Weekly Training

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Weekly Marketing Rundown - February 6, 2025
Weekly Marketing Rundown - February 6, 2025 Hi everyone! In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown we discuss new changes to Meta's audience types with catalogue ads, Meta's latest suggestions for marketing, ChatGPT's effect on search traffic and more.  Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM Meta Updates Ad Targeting in Advantage+ Catalog Ads Meta is removing the “Audience Types” option from its Advantage+ catalog ads, aiming to simplify and enhance automated ad targeting. This change is part of Meta’s broader strategy to rely more on AI-driven ad placements.  This is just the latest update from Meta's push to automate audience targeting with AI. While catalogue ads are not widely utilized in digital engagement strategies, it is likely that similar changes will happen with other ad types. Kavanah Media founder Jon Ralls discussed some of these new changes to audience targeting in episode 272 of the Christian Marketing Podcast. You can watch to it here: https://youtu.be/ngzFqbyNz5M https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/meta-advantage-plus-catalog-ad-targeting-update/738671/ Meta's Suggestions for Effective Marketing In recent discussions with Meta representatives, Kavanah Media received valuable insights on upcoming changes to Meta's platforms and how teams can adapt. Meta suggests: - Use 3-10 creatives per ad to give algorithms more options for optimization. - Use the leads objective to convert to messages if teams want more engagement. - Focus on Reels and square video formats as they are becoming more popular. - Run ads until they reach a frequency of 5 to ensure adequate exposure without causing ad fatigue. - Incorporate 9-16 videos as they are becoming increasingly important for engaging users on Meta's platforms. By following these recommendations, teams can better navigate Meta's evolving platforms and achieve their marketing goals more effectively. It is important to note, however, these are general suggestions for best practices. Team should experiment in their own context to see if these suggestions help to achieve their desired goals.  ChatGPT’s Rising Influence on Web Traffic and Search Habits ChatGPT is now directing more visitors to education and tech websites, changing how people find and interact with online content. A recent study found that by November, ChatGPT had sent traffic to over 30,000 different websites.  For mission teams using digital media, this shift highlights the growing role of AI in online engagement. As AI searches become more prevalent worldwide, it may start to affect how users find evangelism sites. http://searchengineland.com/chatgpt-growing-traffic-referrer-changing-search-behavior-451525 Sophisticated Hack Targets High-Risk WhatsApp Users Meta has confirmed a zero-click hack targeting WhatsApp users, allowing hackers to access personal data without user interaction. This sophisticated attack poses significant security risks. Some 90 users "including journalists and members of civil society,” were targeted. For mission teams using WhatsApp for outreach, this breach underscores the need for enhanced security measures. Implementing basic cyber security precautions such as two-factor authentication and regularly updating app settings can help protect sensitive communications. https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2025/02/03/whatsapp-hack-attack-confirmed-by-meta-what-you-need-to-know/ Foundations of Digital Engagement Strategy Enroll in this 5-week course by Missions Media U to strengthen your digital engagement strategy whether you are just beginning or have been doing digital for years. Each week will have a one hour live class session via Zoom as well as resource material and practical application tasks tailored to your specific context and mission. The Spring cohort begins February 27. https://www.missionmediau.org/foundations-of-digital-engagement-strategies/ Intentional - Kavanah Media's Newsletter Subscribe to Intentional, Kavanah’s monthly newsletter, and stay inspired by stories of lives transformed, ministry milestones, and the latest business updates on how we’re intentionally leveraging digital platforms to make God known across the globe. Join us on this journey of purposeful digital engagement and global impact! For more on this, click the link below: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/sign-up  Christian Media Marketing Podcast Looking for more in depth information regarding all things digital engagement? Look no further than the Christian Media Marketing Podcast. For 5 years Kavanah Media CEO Jon Ralls has gone in depth on everything from websites to online messaging. Subscribe here ( https://www.kavanahmedia.com/podcast) or wherever you listen to your podcasts. 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 Adams, Cherry Messimer Article Published: February 6, 2025
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Weekly Marketing Rundown - January 31, 2025
