• Home
  • Education
  • News and Resources
  • Advocacy
  • Associate Members
  • Contact
  • Click to open the search input field Click to open the search input field Search
  • Menu Menu

Tag Archive for: Marketing

Posts

News

Strategic Connections — Embracing Change in the Workplace: A Must for Modern Banking

By Heather Calnin

Heather Calnin

The banking industry is changing fast. Technology is advancing, customer expectations are evolving, and regulations keep shifting. For many of us, it can feel like the ground is constantly moving beneath our feet. But here’s the reality — change isn’t slowing down. Instead of resisting it, we need to lean in, adapt, and find ways to make it work for us.

Why Change Feels Hard
Let’s be honest — most of us like routine. We get comfortable with the way things are, and when something new is introduced, it can feel like just one more thing to figure out. That’s a natural reaction. The problem isn’t change itself — it’s the uncertainty that comes with it.
But here’s the good news … once we shift our perspective, change becomes easier to manage. Instead of seeing it as something being done to us, we can see it as a chance to learn, improve, and better serve our customers.

Overcoming Common Barriers to Change
Resistance to change often stems from fear of the unknown, lack of clear communication, or comfort with existing routines. To overcome these barriers, banks and leaders must:
•  Communicate the “Why” Behind Changes – Employees need to understand the reasons behind organizational shifts.
•  Provide Adequate Training & Support – Investing in education and hands-on training ensures smoother adoption of new systems or processes.
•  Recognize & Reward Adaptability – Celebrating employees who embrace change fosters a culture where adaptability is valued.

How to Embrace Change in the Workplace
So how do we make that shift? It starts with mindset. Embracing change doesn’t mean accepting every new idea without question. It means being open to growth, willing to learn, and committed to making change work — even when it’s uncomfortable. Here are four key ways we can do that:
•  See Change as an Opportunity
Every change, whether it’s a new system, process, or policy, comes with challenges. But it also brings the chance to work more efficiently, serve customers better, or gain new skills. When we look for the benefits, we’re more likely to stay engaged and positive.
•  Take Ownership of Learning
With change comes the need to learn something new. Instead of waiting for someone else to show us the way, we can take responsibility for our own growth. Asking questions, seeking out resources, and sharing knowledge with colleagues makes the transition smoother for everyone.
•  Trust the Process
Not every change will make sense right away, and that’s okay. Leadership teams work hard to make decisions that align with the organization’s long-term goals. Trusting that process — and giving new initiatives a fair chance — helps build a culture of teamwork and progress.
•  Support Each Other
Change is easier when we go through it together. Encouraging colleagues, staying positive, and focusing on solutions rather than frustrations helps the whole team move forward. The more we work together, the stronger our organization becomes.

A Culture That Welcomes Change
The banking world isn’t slowing down, and neither can we. When we embrace change instead of fighting it, we open the door to new opportunities — not just for our organizations, but for our own growth and success. Let’s choose to adapt, innovate, and move forward together!

Heather Calnin, director of marketing and business development, BLC Community Bank, is a member of the WBA Marketing Committee.

May 9, 2025/by Katie Reiser
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Yellow-on-Light-Blue.jpg 972 1921 Katie Reiser https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Katie Reiser2025-05-09 07:48:402025-05-09 08:44:48Strategic Connections — Embracing Change in the Workplace: A Must for Modern Banking
Member News

Strategic Connections: From Good to Great — How Our Community Bank Transformed Its Culture Overnight

By Sarah Meyer

Sarah Meyer

A strong workplace culture isn’t just a perk — it’s the foundation of an engaged, high-performing team. At our community bank, we always believed we had a good culture. Our employees were dedicated, our customer service was strong, and our values were clear. But we wanted more than just a good culture — we wanted a great one.

That transformation happened almost overnight when we partnered with CultureWise, an organization that helps businesses define and strengthen their workplace culture. What started as an all-employee training day quickly became a game-changing shift in how we work, interact, and recognize each other’s successes.

The Defining Moment
Before our training, our senior leadership team worked with CultureWise to assess our strengths and pinpoint areas where we could grow. The goal wasn’t to fix anything broken — it was to amplify what made us great and make it part of our daily work.

During the training, every employee received a Way Card — a compact booklet listing 30 Principles that would serve as our cultural foundation. These Principles weren’t abstract ideas; they were clear, actionable behaviors designed to guide how we collaborate, serve customers, and support one another.

