Weekly Training

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Weekly Marketing Rundown - September 13th, 2024
Weekly Marketing Rundown - September 13th, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown we will discuss an update on Brazil vs. X, Threads, Meta's data scraping and changes to tracking, our new newsletter, and more. Let's dive in! Shifts in Brazil's Digital Landscape After X Ban With X (formerly Twitter) banned in Brazil due to its refusal to curb misinformation, millions of Brazilians are seeking alternative platforms like Bluesky and Meta’s Threads. This shift provides a unique opportunity for Christian mission teams to explore new digital spaces for outreach. Bluesky’s user base surged 50%, and Threads saw similar growth, making these platforms viable options for engaging with younger, mobile-savvy audiences. For mission teams looking to explore these platforms, testing is key. Additionally, there is always inherent risk in adopting a platform as new as BlueSky. Staying vigilant about cyber security is crucial, especially as misinformation and political tensions rise. Using secure accounts and vetted platforms is important in safeguarding ministry communications while spreading the Gospel to these newly concentrated audiences. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/bluesky-threads-rise-following-xs-brazil-ban/726383/ Meta Threads Ads: A Possible New Avenue for Digital Evangelism?  Meta is preparing to roll out ads on Threads, offering a new platform to users to engage wider audiences through digital campaigns. For mission teams, leveraging in-feed ads on Threads could provide the opportunity to enhance outreach during key ministry moments, such as holidays or community events. In addition, with 85 million active users, Threads could represent another platform option for ministries to share the gospel. As Meta integrates these ads into its Advantage+ alongside Facebook and Instagram, teams can explore in-feed placements for engaging with new audiences and potential followers. However, as new tools roll out, ensuring secure management of digital accounts is vital. Cybersecurity measures should be in place to protect both ministry resources and sensitive communications. For more on this, click the link below: https://searchengineland.com/meta-threads-ads-this-year-439739 Meta's AI Scraping Raises Privacy Concerns for Australian Users Meta is using public posts from Facebook and Instagram to train its AI models, allowing European users to opt out due to GDPR regulations. However, Australian users currently do not have this option. Australian senators raised concerns, questioning why Australians are excluded from this privacy protection. For mission teams using social media for outreach, this raises critical concerns about privacy and data security. Ensuring proper account settings and understanding public post exposure is vital for maintaining secure and respectful ministry efforts online. With Meta's AI scraping Australian users’ public posts, mission teams must be mindful of the privacy risks this poses. Photos, videos, and text content could be used without explicit consent, potentially compromising sensitive ministry work. Teams should regularly review their social media privacy settings and remain vigilant in their digital engagement to protect both team members and outreach efforts from unintended data exposure. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/sep/11/meta-ai-post-scraping-security-opt-out-privacy-laws New EU Regulations and WhatsApp's Privacy Changes: What Christian Mission Teams Need to Know Meta highlights significant changes to WhatsApp's privacy and security policies in response to new EU regulations. These updates, mandated by the Digital Markets Act (DMA), require WhatsApp to open its platform to third-party chat apps, which could potentially impact the privacy and security of communications. For mission teams who often rely on secure messaging to coordinate sensitive outreach activities, understanding these changes is crucial. The integration of third-party apps could expose vulnerabilities if proper safeguards are not in place, affecting both the confidentiality of their communications and their operational security. It is important to highlight strong cybersecurity practices amidst these regulatory shifts. Christian mission teams which may not have extensive technical resources, should prioritize staying informed about these changes and consider adopting additional security measures to protect their digital communications. By doing so they can better safeguard their mission-critical interactions and ensure that their outreach efforts remain secure and effective despite the evolving digital landscape. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/6/24237753/whatsapp-messenger-third-party-chat-eu-dma Meta’s New Data Limits: What Christian Teams Need to Know Meta is making big changes to how businesses can access user data through its tools, reducing the amount of information available for targeting and tracking. This move is aimed at complying with global privacy laws and could affect how Christian mission teams use platforms like Facebook to reach people with their messages. These changes will impact custom audience targeting. However, many teams worldwide are finding success with engagement ads that drive people to Messenger, even without advanced targeting or custom audiences, using only regional and age-based targeting. If this approach is adopted, the impact of these changes could be minimal. For more on this, click the link below: https://searchengineland.com/meta-restrict-data-business-tools-446439 Intentional- Kavanah Media's Newsletter Subscribe to "Intentional", Kavanah's monthly company newsletter, where we will share stories, celebrations, and business updates on how we are pursuing intentionality with digital engagement around the world to make God known. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/sign-up Thanks for reading this edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown! For more up-to-date insights in digital marketing, make sure to follow us on Instagram @kavanah_media and stay connected through all our social media channels via the link below. https://linktr.ee/kavanah_media Author: Yari Soto and Cody Adams Article Published: September 13th, 2024
