Informational The study found that clicks are driven primarily by emotion—not by usefulness or information. 2) High-Performing Emotions Among all emotional drivers, the top performers are anger, humor, and controversy. 3) Emotional Drivers Ranked by Performance When broken down further, emotional performance ranks as follows: Joy / Humor Controversy Anger Fear Nostalgia Curiosity Relatability Sadness Desire For Mission Teams While avoiding harmful anger, using gentle controversy can help your team address the big life questions seekers are already asking. However, campaigns built around felt needs (joy, community, etc.) have consistently performed well across a variety of global contexts. While apologetic or informational-type content may be useful in some settings, the data shows that appealing to emotion is a powerful strategy. https://x.com/richard_yts/status/2024937612813701486?utm_source=tldrmarketing Using FAQs to Influence Search Results Chris Long shares how using Frequently Asked Questions on a website can help control what people see in search results. By adding specific questions and answers, a site can show up more often when people search for those exact topics. For Mission Teams This strategy helps mission teams ensure that seekers find biblically accurate answers when searching for spiritual questions online. It also helps teams manage their digital reputation and improve the safety of their online spaces by directing users to trusted content. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/chris-long-marketing_seos-this-is-a-brilliant-use-of-faqs-influencing-activity-7432854487377092608-s8tD/ Better Images and Faster Results with Nano Banana 2 Google released a new tool called Nano Banana 2 that makes high-quality pictures very quickly. It can follow difficult instructions and even put correct words inside the images without making mistakes. For Mission Teams This tool enables teams to create professional gospel media and social media ads more quickly and at a lower cost. Its built-in watermarking helps keep digital content secure and verifiable while ensuring that ads for seekers appear authentic and clear. https://gemini.google/overview/image-generation/ Google Ads Security With Passkeys Google Ads now allows users to sign in using passkeys instead of traditional passwords. This new method makes it much harder for hackers to steal account information or trick people into giving away their logins. For Mission Teams Using passkeys protects mission accounts from being hacked while running sensitive evangelism ads in restricted areas. This security update ensures that only authorized team members can modify account settings or access seeker data. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/google-ads-news-week-9-adriaan-dekker-mqwee/ The Shifting Landscape of Search Engines, AI and Social Media Searches New data shows that Gen Z's preference for TikTok is dropping as they return to Google and adopt AI platforms like ChatGPT. A large number of users are now choosing these advanced AI tools to find specific answers instead of scrolling through social media. For Mission Teams While this survey took place in the US, it is likely that this trend will continue globally. Mission teams would benefit from platform diversity and adjusting strategies to including both social media and SEO/ AEO (Search Engine Optimization/ Answer Engine Optimization) optimized websites. Strategic adaptation to these changing digital habits is essential for maintaining secure and reliable connections with those searching for spiritual guidance. https://www.searchenginejournal.com/gen-z-preference-for-tiktok-over-google-drops-50-data-shows/568267/ Google Discover Increases Social Media Content Google is now showing more posts from social media apps like TikTok and Instagram in its main news feed. This change happened because many people enjoy reading short and personal stories written by real people. For Mission Teams This update increases the likelihood that social media posts created by mission teams will reach seekers through Google search results. Teams should focus on creating authentic content to improve visibility and reach more people with the gospel. https://www.seroundtable.com/google-discover-feed-social-media-posts-41011.html Facebook Web Outage Interrupts Service Facebook recently experienced a technical problem that prevented the website from working for about three hours. While the mobile apps mostly continued functioning, people trying to use Facebook through web browsers could not access the platform. For Mission Teams Teams leveraging Meta in their digital engagement strategies likely saw a dip in performance. This outage reminds teams that relying on a single platform can suddenly halt communication with seekers and disrupt advertising campaigns. Teams should use multiple digital tools to ensure their outreach efforts remain active, even when one platform goes down. https://www.theregister.com/2026/03/03/facebook_outage/ Social Media and AI Growth in 2025 According to the State of Mobile 2026 Study, social media apps saw a massive increase in the amount of time