One of my personal favorites is Celebrate Success — a reminder that recognizing wins, big or small, fosters motivation and engagement. Other Principles like Lead by Example, Invest in Relationships, and Pay Attention to the Details quickly became ingrained in our daily conversations.

Bringing Culture to Life
What set this initiative apart was its interactive approach. It wasn’t just about listing values — it was about living them every day.
•  Each week, we focus on a new Principle, discussing it before meetings and sharing insights on social media.
•  Employees log onto the CultureWise platform to give “kudos” to colleagues who exemplify these values.
•  A leaderboard adds a fun, competitive element that keeps engagement high.
•  Employees create short videos sharing what these Principles mean to them.
•  What seemed like small actions at first quickly led to a positive cultural shift. Morale improved, teamwork strengthened, and employees felt more valued and motivated.

The Impact
The results were undeniable. Employees who once saw culture as a vague concept became actively involved in shaping it. Customer service improved because employees felt empowered and engaged. And as our internal culture grew stronger, we found it easier to attract and retain top talent.

Why Culture Matters
This experience reinforced a simple truth: a great culture doesn’t happen by chance — it happens by choice. If you’re reading this, ask yourself:
•  Does my organization take culture seriously?
•  Are employees recognized for their contributions?
•  Are we intentional about fostering engagement and morale?

If the answer is unclear, it may be time to rethink and refine your culture. The good news? Change can happen faster than you think.

For us, the investment in culture has transformed our bank, and the results speak for themselves. The question is — is your organization ready to do the same?

Sarah Meyer, marketing coordinator, Pillar Bank, is a member of the WBA Marketing Committee.

March 19, 2025/by Katie Reiser
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Yellow-on-Light-Blue.jpg 972 1921 Katie Reiser https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Katie Reiser2025-03-19 11:29:112025-03-19 11:29:11Strategic Connections: From Good to Great — How Our Community Bank Transformed Its Culture Overnight
Member News

Strategic Connections: In My Data Era

By Grace Bruins

Grace Bruins

Somewhere between deciphering what is “sus” in Gen Z slang and making sure we manage the AI robots (instead of the other way around), marketers continue to rank data strategy as a top priority for their team. So why does it feel so … cringe?

The topic of data strategy is not new to the Wisconsin Bankers Association Marketing Committee or Marketing Connect Groups. If you’re right there with the rest of us, here are a few ideas to take your data plans from “basic” to “bussin”:

Locate Your Data
Start by discovering exactly where your data lives and what metrics are available.
•  Website analytics: traffic, audience behavior, conversions on your site
•  Social media: engagement metrics and audience demographics
•  Market data: local community demographics and competitor data
•  Customer data/CRM: customer insights, interactions, communication history, contact information, current products, and transactions

Define Success
Have proactive conversations with your leadership team about what you are hoping to accomplish with your data strategy.
•  What are we trying to measure? What are those measurements telling us?
•  What does a successful campaign look like? Higher click throughs? Increased accounts? Additional deposits?
•  Are there assumptions about our customers and our markets that we make that can be validated (or challenged) by additional data?
•  How do you hope our data can inform business decisions?

Get Compliant
Make sure Compliance knows you understood the assignment.
•  Know your privacy policy (and stick to it).
•  Collaborate with your Compliance team to ensure transparency and security.

Dig In
You’ve got your hands on your data; you know what metrics your leadership team values, and Compliance is on board. Now what?
•  Keep your data current. If email is a primary channel of communication, work closely with your front-line teams to verify customer contact information when a customer is at the teller line or on the phone. This doesn’t need to feel like an aggressive demand for email addresses. It can be a simple conversation about the way the bank likes to communicate important information and updates with customers.
•  Personalize the customer experience. Look at data points that tell you something about your customer’s stage in life.
o Did they just open a checking account for their teenager? Consider talking to the parent about student credit cards.
o Does your customer have regular transfers into their savings? Consider educational information about saving for the future or better yet, offer a higher interest-bearing account option to help grow their savings.
o Did your customer’s transactions suddenly increase at furniture stores or home improvement stores? Consider reaching out about home loan or home equity line of credit options.
•  Create customer segments and profiles. Use your data to inform demographic and behavioral information about your customers. Creating customer segments and concise profiles offers valuable decision-making power to future projects. Have a product idea you think is perfect for your customers? Test it against your customer profiles. Ask yourself “Is this right for Customer A – a blue-collar worker with three kids and low personal debt?” If the answer is “yes” – move forward! If the answer is “no” – move on.
•  Watch for trends in activity. Watch for signs of customer disengagement. Has transaction activity started to drop off? Have recurring transfers or automatic payments been cancelled? Maybe it’s time to re-engage with that customer before they move on completely.
•  Don’t be afraid to communicate. Regularly. Nobody wants to feel like a “big bank” – hammering customers with offers that aren’t relevant to their life. But remember, your customers have put a lot of trust in you. You hold all their personal information and should know them better than any big bank could. So, reach out. Remind customers they are more than an account or loan. Find ways to show what a valuable partner your bank can be in their financial journey.