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Weekly Marketing Rundown - September 5th, 2024
Weekly Marketing Rundown - September 5th, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown we will discuss Facebook and the Engagement among Younger Generations, AI Beginner's Guide, and Brazil’s Ban on Musk’s X Platform. Let's dive in! Facebook's Push to Engage Younger Generations in the Digital Space Despite perceptions that Facebook is less popular among younger users in the West, the platform continues to make strides in engaging this demographic through tailored features like Groups, job boards, and mental wellness resources. This ongoing investment continues to mean Facebook is a relevant and viable tool for mission teams focused on digital evangelism - even with younger generations in the Western World.   For more on this, click the link below: https://about.fb.com/news/2024/09/navigating-your-20s-with-facebook/ AI Beginner's Guide As AI becomes increasingly crucial in digital marketing, it holds immense potential for mission teams utilizing digital strategies. Yet, understanding and implementing AI can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Search Engine Land offers a clear beginner’s guide to AI usage in marketing, helping teams tap into this powerful technology for more personalized outreach and greater efficiency. For those just getting started, this guide is a valuable resource to demystify AI and put it to practical use.   For more on this, click the link below: https://searchengineland.com/ai-marketing-beginners-guide-446116 Brazil’s Ban on Musk’s X Platform: A Digital Censorship Battle That Impacts Global Missions Brazil’s ban on Elon Musk’s X platform (formerly Twitter) has sparked controversy as conservative groups challenge the decision in court. The platform was blocked after it failed to remove disinformation and hate speech. The legal battle highlights the risks of censorship and the importance of using trusted, compliant platforms for sensitive communication in regions with strict cyber laws. For mission teams, the ban underscores the need for robust digital security strategies. Depending on platforms like X for outreach could lead to sudden disruptions, especially in politically tense regions. Teams should consider alternative, reliable platforms and secure methods for digital engagement, ensuring their communications and missions are not hindered by unforeseen legal or governmental actions.   For more on this, click the link below: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/conservative-challenge-brazils-ban-musks-x-may-escalate-feud-2024-09-05/ Thanks for reading this edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown! For more up-to-date insights in digital marketing, make sure to follow us on Instagram @kavanah_media and stay connected through all our social media channels via the link below. https://linktr.ee/kavanah_media Author: Yari Soto and Cody Adams Article Published: September 5th, 2024
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Weekly Marketing Rundown - August 30th, 2024
Weekly Marketing Rundown - August 30th, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown we will discuss Telegram, Youtube's new ad retargeting capabilities, the Top 10 most downloaded apps in the world and more. Let's dive in! Telegram Founder Arrest- What Does It Mean for Us? Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was reportedly detained in France, stirring concerns about digital privacy and security. This incident underscores the challenges faced by platforms advocating for user privacy and highlights the importance of secure communication channels for missions to protect their work and the safety of those they engage with online.  The effects this will have on Telegram as a platform, and thus, missions teams utilizing Telegram for digital evangelism is yet to be determined. For more on this, click the link below: https://time.com/7015129/pavel-durov-arrest-france-telegram/ Top Downloaded Apps Worldwide What is As of July 2024, the most downloaded apps globally for both iOS and Android are: 1. Instagram 2. TikTok 3. Facebook 4. WhatsApp 5. Temu 6. Telegram 7. Threads 8. CapCut 9. Snapchat 10. Messenger With four of the top ten apps owned by Meta, the data underscores Meta's dominance in the digital space. Mission teams focused on digital engagement should evaluate the most effective platforms in their regions, though Meta's apps remain a cost-effective and highly manageable choice for many mission efforts globally. Ignoring their potential would be a missed opportunity. For more on this, click the link below: https://appfigures.com/resources/insights/20240823?f=2 Youtube and Content Creator Ad Targeting Google now allows advertisers to create remarketing audiences based on specific YouTube creator videos, expanding beyond the traditional method of targeting viewers of their own channels. For mission teams, this means a more precise and strategic way to reach audiences who engage with content relevant to their cause or target audience goals. Collaboration among Christian content creators and teams utilizing digital engagement is much easier allowing marketers to simple "Tap into," the audiences of other channels- such as the Jesus Film to