people spent using them globally last year. At the same time, usage of artificial intelligence assistants grew faster than almost any other type of app. For Mission Teams High social media usage provides a significant opportunity for digital evangelism, allowing teams to reach seekers where they spend their time. The rapid growth of AI usage suggests that teams should integrate AI tools to safely manage large volumes of spiritual conversations and automate initial engagement. https://content-naf.emarketer.com/genai-was-2025-s-fastest-rising-app-category--social-media-still-lapped-field Foundations of Digital Engagement Strategy Course May 13-16, 2026 (Pre-EMDC Training) Chiang Mai, Thailand This course is for you. Digital permeates virtually every aspect of people's lives and it should be present in every stage of your mission and ministry strategy. Join Kavanah Media staff during the Pre-EMDC training week for a time of practical training in digital engagement. This course is designed for you to examine your end to end strategy and find ways that digital components can be added or improved whether you are just ready to begin or an experienced practitioner. Follow the link or contact us for more details. https://emdcon.org/ Stay Equipped for Digital Engagement Looking for ways to use digital tools to grow evangelism and disciple-making? Check out our other resources: Kavanah Media Blog – Learn from our experiences serving hundreds of mission teams worldwide. We share practical lessons, real stories, and best practices to help your team avoid mistakes and grow in digital outreach. Subscribe here. YouVersion Reading Plan– Jon Ralls, CEO of Kavanah Media, just launched a powerful 4-day devotional on YouVersion called "Love Where You Are." Subscribe here Ad Resource Store- Stumped on what ads to run next? Check out Kavanah Media's Ad Resource Store for ideas, templates and more! Digital Strategies got you stumped? Reach out anytime—we’re ready to help. Contact Us Church GAP Analysis Tool- Uncover hidden risks before they become problems. Use our Free GAP Analysis Tool to evaluate your church or non-profit’s cybersecurity, compliance, and governance today. Thanks for reading this edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown! For more up-to-date insights in digital marketing, make sure to follow us on Instagram @kavanah_media and stay connected through all our social media channels via the link below. https://linktr.ee/kavanah_media Authors: Cody A. and Cherry Messimer Article Published: February 27, 2026

Weekly Marketing Rundown - February 27, 2026

Weekly Marketing Rundown - February 27, 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 Meta's latest AI ad assistant, Apple's push into video podcasts, newly discovered security flaws in password managers and more. Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM Using Biometric Locks to Secure WhatsApp Messages WhatsApp offers an App Lock feature that requires a face scan or fingerprint to open the application. You can find this security setting by going to Privacy under the Settings menu. For Mission Teams This physical security layer could be useful for protecting the identities and conversations of seekers in high-risk areas. Even if a phone is confiscated or borrowed, your evangelism data remains safe behind biometric encryption. https://www.whatsapp.com/ Choosing Between Original Audiences and Value Rules Meta used to rely mostly on Original Audiences, where you manually picked every detail about who saw your ads, including age, gender, and detailed targeting. Now, the system prefers using Advantage+ targeting to automatically find audiences—taking away most advertiser control. Members of the Kavanah Team have seen lower costs and strong performance with Meta’s Advantage+ tools, but there are times when some control is necessary. Thankfully, Value Rules allow for some semblance of control. For Mission Teams Teams can leverage Value Rules similarly to how Original Audience controls work. For example, a team running Meta ads in the Middle East may want to target by gender—showing ads only to women. Instead of using Original Audience controls and risking potential performance limitations and cost increases, teams could enable a Value Rule where the bid for men is reduced by 90%. Value Rules can be built at the ad set level or within Advertising Settings in Meta Ads Manager. https://www.jonloomer.com/restrict-audience-meta-advertising/ 1.2 Million Accounts Exposed in French Bank Data Breach A major security breach recently exposed the personal information of over one million people linked to a French banking registry. Hackers gained access to sensitive details, including names and contact information, putting many individuals at risk of targeted scams. For Mission Teams This is a good reminder for teams that strong cybersecurity habits are a must. If breaches like this can happen to major civil and banking institutions, they can happen to mission teams operating in sensitive locations. Teams should manage users and permissions, utilize password managers and MFA, and consider options for endpoint protection, such