If your data is giving main character energy in 2025, it’s time to create a strategy that slays.

Bruins, marketing officer, AVP at Horicon Bank, is a member of the WBA Marketing Committee.

January 10, 2025/by Katie Reiser
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Yellow-on-Light-Blue.jpg 972 1921 Katie Reiser https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Katie Reiser2025-01-10 07:41:132025-01-10 07:41:36Strategic Connections: In My Data Era
News

WBA Announces Second Annual Marketing Excellence Award Winner

The WBA is pleased to announce the winner of the second annual WBA Marketing Excellence Award for 2024: Horicon Bank and the bankers behind the ‘Blazin’ Savings’ campaign, Grace Bruins, Amy Banaszak, Becki Schimpf, Rose Petitte, Kara Guse, Cassie Voight, and Karin Langsdorf!

Last year, the WBA and WBA’s Marketing Committee created this award to recognize and celebrate marketing teams who excel in communicating bank products, services, or initiatives through interesting and dynamic campaigns.

Pictured left to right: Becki Schimpf, Amy Banaszak, and Darlene Kurtz

Horicon Bank received the award on November 21 at the 2024 WBA FLEX Retail and Marketing Summit. Their ‘Blazin’ Savings’ campaign increased deposits and brand awareness in several new communities. The direct mailing piece that promoted the Blazin’ Savings Account featured an exclusive barbeque recipe that included a special seasoning you can only find at Horicon Bank. Anyone interested in stopping by a branch to ask about the account got a free jar of the spice. Congratulations, Horicon Bank, on your success and creativity!

Submissions for the 2025 Marketing Excellence Award will open in August 2025!

November 27, 2024/by Jaclyn Lindquist
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Untitled-3_Yellow.jpg 972 1920 Jaclyn Lindquist https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Jaclyn Lindquist2024-11-27 08:13:422024-11-27 08:18:00WBA Announces Second Annual Marketing Excellence Award Winner
Community, News

Strategic Connections: Maximize the Impact of Your Community Sponsorships

Lauren Moran

By Lauren Moran

We all know that the heart of community banking goes well beyond checking accounts and business loans. Sponsorships and donations are powerful tools for community banks to strengthen ties with local residents and businesses. These efforts not only demonstrate your bank’s commitment to the community but also offer marketing opportunities that can increase visibility, drive engagement, and build lasting relationships. While many of us are working with one- or two-person marketing teams and a limited advertising budget, it’s imperative we make the most of our community sponsorships and treat them as incredibly valuable extensions of our bank’s marketing efforts.

Here are some tried and true ways to make a splash with your community involvement.

Likes and Clicks and Shares, Oh My!
There is no shame in shouting from the rooftops about all the good your bank is doing. Announce your partnerships and local support by sending media and press releases. You never know when news outlets are going to be in the market for a “feel good” story. As they say, a picture is worth 1,000 words. Positive community interactions featuring photos of your staff members in action are social media gold. Share pictures and news of your community partnerships on your social platforms, tagging other participating organizations, including references or photos of any influential or well-known community members like business owners, social media influencers, or local government officials. Encourage featured staff and community members to share your posts with their own social networks. Get even more mileage out of your event photos by adding them to a blog post or featuring them in your annual report.