fine tune their ad targeting. Conversely, this type of targeting could also be used to target the audiences of non- Christian aligned channels helping to focus ad spend specifically on unreached groups. For more on this, click the link below: https://searchengineland.com/google-youtube-creator-based-audience-targeting-446043 Germany and AI Image Verification  Germany is pushing for social media platforms to adopt stronger image verification measures as part of a broader initiative to combat misinformation. This includes requiring platforms to authenticate and disclose whether an image has been altered. This move reflects the ongoing tension between AI-generated and authentic content. While real images and videos enhance brand authenticity, AI-generated content can protect identities in sensitive locations. If Germany enacts this law, other countries may follow, potentially complicating the balance for mission teams operating in these areas. For more on this, click the link: https://www.semafor.com/article/08/29/2024/germany-looks-to-push-social-platforms-on-image-verification Apple's AI Scraping Expansion: A Call for Caution in Digital Evangelism Apple is expanding the capabilities of its web-crawling service, Applebot, to improve its AI tools, particularly for enhancing Siri and Spotlight search functionalities. This expansion involves increased web scraping, which could lead to more content from the internet being utilized in AI-driven applications. For Christian  evangelistic teams, this development is a reminder of the growing presence of AI in content distribution and how their online materials might be used beyond their original intent. Given the increasing sophistication of AI, mission teams need to be mindful of the content they publish online, particularly in ensuring that it aligns with their values and message. Understanding how AI platforms may scrape and repurpose this content is crucial for maintaining control over their digital presence. This awareness is particularly important for teams with limited technical expertise, as it underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive content from being misused or misinterpreted in AI-driven applications. For more on this, click the link: https://www.wired.com/story/applebot-extended-apple-ai-scraping/ 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: August 30th, 2024
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Weekly Marketing Rundown - August 23rd, 2024
Weekly Marketing Rundown - August 23rd, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown we will discuss SEO and Google's AI Overviews, The Shift to Social Search, Christian Media Marketing Podcast: How Growth Can Help You Lead Others Well, and more. Let's dive in! SEO and Google's AI Overviews You may have noticed nowadays when searching on Google that an AI response sometimes gets generated to answer your search. This is called Google's AI Overview. There have been several iterations on how those have been generated, but Google's AI Overviews now emphasize top organic search results, impacting how content is ranked and displayed. For Christian teams, this shift emphasizes the importance of optimizing digital content to rank highly in Google's organic search results. By focusing on traditional SEO strategies, mission teams can increase their visibility in AI-generated summaries, ensuring their message effectively reaches the intended audience. As these AI Overviews roll out into more languages worldwide, adapting to these changes is crucial for maintaining a strong online presence in an evolving digital landscape. For more on this, click the link below: https://searchengineland.com/google-ai-overviews-organic-results-overlap-99-445374 YouTube is Bringing QR Codes to All Channels   YouTube now offers QR codes for all channels, providing an easy way for Christian mission teams to promote their content. This feature allows viewers to quickly scan and follow channels, making it simpler to share messages and reach a broader audience. By integrating QR codes into physical materials or other digital platforms, mission teams can enhance their engagement strategy, driving more traffic to their YouTube channels and expanding their online presence effectively. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/youtube-brings-qr-codes-all-channels/724774/ The Shift to Social Search Social search is increasingly favored by Gen Z and Millennials, who prefer the visual, interactive, and community-driven aspects of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest for finding information. This shift is important for teams, as it emphasizes the need to engage these audiences through visually appealing content. The rise of social search highlights the importance of authenticity in digital engagement. This trend underscores the need to create relatable, genuine content that resonates with younger audiences. Teams can enhance their outreach efforts, ensuring their message reaches and influences their target audience effectively. This shift is mainly taking place in Western regions, but it illustrates a trend that will likely be relevant globally. For more on this, click the link below: https://searchengineland.com/social-search-brand-engagement-443241 Christian Media Marketing Podcast: How Growth Can Help You Lead Others Well In the Christian Media Marketing Podcast (Episode 259) To lift others, we must first grow ourselves. 🌍📚🚀 Our growth spiritually, emotionally, physically, and professionally is a beacon that guides and empowers local leaders to spread the Gospel themselves.  For more on this, click the link below: https://youtu.be/xatAUT4xFwI  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: August 23rd, 2024
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Weekly Marketing Rundown - August 16th, 2024