Weekly Marketing Rundown - January 31, 2025 Hi everyone! In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown we discuss how Instagram decides what content to show, Meta's latest regulatory woes, Trump's take on GDPR and more. Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM How Instagram Decides What You See Instagram’s leader, Adam Mosseri, shared how the platform decides which posts to show more often. The key factors are: • Watch Time: How long people spend looking at your post. • Likes: How many people click the “like” button. • Shares: How often people send your post to others. For mission teams using Instagram, this means creating content that people want to engage with and share. More shares help reach new people, while likes ensure followers keep seeing your posts. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-shares-algorithm-insights-2025/738034/ Meta’s Ad-Free Service Faces Privacy Concerns in Europe Meta launched a paid service in Europe that removes ads from Facebook and Instagram. However, the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) believes this service may still violate EU privacy laws, as Meta continues to collect personal data without offering a fair choice to users. They are urging authorities to investigate. For mission teams using Meta’s platforms, it’s important to stay informed and be prepared to make adjustments as platforms adapt to new regulations. https://www.reuters.com/technology/metas-revised-paid-ad-free-service-may-breach-eu-privacy-laws-consumer-group-2025-01-23/ Trump Criticizes EU Fines on US Tech Giants President Trump has condemned EU regulators for imposing hefty fines on US tech companies like Meta, Apple, and Google. These fines stem from violations of data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and are seen as a form of “taxation” on American businesses. It is unclear just how this will affect the data regulatory landscape, and thus, digital engagement efforts globally. However, If more world leaders also raise similar concerns more changes might be likely. https://www.techradar.com/pro/trump-blasts-eu-regulators-for-targeting-meta-apple-and-other-us-tech-giants Threads Tests Ads in U.S. and Japan Threads, Meta’s platform, is testing advertisements in the U.S. and Japan as part of its push to generate revenue. This marks a significant step as it continues to expand its advertising features, a move aimed at rivaling other social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). If successful Threads may prove to be another viable platform for digital engagement. https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/24/threads-is-testing-ads-in-the-u-s-and-japan/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky YouTube Tips for Shorts YouTube Product Managers share key tips for creators on Shorts: • Hook views in the first second of your video • Thumbnails aren’t vital for discovery but are important for branding and channel marketing. • Creators should focus on concise storytelling with impactful moments to keep viewers engaged. https://blog.youtube/creator-and-artist-stories/youtube-shorts-deep-dive WhatsApp Update for iOS Like Android, iOS users may soon be able to host several WhatsApp numbers. https://www.engadget.com/mobile/whatsapp-could-soon-let-ios-users-have-multiple-accounts-on-one-device-224908618.html?src=rss  Foundations of Digital Engagement Strategy Enroll in this 5-week course by Missions Media U to strengthen your digital engagement strategy whether you are just beginning or have been doing digital for years. Each week will have a one hour live class session via Zoom as well as resource material and practical application tasks tailored to your specific context and mission. The Spring cohort begins February 27. https://www.missionmediau.org/foundations-of-digital-engagement-strategies/ Intentional - Kavanah Media's Newsletter Subscribe to Intentional, Kavanah’s monthly newsletter, and stay inspired by stories of lives transformed, ministry milestones, and the latest business updates on how we’re intentionally leveraging digital platforms to make God known across the globe. Join us on this journey of purposeful digital engagement and global impact! For more on this, click the link below: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/sign-up  Christian Media Marketing Podcast Looking for more in depth information regarding all things digital engagement? Look no further than the Christian Media Marketing Podcast. For 5 years Kavanah Media CEO Jon Ralls has gone in depth on everything from websites to online messaging. Subscribe here ( https://www.kavanahmedia.com/podcast) or wherever you listen to your podcasts. 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 Adams, Cherry Messimer Article Published: January 31, 2025
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Weekly Marketing Rundown - January 23, 2025
Weekly Marketing Rundown - January 23, 2025 Hi everyone! In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown we discuss TikToks's US comeback, Instagram's new updates and insights into it's algorithms, and more. Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM AI and End-to-End Encryption: A Balancing Act Cryptography expert Matthew Green explores the challenges of integrating AI into platforms with end-to-end encryption (E2EE). While E2EE secures communications, AI often requires access to unencrypted data to provide features like content moderation and recommendations. Balancing these needs without compromising privacy presents a significant technical and ethical challenge. With so many different options for AI tools hosted, built, and owned by companies around the world, it is impossible to know who has access to what data and where. Teams integrating AI tools into their work should be aware of this reality and take steps to ensure the tools they are using are reputable and secure. https://blog.cryptographyengineering.com/2025/01/17/lets-talk-about-ai-and-end-to-end-encryption/?utm_source=tldrnewsletter TikTok Aims to Restore U.S. Service TikTok has announced plans to work toward resuming operations in the U.S. following its recent shutdown due to a Supreme Court decision upholding a ban on the platform. The company is reportedly in discussions with regulators to address compliance issues and regain access for American users. https://nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/tiktok-says-restoring-service-us-users-rcna188320?utm_source=tldrnewsletter Instagram Extends Reels to 3 Minutes Instagram has increased its Reels length limit to 3 minutes, up from the previous 90 seconds. This update allows creators more flexibility to produce longer video content. https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/18/24346567/instagram-announces-reels-3-minute-video-posts Major Platforms Sign EU Pledge to Address Hate Speech X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube have signed voluntary commitments under the EU’s revised Digital Services Act (DSA) to combat hate speech and illegal content. While non-binding, these pledges aim to help platforms demonstrate compliance with DSA regulations on content moderation. It is not yet known how this will effect teams utilizing these platforms for digital engagement, but changes are likely as these platforms adjust in accordance to new regulations. https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/20/24347876/x-facebook-instagram-youtube-eu-hate-speech-dsa-code Understanding Instagram’s Algorithms Buffer breaks down Instagram’s algorithms, explaining how they rank content across Feeds, Stories, Explore, and Reels. Each section of Instagram has its own algorithm, meaning that content is ranked differently depending on where it appears. Teams hoping to maximize their organic campaigns should optimize their content for each area of Instagram. This includes tailoring posts to encourage interaction, aligning with audience preferences, and maintaining consistency across formats. For a full breakdown of how Instagram’s algorithms work and tips for optimizing your content, check out the original article on Buffer:  https://buffer.com/resources/instagram-algorithms/ . Intentional - Kavanah Media's Newsletter Subscribe to Intentional, Kavanah’s monthly newsletter, and stay inspired by stories of lives transformed, ministry milestones, and the latest business updates on how we’re intentionally leveraging digital platforms to make God known across the globe. Join us on this journey of purposeful digital engagement and global impact! For more on this, click the link below: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/sign-up  Christian Media Marketing Podcast Looking for more in depth information regarding all things digital engagement? Look no further than the Christian Media Marketing Podcast. For 5 years Kavanah Media CEO Jon Ralls has gone in depth on everything from websites to online messaging. Subscribe here ( https://www.kavanahmedia.com/podcast) or wherever you listen to your podcasts. 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 Adams, Cherry Messimer Article Published: January 23, 2025
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Weekly Marketing Rundown - January 17, 2025
Weekly Marketing Rundown - January 17, 2025 Hi everyone! In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown we will give updates regarding the looming TikTok ban, WhatsApp AI chatbots, Meta's new community notes system and more.  Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM Socialmediamarketing.com's 2025 Predictions According to SocialMediaToday.com, in 2025 we are likely to see a growing popularity of short-form video, an increase in AI-generated content, the rising value of user-generated content, a stronger focus on user privacy, and more. All of which will effect missions teams. Read the entire list of predictions here: 20 Predictions for Social Media in 2025 [Infographic] WhatsApp Adds AI Chatbots WhatsApp is testing a new tab for AI chatbots, making it easier to find bots by topic and even create custom ones. This feature could change how users interact with the app. For marketing teams, AI chatbots could offer new ways of interacting with contacts. However, it is yet to be seen if users will find these beneficial. Several weeks ago Meta was forced to shutter similar AI features on Facebook. https://www.androidpolice.com/whatsapp-veritable-smorgasbord-of-ai-bots/ Meta Replaces Fact-Checkers with Community Notes Meta is switching from independent fact-checkers to a user-driven “community notes” system, similar to X’s. The move, aimed at prioritizing free speech, is drawing criticism that it could lead to more disinformation. The change will begin in the U.S. amidst political pressures, especially surrounding Meta’s relationship with Donald Trump. Teams should note- this does not mean Meta is scrapping content moderation all together. Ads on their platforms are still analyzed by AI content moderation systems and will be rejected if found in violation. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly74mpy8klo Instagram Shifts Focus to Original Content Ahead of TikTok Ban Instagram is planning to prioritize original content, according to CEO Adam Mosseri, as fears grow over a potential TikTok ban. The platform’s push aims to attract creators producing fresh, unique content and distinguish itself from TikTok’s trend-focused platform. This move is seen as part of Instagram’s strategy to stay competitive in the evolving social media landscape. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/13/ahead-of-tiktok-ban-instagram-to-prioritize-original-content-mosseri.html Data Breach Exposes Sensitive User Locations A data breach involving Gravy Analytics has exposed precise location data for millions of users of popular apps like Tinder, Candy Crush, and MyFitnessPal. The breach occurred through a real-time bidding process used for ads, revealing sensitive user movements. iPhone users who blocked app tracking permissions are less affected. This breach, once again, is a reminder that data breaches are possible and cyber security is important. Team should take steps to ensure the systems and tools they utilize are secure. Jon Ralls discussed this issue regarding phones in the most recent episode of the Christian Media Marketing Podcast. Click here to watch it. https://youtu.be/6Pdv0_8jrMo?si=n8KN6X04fMmNYziW Tiktok's Sunday Shutdown TikTok is bracing for a possible U.S. shutdown as early as Sunday, urging creators to download content and redirecting advertiser campaigns. The ban stems from regulatory concerns over ByteDance and data security. This highlights the need for mission teams to diversify digital strategies and avoid dependence on single platforms. https://www.reuters.com/technology/tiktok-preparing-us-shut-off-sunday-information-reports-2025-01-15/ Intentional - Kavanah Media's Newsletter Subscribe to Intentional, Kavanah’s monthly newsletter, and stay inspired by stories of lives transformed, ministry milestones, and the latest business updates on how we’re intentionally leveraging digital platforms to make God known across the globe. Join us on this journey of purposeful digital engagement and global impact! For more on this, click the link below: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/sign-up  Christian Media Marketing Podcast Looking for more in depth information regarding all things digital engagement? Look no further than the Christian Media Marketing Podcast. For 5 years Kavanah Media CEO Jon Ralls has gone in depth on everything from websites to online messaging. Subscribe here ( https://www.kavanahmedia.com/podcast) or wherever you listen to your podcasts. 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 Adams, Cherry Messimer Article Published: January 17, 2025
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Weekly Marketing Rundown - January 10, 2025
Weekly Marketing Rundown - January 10, 2025 Hi everyone! In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown we will give updates regarding Malaysia's social media restrictions, Meta's AI influencers, Iran's softening stance on 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 Meta’s AI Profiles Draw Criticism Last week we covered how Meta recently rolled out AI-generated profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, but the move drew backlash for resembling the low-quality spam that has long plagued the platform. While these AI profiles aimed to boost engagement, they created confusion and mistrust, as distinguishing them from spam or fake accounts is challenging. Meta shuttered the accounts. For mission teams, this development highlights the importance of transparency and brand authenticity. As AI usage grows, so does the need for genuine human engagement. Teams should prioritize keeping a human touch in their AI and chatbot strategies to maintain trust and meaningful connections. https://futurism.com/the-byte/meta-kills-ai-people#:~:text=As%20404%20Media%20reports%2C%20Meta,of%20the%20company's%20social%20networks. https://www.404media.co/metas-ai-profiles-are-indistinguishable-from-terrible-spam-that-took-over-facebook Malaysia’s New Social Media Licensing Law Malaysia’s new law requires social media platforms to obtain operating licenses. X and YouTube have not applied yet, with X claiming its user base doesn’t meet the eight million threshold. Google has raised concerns about YouTube’s classification under the law. Platforms like WeChat, TikTok, and Meta are already in the application process. Mission teams utilizing these platforms in Malaysia may experience restrictions and difficulty. https://archive.ph/XgCII Instagram Experimenting with Cross-App Engagement Instagram is testing "cross-app engagement" that would allow users to switch between Facebook and Instagram to view and engage with content. https://x.com/ahmedghanem/status/1875614199847788889 Iran Eases Social Media Bans Iran may lift restrictions on platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram, which have been blocked since 2022. While access will come with strict government monitoring, platforms like X and Facebook remain banned. For mission teams, this may make digital engagement possible in Iran, but U.S. sanctions and tight regulations still pose challenges for outreach projects. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-24/iran-takes-first-steps-toward-easing-its-broad-social-media-bans Instagram Best Practices for 2025 Hootsuite outlines 21 Instagram strategies for 2025, emphasizing storytelling, quick engagement, and consistent posting. Here are some of their tips: focus on high-quality reels, use trending and niche hashtags, and analyze engagement data. For mission teams incorporating organic posting in their strategies, these practices can help create relatable, impactful content and build trust with seekers. To see the complete list of tips, check out the full article on Hootsuite’s blog. https://blog.hootsuite.com/instagram-best-practices/ Intentional - Kavanah Media's Newsletter Subscribe to Intentional, Kavanah’s monthly newsletter, and stay inspired by stories of lives transformed, ministry milestones, and the latest business updates on how we’re intentionally leveraging digital platforms to make God known across the globe. Join us on this journey of purposeful digital engagement and global impact! For more on this, click the link below: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/sign-up  Christian Media Marketing Podcast Looking for more in depth information regarding all things digital engagement? Look no further than the Christian Media Marketing Podcast. For 5 years Kavanah Media CEO Jon Ralls has gone in depth on everything from websites to online messaging. Subscribe here ( https://www.kavanahmedia.com/podcast) or wherever you listen to your podcasts. 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 Adams, Cherry Messimer Article Published: January 10, 2025
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Weekly Marketing Rundown - January 3, 2025
Weekly Marketing Rundown - January 3, 2025 Hi everyone! In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown we will discuss Tiktok's looming ban, Meta's AI Bot push, hashtags and more. Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM Trump Appeals to Supreme Court Over TikTok President Elect Trump has asked the Supreme Court to block efforts to ban TikTok in the U.S., arguing it violates free speech rights. The case highlights concerns over data security and ties to China, with potential implications for TikTok’s future. Mission teams using TikTok should prepare for possible restrictions by diversifying their digital outreach strategies. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/trump-files-supreme-court-bid-to-save-tiktok/736234/ Where Ad Dollars Go on Social Media Facebook dominates social media ad spending, followed by Instagram and YouTube, while TikTok is quickly growing in popularity with advertisers. Advertisers choose platforms based a number of variables, but audience reach is one of the most important. With about a 3rd of the world's population utilizing Meta's platforms daily it is clear to see why advertisers are happy to advertise on Facebook and Instagram. It continues to be an effective platform for digital engagement. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/social-media-ad-spend-by-platform-infographic/736103/ Meta’s AI Bots to Boost Engagement Meta is introducing AI-powered bots on Facebook and Instagram to make the platforms more engaging. These bots will have unique personalities and can chat with users, answer questions, give recommendations, and even create content like text or images. The goal is to enhance interaction and keep users on the platforms longer. Meta’s potential use of AI bots could prove to be an intriguing experiment. Some mission teams have seen great results from chatbots and AI tools, while others argue that a live online responder is more effective. This appears to be highly field-dependent. While it remains unclear how Meta’s AI bots will directly impact digital engagement strategies, the engagement these bots generate will be noteworthy and may encourage teams to experiment with integrating AI into their own projects. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/Meta-ai-bot-plan-boost-engagement-facebook-instagram/736242/ Are Hashtags Still Needed? Hashtags are losing their impact on visibility, as platforms now rely on algorithms to recommend content. Elon Musk even stated, “Please stop using hashtags. The system doesn’t need them anymore and they look ugly,” reinforcing their diminished role in boosting reach. While they still help categorize posts and target niche audiences, they don’t directly increase exposure anymore. For mission teams, this means hashtags shouldn’t be relied on for expanding reach. Instead, focus on creating engaging content that algorithms can promote while using hashtags selectively for organization or connecting with specific groups. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/do-you-still-need-to-use-hashtags/735983/ Intentional - Kavanah Media's Newsletter Subscribe to Intentional, Kavanah’s monthly newsletter, and stay inspired by stories of lives transformed, ministry milestones, and the latest business updates on how we’re intentionally leveraging digital platforms to make God known across the globe. Join us on this journey of purposeful digital engagement and global impact! For more on this, click the link below: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/sign-up  Christian Media Marketing Podcast Looking for more in depth information regarding all things digital engagement? Look no further than the Christian Media Marketing Podcast. For 5 years Kavanah Media CEO Jon Ralls has gone in depth on everything from websites to online messaging. Subscribe here ( https://www.kavanahmedia.com/podcast) or wherever you listen to your podcasts. 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 Adams, Cherry Messimer Article Published: January 3, 2025