Become the Go-To Resource for What’s Happening in the Community
Host a community calendar on your bank’s website to highlight events you are sponsoring. Use a consistent format and share as much detail about the event or cause as possible. You can even feature which of your core values the event or cause aligns with. Not only will your calendar serve as a helpful tool for community members, but it will quickly ramp up website visits and engagement from non-customers and customers alike who are seeking information on local happenings. Your website will quickly become a trusted community resource and will gain visibility for your bank in the process. It’s a win-win!

Think Outside the Box and “Beyond the Banner”
We’re all used to seeing the typical “bronze,” “silver,” and “gold” level sponsorship categories that allow logo placement, program mentions, a logoed banner, etc., but if there’s anything bank marketers excel at, it’s getting creative. Think of ways to expound on the typical sponsorships your bank takes part in, finding ways you can have an in-person presence or leave a lasting impression. Bank volunteers are always encouraged and appreciated, but what about setting up a fun, bank-branded photo op, doing a surprise giveaway, hosting a unique contest or serving as an educational resource at an event? Even if these ideas are not offered in writing on a sponsorship request, fun additions to fundraising efforts are almost always welcome and can create memorable ties to your brand.

It Never Hurts to Ask … (For More)
Many organizations are surprisingly open-minded in allowing some creative freedoms when it comes to “enhancing” a sponsorship. For instance, did you agree to sponsor the high school football team with a digital ad on their live streaming platform? Ask if the school would also allow you to hang a custom banner at the football stadium as part of this sponsorship so you can capture in-person impressions too. Are you sponsoring the local library with an annual donation? Ask if you could come up with a fun theme and name for an area of the library to highlight your successful partnership. Not every organization will be comfortable allowing this type of “enhancement,” but you won’t know until you ask.

There are endless opportunities to maximize the impact of your organization’s sponsorships, donations and community involvement. Leverage local and social media, involve your staff, become a go-to resource and get creative!

Moran, marketing director at Wolf River Community Bank, is Chair of the 2024–2025 WBA Marketing Committee.

November 18, 2024/by Katie Reiser
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Yellow-on-Light-Blue.jpg 972 1921 Katie Reiser https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Katie Reiser2024-11-18 07:32:372024-11-22 17:09:31Strategic Connections: Maximize the Impact of Your Community Sponsorships
Uncategorized

Engaging the Next Generation of Customers

By Ashley Clemons

Ashley Clemons

In today’s banking landscape, capturing the attention and trust of younger generations — specifically Millennials and Gen Z — is crucial for the sustained growth and relevance of community banks. This tech-savvy group not only represent a significant portion of the consumer market but also bring unique expectations and preferences to their banking experiences. To effectively engage and attract Millennials and Gen Z, try focusing on these important topics:

Understanding Their Needs and Preferences

Millennials and Gen Z value convenience, transparency, and digital accessibility in their banking interactions. They expect seamless digital experiences in all aspects of their everyday life, including their banking services. Offering user-friendly mobile banking apps, online account management tools, and responsive customer service channels are great ways to fulfill this expectation.

Educational Content and Financial Literacy Initiatives

Younger generations appreciate banks that go beyond transactional relationships by offering valuable educational resources and promoting financial literacy. Try differentiating by creating content that educates Millennials and Gen Z about financial planning, budgeting, and saving strategies. Hosting workshops or webinars on topics like student loans, homebuying tips, how to budget effectively, or investing basics can establish credibility and build trust among this demographic.

Innovative Banking Solutions

Offering innovative banking solutions tailored to the needs of younger generations can set banks apart.

Features such as mobile check deposit, chat features, peer-to-peer payment, and automated savings tools appeal to Millennials and Gen Z who prioritize convenience and efficiency.

Building Trust and Credibility

Trust is vital for Millennials and Gen Z when choosing a financial institution. Build trust by maintaining transparent communication, prioritizing data security, and delivering on promises made in marketing campaigns. Positive online reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers can further bolster credibility to attract this group of consumers.

Digital Engagement and Social Media Presence

Leverage your social media platforms and digital marketing channels to engage Millennials and Gen Z effectively. Regularly updating social media profiles with relevant content, customer testimonials, and community involvement highlights can enhance brand visibility and attract younger customers who are active on these platforms. Engaging with followers through interactive posts, polls, and Q&A sessions is a great way to create a sense of community and responsiveness.

Clemons is VP – marketing at The Peoples Community Bank and member of the 2024–2025 WBA Marketing Committee.