Weekly Marketing Rundown - August 16th, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown we will discuss TikTok Group Chats, a review of Meta's ad policies, scams on WhatsApp and more. Let's dive in! TikTok ads Group chats TikTok's new group chat feature allows users to share videos with up to 32 people, opening new opportunities for Christian mission teams. This can be an effective way to engage with communities, organize virtual events, and foster a sense of community among followers. However, it’s important to approach these spaces authentically to avoid appearing intrusive. Teams involved in digital engagement can leverage this feature to build communities and interact with seekers on the platform. While this new feature makes TikTok a more enticing platform for teams around the world, it does not eliminate the security concerns and significant challenges many have faced with TikTok as a platform for digital engagement. TikTok's cybersecurity issues are well documented and partners of Kavanah Media around have reported bans on ad accounts advertising Christian content. It is still advised for teams to weigh their options regarding potential platforms for digital engagement projects- especially in regards to TikTok. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.campaignlive.com/article/social-media-marketers-share-tiktok-group-chats-mean-brands/1885138 Facebook's Ad Policies- A Quick Review If you've used Facebook ads for your digital engagement projects, you're likely familiar with ad rejections. Here are the top five reasons why Facebook may reject ads: Personal Health and Appearance: Ads should not create or reinforce negative self-image to promote health-related products, such as diet or weight loss items. For instance, avoid using before-and-after images to showcase idealized results. Unrealistic Outcomes: Ads should not promise or suggest unrealistic results regarding health, weight loss, or economic opportunities. Unacceptable Business Practices: Ads must not use deceptive or misleading tactics to promote products or services, especially those intended to scam people out of money or personal information. For example, avoid ads that claim to increase Facebook or Instagram likes or followers. Discriminatory Practices: Ads must not discriminate based on personal attributes like race, ethnicity, gender, religion or disability. For example, do not promote housing or job opportunities based on these personal attributes. Non-Functional Landing Pages: Ads must direct users to functional landing pages. Avoid pages that obstruct navigation or automatically download files. For teams engaged in digital engagement the most likely policy violation they may face is the discriminatory practices. If this happens one may be forced to restructure their creatives and CTA's. It is recommended that teams take extra care to ensure their ads follow Facebook's advertising policies to avoid account restrictions and other disruptions. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.facebook.com/business/m/small-business/ad-policy-guidance#learn-advertising-policies WhatsApp Scam Alert and Digital Security for Evangelistic Teams WhatsApp users are warned about a new scam that targets group chats, posing significant risks to digital security. Scammers are exploiting WhatsApp's group chat feature to deceive users into sharing personal information, potentially leading to identity theft and financial loss. For teams, who often rely on WhatsApp for communication and coordination, this scam is a serious threat. Non-technical members might be particularly vulnerable, making it crucial to educate your team on recognizing these scams and adopting safe practices. As digital engagement grows, so does the need for vigilance against online threats. By staying informed and implementing robust security protocols, your team can safeguard their communication channels and continue their evangelistic work without interruption. For more on this, click the link below:   https://readwrite.com/whatsapp-scam-alert-group-chat/ Instagram Access Restored in Turkey Turkey has restored access to Instagram after a temporary suspension that sparked widespread concern among users and digital marketers. The restriction, which was swiftly lifted, reflects the volatile nature of digital platform accessibility in certain regions. For teams, especially those working in countries where internet access can be unpredictable, this situation highlights the need for strategic preparedness. It’s essential to monitor local digital policies and have alternative communication channels ready to ensure that your outreach efforts are not disrupted. As Instagram and other social media platforms play a crucial role in evangelistic outreach, understanding the risks of sudden access changes and planning accordingly is vital. By being proactive in your digital strategy, your team can continue to share the Gospel and maintain connections with those you serve, regardless of external challenges. For more on this, click the link below: Link: https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/10/turkey-restores-access-to-instagram/ WhatsApp About Section for Businesses WhatsApp has introduced a new information section for business accounts you're messaging, offering more details about these businesses including emails, hours, descriptions, names, phone numbers, addresses, websites and other social media profiles. Teams utilizing WhatsApp with their digital engagement should take care in ensuring the information displayed there is correct, translated and secure. Is the info listed there something we want seekers to be able to view? Will it push them to further interaction or drive them away? It is often tough to navigate the balance between authenticity and security, but if done correctly this update could aid in brand authenticity. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va6TbUKHgZWgyu7NN63Q     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: August 16th, 2024