as Microsoft Defender. https://www.esecurityplanet.com/threats/1-2-million-accounts-exposed-in-french-bank-registry-breach/ Manus AI and Meta - Revisited As mentioned last week, Meta has started featuring Manus AI within the Ads Manager Tools menu to help users with research and automation tasks. While it currently redirects users to a separate paid interface, this signals a future in which AI agents manage complex advertising workflows. For Mission Teams Revisiting last week’s post about Manus, it turns out this is neither a full integration nor a free service that Meta has added. It is a paid subscription. Keep an eye on this. https://www.jonloomer.com/meta-no-longer-prioritizes-suggestions/ Google AI Expansion for Demand Gen and PMax Google Ads is shifting Lookalike audiences from strict targeting filters to flexible signals that allow AI to reach people beyond your specific lists—much like Meta’s Advantage+ audience targeting. Additionally, new previews show that the system will automatically pull and use images from your landing pages for Performance Max campaigns. For Mission Teams These AI-driven expansions may help your ads reach interested people you might have otherwise missed, but they also reduce your direct control over who sees your content. Teams must monitor these “signals” closely to ensure ads are not accidentally shown to hostile groups or in regions where digital safety is especially critical. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/google-ads-news-week-8-adriaan-dekker-tm0he/ Fake Captcha: How to Detect and Stay Safe Online Cybercriminals are using fake CAPTCHA tests to trick people into downloading harmful software onto their computers. These fake tests look like legitimate “I am not a robot” boxes but actually execute dangerous commands when clicked. For Mission Teams This threat is critical because mission teams often operate in high-risk areas where digital security is directly tied to physical safety. If a team member’s device is compromised while running social media ads or engaging with seekers, it could expose sensitive contact lists and strategic communications to hostile actors. Teams should be cautious when encountering CAPTCHA prompts and verify their legitimacy. If a CAPTCHA requires anything beyond a simple puzzle, it is likely fraudulent. Legitimate CAPTCHA tests will never ask users to scan QR codes, visit external links, download files, or execute command prompts. https://www.zdnet.com/article/fake-captcha-how-detect-stay-safe-online/ Instagram Comes to Google TV Instagram is now available as an app on Google TV devices so people can watch Reels on their television screens. Users can scroll through their feeds and watch videos that are automatically organized into different categories. For Mission Teams This update allows mission content to reach people in their living rooms on much larger screens. Teams should consider how their ads look on a TV and be aware that public viewing might change how seekers interact with sensitive gospel messages. https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/24/instagrams-tv-app-is-launching-on-google-tv-devices/ AWS Launches Real-Time Vertical Video AI Amazon Web Services created a new tool call Elemental Interface that automatically turns wide horizontal videos into tall vertical videos for phones. This system uses artificial intelligence to find the most important parts of a video and crop them instantly without needing a person to do the work. It can be leveraged in realtime by both streamers and broadcasters. For Mission Teams This technology makes it even easier for large streamers and broadcasters to leverage the video formats popular on social media platforms. Primarily designed and priced for larger organizations, it remains out of reach for most mission teams, but it demonstrates just how common vertical formats are becoming. Teams should incorporate vertical formats into their own projects to improve engagement. https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/media/how-aws-built-a-live-ai-powered-vertical-video-capability-for-fox-sports-with-aws-elemental-inference/ 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 Thanks for reading this edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown! For more up-to-date insights in digital marketing, make sure to follow us on Instagram @kavanah_media and stay connected through all our social media channels via the link below. https://linktr.ee/kavanah_media Authors: Cody A. and Cherry Messimer Article Published: February 27, 2026

Weekly Marketing Rundown - February 20, 2026

Weekly Marketing Rundown - February 13, 2026