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Weekly Marketing Rundown - August 9th, 2024
Weekly Marketing Rundown - August 9th, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown, we are diving into Meta's Detailed Targeting Exclusion, Social Media Blocks in Bangladesh and Turkey, the Power of Social Media Communities, and more. Let's dive in! Meta Removes Detailed Targeting Exclusions: Impact on Christian Mission Teams Meta has removed detailed targeting exclusions have been removed from ad campaigns. Meta claims that this change enhances ad performance by relying on advanced algorithms to target the right audience and internal research showed a 22.6% improvement in conversion costs without exclusions. This is just one more change Meta is rolling out as it continues to integrate AI, more advanced algorithms, and adjust to privacy regulations around the world. As a result, mission teams have even less control over their potential audience because we can no longer exclude based on demographics, interests, behaviors, etc... Facebook claims that these exclusions can reduce ad effectiveness.  However, this change may not be a bad thing. In our own experience running ads for teams around the world Meta’s algorithm tends to get better results with less restrictions. The results have been so noticeable that we no longer use restrictions except for special circumstances. However, a team should experiment accordingly to determine how/ if these changes will affect their campaigns. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/meta-removes-detailed-targeting-exclusions-from-ad-campaigns/723389/ Bangladesh and Turkey Block Social Media Networks Recently, Bangladesh and Turkey blocked access to major social media platforms, impacting millions of users. The governments in both countries cited concerns over misinformation, security, and public order as reasons for these restrictions. This situation highlights the vulnerability of even the largest tech companies to governmental regulations and actions. For teams utilizing digital engagement strategies, these blocks emphasize the need for flexibility and adaptability in their strategies. It is crucial to be prepared to adjust tactics and explore alternative platforms to maintain effective communication and engagement, demonstrating that even in the digital age, external factors can significantly influence outreach efforts. Our team at Kavanah Media keeps a running list of alternative platforms for all the fields that we serve. If you find yourself needing to restrategize we are happy to help. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-blocks-access-instagram-platform-gives-no-reason-2024-08-02/#:~:text=Access%20to%20Instagram%20has%20been,block%20condolence%20posts%20after%20Haniyeh https://www.firstpost.com/world/bangladesh-blocks-instagram-facebook-tiktok-and-other-social-media-platforms-amid-protests-13800336.html Building Effective Social Media Communities:  For Christian Mission Teams The importance of fostering a strong social media community cannot be overstated, especially for teams seeking to engage with audiences both online and offline. Building a social media community requires intentional engagement, where listening to and interacting with seekers is key. This engagement is not just about responding to comments; it is about creating a space where meaningful conversations can take place. For mission teams, this could mean sharing testimonies, asking questions, or providing spiritual encouragement, all while maintaining a strong focus on Gospel-centered content. Additionally, leveraging analytics to understand what resonates with your audience can guide content strategies, ensuring that posts are not only engaging but also spiritually impactful. For teams that might not be overly technical, managing a secure and effective online presence can be challenging, but it should not be avoided. Additionally, it is important to emphasize the need for vigilance in monitoring social media channels to avoid potential security risks, such as unauthorized access or data breaches. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.socialinsider.io/blog/social-media-community/  Google Declared a Monopoly This week, Judge Amit Mehta of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia officially declared Google a monopoly, sparking significant reactions across the digital marketing industry. While some experts predict a lengthy legal battle, others anticipate potential disruptions, particularly concerning Google’s advertising dominance. The ruling could lead to operational changes for Google, akin to past cases such as Google Shopping in 2017, highlighting the complexities of antitrust law. Although this has significant implications for teams using Google's platforms in their digital strategies, it is too early to predict specific outcomes. Further developments are expected as the situation unfolds. For more on this, click the link below: https://searchengineland.com/google-declared-a-monopoly-industry-reactions-and-implications-445014?  Christian Media Marketing Podcast: How Culture Impacts Confirmation Bias Have you ever found yourself digging for evidence just to prove you are right? Tune into Episode 257 of the Christian Media Marketing Podcast where we will dive into the fascinating world of confirmation bias. Let's challenge our assumptions together! For more on this, click the link below: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/resources/77535/episode-257-how-culture-impacts-confirmation-bias 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: August 9th, 2024