Weekly Marketing Rundown - February 13, 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 a fresh update to Jesus Film's Next Steps system, Meta's latest revenue growth, ChatGPT ads and more. Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM NextSteps and Automated Data Sync for Google Sheets NextSteps now lets you automatically send information from your digital journeys directly to a Google Sheet. Every minute, the system updates your spreadsheet with new prayer requests and sign-ups, so your team stays organized without extra work. For Mission Teams This integration enhances flexibility in analytics gathering. Teams using NextSteps can export data to Google Sheets and then import it into Looker Studio, ELK, or other similar data aggregation systems. This process simplifies data sharing with supporters, teams, and other stakeholders. https://mailchi.mp/nextstep.is/new-multi-language-youtube-subtitles-4772511?e=618df87640 Connecting Urban and Rural Mission Networks Modern migration and technology have turned large cities into gateways that connect directly to remote villages. Because people in cities remain closely linked to their home communities, reaching one person in a city can spark a movement that spreads to an entire unreached village. The situation has been challenging because previous missions assumed that individuals would become "urban" and fully adapt to urban life. However, this assumption appears to be incorrect, as urban centers are showing resistance to DMM/CPM strategies. For Mission Teams With these observations the author Bud Houston suggests three strategies that can be applied to teams practicing DMM/ CPM strategies which can also relate to teams leveraging digital strategies: Adopt the "Dandelion" Strategy: Treat urban migrants as bridges to their rural home villages. Digitally, this could mean targeting users in cities to reach their extended networks back home. Target Rural Clusters: Focus on ethnic or language associations rather than general urban professionals. In digital ads, adjust your personas to match these specific cultural clusters. Watch for the "Jump": Take advantage of different groups living near each other in cities. Use digital content that appeals to shared felt needs or experiences to help the Gospel move between different people groups. https://clarity4thenations.substack.com/p/the-city-is-the-village?utm_campaign=email-half-post&r=297c9w&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email Meta Ad Revenue and AI Advertising Updates Meta recently reported a 24% increase in ad revenue because more people are using their apps and seeing ads. This includes significant growth in ad revenue outside of the US and Europe. For Mission Teams Meta's market share remains dominant as social media usage and marketing continue to grow globally. This sustained leadership positions it as a crucial platform for teams looking to enhance their digital engagement. http://jonloomer.com/meta-ad-revenue-up-24-chatgpt-ads-200000/ Google Ads Security and Testing Updates Google has added a new tool that allows advertisers to test different versions of their ads directly within Performance Max campaigns to see which performs best. They have also introduced a security feature that requires two people to approve any significant changes to account access. For Mission Teams Testing different ad designs in PMax campaigns should become easier and can help teams spend their ad budgets more wisely by showing exactly which messages connect with more people. Additionally, the two-person approval feature protects your ministry by ensuring that a hacker or disgruntled team member cannot take over your account and use it to run ads. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/google-ads-news-week-6-adriaan-dekker-5ei9e/ ChatGPT Tests Sponsored Suggestions OpenAI has started testing advertisements within ChatGPT for users on the free and low-cost versions of the app. These new sponsored suggestions require a massive $200,000 buy-in for advertisers during this initial testing phase. For Mission Teams The high cost of these ads means only very large organizations can currently afford to place sponsored messages in front of seekers using AI. You should be aware that well-funded groups may use this space to influence the digital landscape where your team is trying to make disciples. https://www.eweek.com/news/openai-tests-ads-in-chatgpt/ Ten Years of Instagram Design Shifts A ten-year analysis shows that vertical orientation now dominates the platform, making up 84% of all posts compared to the original square format. Carousel posts have jumped to 86% of content, while the use of text overlays exploded from under 10% to 84% in just one year. For Mission Teams Shifting your strategy to vertical, text-heavy posts ensures your message fits the current habits of seekers who now expect to read content directly on images. Using carousels allows your team to share deeper discipleship materials and multiple story elements in a single post, which is now the most dominant way users consume information. https://theconversation.com/i-studied-10-years-of-instagram-posts-heres-how-social-media-has-changed-272898 WhatsApp Web Adds Voice and Video Calls WhatsApp is now letting people make voice and video calls directly from their internet browser on a computer. For now, this feature works for calls between two people and includes security protection to keep conversations private. For Mission Teams This update allows your team to move quickly from text chats to face-to-face discipleship calls without needing a mobile phone. Since the calls are encrypted, you can safely conduct ministry training or seeker follow-up from a laptop while maintaining the security of your communication. https://wabetainfo.com/whatsapp-is-rolling-out-voice-and-video-calls-on-the-web/ Discord Age Verification Requirements Discord is introducing a new rule that requires all users to verify their age using a face scan or a government ID. If users do not complete this verification, their accounts will be restricted to limited features designed for teenagers. For Mission Teams This is the latest change social media companies are implementing in response to increased government intervention around children’s use of digital platforms. Requirements for official identification or biometric data introduce significant risk, as they could expose the identities of both team members and the individuals they seek to reach online. Discord and other platforms that have adopted similar age‑verification measures rely on third‑party vendors to manage these systems; however, security remains a concern, given that many such vendors have experienced data breaches in the past. Teams should stay informed about these developments, carefully evaluate their risk tolerance, and adjust their digital engagement strategies accordingly. https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/09/discord-will-soon-require-face-scans-or-id-for-all-users-or-restrict-access 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 Thanks for reading this edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown! For more up-to-date insights in digital marketing, make sure to follow us on Instagram @kavanah_media and stay connected through all our social media channels via the link below. https://linktr.ee/kavanah_media Authors: Cody A. and Cherry Messimer Article Published: February 13, 2026

Weekly Marketing Rundown - February 6, 2026

Weekly Marketing Rundown - February 6, 2026 Welcome to this week’s edition of Kavanah Media’s Weekly Marketing Rundown! We’re diving into the latest updates you need to know regarding new Meta Advantage+ Creative Enhancements, Social Media trends for 2026, new social media platforms and more. Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM AI-Generated Video with Advantage+ Creative Meta is testing a new AI feature that automatically creates short videos from your existing images. The tool uses artificial intelligence to turn static photos into 15 to 20 second clips with movement and music. For Mission Teams This tool enables teams to quickly and easily create additional video creative for ads. As with all of Meta’s Creative Enhancements, users are encouraged to review outputs before publishing. The feature helps teams reach more people through visual storytelling while keeping digital outreach simple and cost-effective. https://www.jonloomer.com/advantage-plus-creative-video-generation-beta/ U.S. Senators Propose New Rules to Stop Fake Social Media Ads Lawmakers want to pass a law that forces social media companies to prove who their advertisers really are. This bill aims to stop criminals from using paid ads to trick people and steal their money. Some platforms, such as Meta, already employ identity verification for advertisers in certain instances. For Mission Teams This law could make it harder for teams to run ads because platforms will require much stricter identity checks. While this helps prevent scams, the potential for paper-trails could raise security concerns for teams working in secure contexts. https://archive.is/AGR28 2026 Social Media Study Shows Big Changes in Popularity A new study looked at millions of posts to see how people use social media today. For organic campaigns the study found that TikTok is the best place to get attention, while sites like Facebook and Instagram are seeing fewer people interact with posts. It should be noted that this engagement data was primarily comment driven as DMs do not show on public data feeds. It also does not reflect global platform differences based on regions and other important nuances. For Mission Teams Teams running global campaigns with lower-level engagement goals may prioritize TikTok, but it’s important to recognize that user behavior varies by platform. For example, users may be more likely to send direct messages on Instagram than on TikTok. Teams should experiment with platforms and strategies to determine what works best in their specific context. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/2026-social-media-benchmarks-infographic/811179/ France Considers Restricting VPN Access to Protect Younger Users France is looking for ways to stop children under fifteen from using social media apps. They are thinking about limiting the use of VPNs so kids cannot hide their location to bypass age rules. For Mission Teams If countries ban VPNs, it will be much harder for mission teams to stay hidden and safe online. This change could also prevent seekers in restricted areas from safely finding and viewing your evangelism content. https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/france-might-seek-restrictions-on-vpn-use-in-campaign-to-keep-minors-off-social-media-205308716.html New Video App UpScrolled Gains Users by Promising More Freedom A new app called UpScrolled is becoming popular because it promises not to sensor or hide people's posts. Many people are joining this platform because they want an alternative to TikTok that shows posts in the order they were shared. For Mission Teams This platform presents an opportunity to share the gospel without the concern of content being shadowbanned or suppressed by algorithms. As with any emerging platform, the user base is still limited, and teams should experiment before committing to full adoption. https://www.tubefilter.com/2026/01/30/upscrolled-tiktok-alternative-open-platform-no-censorship/ Meta Predicts AI Will Power All Parts of Social Media in 2026 Meta plans to use artificial intelligence to suggest videos and help people spend 20% more time on their apps. These new tools are also helping businesses grow by allowing computers to chat with over one million people every week. For Mission Teams Improved AI ranking and dubbing tools can help your evangelism videos reach significantly more people across multiple languages. Advertisers are also reporting 24% improvement in conversion attribution, underscoring the growing importance of video-based content. One thing is clear: AI enhancements are here to stay. However, it remains unclear how these changes will impact teams around the world that rely on Meta’s platforms for digital engagement. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/meta-outlines-ai-powered-system-improvements/810886/ Meta Reports Significant Growth in Users and Revenue for Late 2025 Meta’s latest report shows that daily active users across its apps have grown to 3.32 billion people. The company also saw its revenue climb by 18% as more people spent time watching Reels and interacting with AI-suggested content. For Mission Teams With over 3 billion people active on these platforms, the potential to reach unreached groups through social media advertising is greater than ever. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/meta-posts-increases-in-users-and-revenue-in-q4/810801/ 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 Thanks for reading this edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown! For more up-to-date insights in digital marketing, make sure to follow us on Instagram @kavanah_media and stay connected through all our social media channels via the link below. https://linktr.ee/kavanah_media Authors: Cody A. and Cherry Messimer Article Published: February 6, 2026

Weekly Marketing Rundown - January 30, 2026

Weekly Marketing Rundown - January 23, 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 reports from Buffer regarding platforms, a LastPass scam, Google's Discover, and more. Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM LastPass Users Targeted by New Phishing Scam Scammers are sending fake emails that look like they are from LastPass to steal people's passwords. These emails trick users into clicking links that lead to fake websites designed to capture their private login information. For Mission Teams This scam is dangerous because it could give hackers access to all the passwords used for mission social media accounts and seeker databases. According to their documentation, LastPass will never sent emails requesting users update or submit their master passwords. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/news-lastpass-phishing-campaign/ China and US Approve TikTok Spinoff Deal The United States and China have agreed to a deal that sells TikTok’s American business to a group of mostly U.S. investors. This agreement allows the app to keep running in the U.S. under a new independent company with American leadership. For Mission Teams While this change means TikTok is likely to stay in the US, for mission teams abroad utilizing the platform in their digital engagement not much is expected to change. It is a good reminder, however, that platforms are subject to local laws and regulations. Team should be prepared to diversify platforms as insurance against changes and outages. https://www.semafor.com/article/01/22/2026/china-us-sign-off-on-tiktok-us-spinoff Google Discover Moves Away from Website Links Google is changing its Discover feed to show more YouTube videos and posts from X instead of links to news websites. This means people using Google on their phones will see more social media content and AI summaries rather than articles from traditional publishers. For Mission Teams This shift is important because it changes how seekers find your content and how your team should share stories. To stay visible, missions teams should not merely rely on websites and SEO, but put effort into organic campaigns by creating engaging YouTube videos and social media posts rather than relying only on website articles to reach people. https://pressgazette.co.uk/platforms/google-prioritising-youtube-and-x-over-publishers-on-discover/ Mastering Meta’s Advanced Advertising Settings Did you know that Meta provides a dedicated Advertising Settings menu where you can manage account-wide controls for your audiences and placements. You can find these tools by navigating to the "Advertising Settings" section within your Meta Ads Manager account. For Mission Teams These settings allow you to set age restrictions and regional boundaries to ensure your ads only reach people in safe or relevant areas. By utilizing the "Audience Segments" feature found here, teams can better track how many new seekers are engaging with their content compared to those who have seen it before. https://www.jonloomer.com/meta-advertising-settings/ WordPress Plugin Backdoor Puts Sites at Risk A popular WordPress plugin called LA-Studio Element Kit has a secret backdoor that lets hackers create admin accounts without a password. This flaw allows attackers to take complete control of a website and change its content or steal information. For Mission Teams This security risk is dangerous because a hacker could take over your mission website to spread false information or steal seeker data. Teams should update or remove this plugin immediately and check their user lists for any suspicious new administrator accounts. This is also a good reminder that not all plug-ins are created equal. Each plugin, platform or software should be thoroughly vetted and tested before full adoption and regular audits and updates are recommended. https://www.esecurityplanet.com/threats/20000-wordpress-sites-at-risk-from-plugin-admin-backdoor/ Meta Testing Premium Subscriptions Across Platforms Meta is beginning to test new premium subscription options for users on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. These paid tiers may offer exclusive features and different ways for users to interact within the apps beyond the standard free versions. For Mission Teams This change could affect how mission teams reach their audience if certain features or users move behind a paywall. Teams should monitor these updates to adjust their digital strategies and ensure their evangelism efforts remain effective for both free and premium users. https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/26/meta-to-test-premium-subscriptions-on-instagram-facebook-and-whatsapp/ WhatsApp Adds New Strict Security Mode WhatsApp has introduced a "Strict Account Settings" mode designed to protect users from advanced cyber attacks and spyware. This feature, found in the advanced privacy settings, locks your account to the most secure options and blocks files from people you do not know. For Mission Teams If this is true, this update is great for protecting the identity of team members and the seekers they contact in sensitive regions. Using this mode help harden the security of the platform for missions teams. https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/27/whatsapp-launches-new-anti-spyware-mode-for-improved-security/ Understanding the Threads AI Ranking System Buffer has created a handy guide to help users understand how the Threads AI ranking system works. Some of the most important factors include how much you interact with a profile on Instagram, the timeliness of your posts, and how often people click to view the replies on your threads. Threads uses an AI system to decide which posts appear in the "For You" feed by looking at what you like and who you follow. The "Following" feed remains different because it shows posts from people you follow in the exact order they were posted. For Mission Teams Understanding these ranking signals helps teams focus on starting meaningful conversations that the AI will then promote to more seekers. While these points are a great starting place, teams can check out the full guide on Buffer's website if they want more detailed strategies for growth. https://buffer.com/resources/threads-algorithm/ Replying to Instagram Comments Boosts Engagement Buffer studied over 700,000 posts and discovered that replying to comments can increase your overall engagement by 21 percent. This simple habit works better than most complicated marketing tricks and helps your content reach more people. For Mission Teams Quickly answering comments shows the platform that your content is valuable, which helps your posts stay visible to more seekers. This strategy is essential for building real relationships with those who ask questions and ensures your mission team is seen as responsive and helpful. https://buffer.com/resources/instagram-comments-engagement/ 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 Digital Strategies got you stumped? Reach out anytime—we’re ready to help. Contact Us Thanks for reading this edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown! For more up-to-date insights in digital marketing, make sure to follow us on Instagram @kavanah_media and stay connected through all our social media channels via the link below. https://linktr.ee/kavanah_media Authors: Cody A. and Cherry Messimer Article Published: January 30, 2025

Weekly Marketing Rundown - January 23, 2025

Weekly Marketing Rundown - January 16, 2025

Weekly Marketing Rundown - January 16, 2025 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 the latest in the fight between big tech and the EU, new features on both Meta and Google ads, and a e-course template from Kavanah Media. Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM Meta Ad Sequencing Ever wanted to show ads to users in a certain sequence? This feature allows you to control the specific order in which ads appear to a person by using a "Target" frequency setting. Instead of Meta’s system randomly choosing which ad to show from your list, you can now drag and drop your ads into a numbered sequence that tells a story over several days. For Mission Teams: This method would enable teams to build content in a series and show it in an exact order, allowing longer stories to be presented while keeping individual ads short. https://www.jonloomer.com/meta-ad-sequencing/ Instagram Password Reset Concerns Meta recently clarified that a surge in Instagram password reset emails was caused by a technical glitch rather than a new security breach. While millions of users feared their accounts were hacked, the company assured the public that their systems and personal data remain secure. For Mission Teams: Workers who received this prompt can rest assured that it was not related to a real breach. However, keeping accounts secure with two-factor authentication is always a good idea, as it ensures that evangelism efforts and seeker data remain protected from bad actors. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/news-instagram-password-reset-panic/ Meta Andromeda Ad Strategies Jon Loomer is offering a mini-course on Meta’s new Andromeda system—Meta’s latest system designed to show ads to the right people. It teaches that having different types of images and videos is now more important than picking specific groups to target. For Mission Teams: There is a lot of misunderstanding about what Andromeda is in the marketing world. Teams that want to understand what it is and what it means for their marketing can sign up for Jon Loomer’s Andromeda Mini Course. https://www.jonloomer.com/andromeda-subscribe/ Google Ads Creative Testing Google is adding a tool to test which ad images and headlines work best. This helps you see exactly what people are most likely to click on. Additionally, a new AI support tool designed to help marketers with rejected ads has implemented on some ad accounts. For Mission Teams: Much like A/B testing on Meta, teams now have more flexibility when testing assets on Google. This strategy saves money and helps more people hear the gospel. The new support feature can quickly fix ads that might be flagged for sensitive content. It ensures your message stays online and reaches the people who need it. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/google-ads-news-week-2-adriaan-dekker-w6dpe/ Disney Short-Form Videos Disney+ is launching a vertical video feed this year to keep users coming back every day. The feed will show short clips from movies, sports, and news to attract younger viewers who like TikTok-style scrolling. For Mission Teams: Short form content is king. Many platforms are optimized for short form video. Long form content is still valuable in many contexts, but teams may see equally valuable or better performance when short form content is utilized either exclusively or in conjunction with other content forms. As always, testing different content forms can lead to valuable insight. https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/08/disney-is-launching-short-form-videos-this-year/ EU Digital Rule Overhaul The European Union is easing its plan for strict new rules on Big Tech companies like Google and Meta. Instead of mandatory requirements, these companies will follow a voluntary framework to help improve Europe's digital networks and internet speed. For Mission Teams: This decision means social media platforms may face fewer new restrictions, keeping digital tools stable for outreach. It could allow teams to continue using global platforms for evangelism without sudden changes to how these services operate in Europe. https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/big-tech-spared-strict-rules-eu-digital-rule-overhaul-sources-say-2026-01-08/ Story of God Digital Course - A Free Gift from Kavanah Media Built on the Next Steps Platform (https://www.jesusfilm.org/tools/next-steps/), this new 20-lesson course uses the “Share the Story” series from TWR Motion (https://www.twrmotion.org/projects/share-the-story) to teach people the story of the Bible. It can be used in conjunction with both paid and unpaid strategies by teams using digital media in their evangelism and disciple-making efforts. Click the link below for more details on how to use the tools: https://resources.kavanahmedia.com/product/story-of-god-e-course/ 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 Digital Strategies got you stumped? Reach out anytime—we’re ready to help. Contact Us Thanks for reading this edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown! For more up-to-date insights in digital marketing, make sure to follow us on Instagram @kavanah_media and stay connected through all our social media channels via the link below. https://linktr.ee/kavanah_media Authors: Cody A. and Cherry Messimer Article Published: January 16, 2025