July 16, 2024/by Katie Reiser
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Yellow-on-Light-Blue.jpg 972 1921 Katie Reiser https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Katie Reiser2024-07-16 07:45:442024-07-16 07:45:44Engaging the Next Generation of Customers
News, Resources

Strategic Connections: Getting More Done with Less

By Heather Calnin

In the banking industry, operating efficiently is crucial — not just for growth but for survival. Every department, from the front lines of customer service to the backbone of operations, feels the pressure to do more with less. However, the real art lies not in cutting efforts but in crafting smarter, more sustainable strategies to hit our goals.

Discovering Common Challenges

The first step toward efficiency is understanding the main hurdles or questions that pop up again and again, whether from customers or our own team members. Once you’ve identified these, create your helpful materials — think FAQs, how-to videos, or even step-by-step walkthroughs. This is about giving our customers and staff the keys to solve problems on their own, cutting down on those time-consuming calls and emails.

An “A” for Automation

Automation is a powerful tool for increasing efficiency. By automating the everyday stuff, we free up our teams to dive into the deeper end of customer needs and strategic planning. Plus, it’s a game-changer for keeping tasks error-free and consistent.

Choosing What Gets the Green Light

Efficiency isn’t just about doing things faster but also doing the right things. In a world where resources aren’t endless, we’ve got to be choosy about what gets our attention and aligns with our vision. This means saying no to projects that — while might be potentially beneficial — don’t line up with our big-picture goals. Prioritize tasks based on their impact on these goals and the customer experience. Create or use a system that categorizes tasks by urgency and importance, helping to manage resources wisely and make a real difference where it counts.

The Power of Communication & Collaboration

Communication is the glue that holds everything together, especially when you’re trying to get different teams on the same page. Work at breaking down the traditional silos and creating a culture where collaboration is the norm. Setting up clear ways to talk to each other, understanding everyone’s deadlines and needs, and having regular check-ins can smooth out those misunderstandings that slow us down.

Embracing AI

The leap into AI might seem like a giant one for community banks, especially with all the worry about data security and the hassle of integrating new tech. Tools like ChatGPT present a unique opportunity, allowing you to configure your account to reflect your bank’s brand guidelines, roles, and personality; helping out with everything from customer communication to content creation and more. This approach allows your bank to enhance efficiency and maintain a consistent brand voice, all while adhering to strict security standards.

Never Stop Learning

The last thing that is just as critical is nurturing a culture that’s all about learning and evolving. Whether we’re learning from successes or struggles, the goal is always to be open to fresh ideas to tweak processes and offerings. This isn’t just about chasing efficiency; it’s about building a team that’s ready to adapt and thrive, no matter what the world throws our way.

Calnin is director of marketing and business development at BLC Community Bank, Little Chute, and member of the 2023–2024 WBA Marketing Committee.

May 13, 2024/by Jaclyn Lindquist
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Dark-Blue-on-Light-Blue.jpg 972 1921 Jaclyn Lindquist https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Jaclyn Lindquist2024-05-13 08:03:062024-05-13 08:03:06Strategic Connections: Getting More Done with Less
Member News, News, Resources

Committee Chair Spotlight: Grace Bruins

The Bruins Family

The following is a brief interview with Grace Bruins, assistant vice president – marketing officer at Horicon Bank. Bruins is chair of the 2023–2024 Marketing Committee.

How did you first get into the banking industry?

I needed a job! After graduating college into the tail end of a recession, job opportunities were limited. Banking seemed like a great way to not only gain valuable job experience at the center of local economy, but also get to know other local businesses. A position soon opened up in marketing and Horicon Bank gave me the opportunity to grow and sharpen my skill set.

Why did you decide to join a WBA committee? Why should others consider lending their time and expertise to shaping Wisconsin’s banking industry?

I was first encouraged to get involved with the WBA Marketing Committee by a mentor and fellow bank marketer. Each networking opportunity, peer group session, and conference I attended by the WBA strengthened my understanding of the industry and gave me experts to rely on when I had questions. I became involved in the WBA Marketing Committee because I wanted to support those same efforts for young bankers. As leaders, we should want to leave this industry in better hands than our own. If that’s going to happen, it’s up to us to mentor the next generation of community bankers.

How has WBA facilitated the growth you have seen in your career and as a leader?

Community bankers are special. Not only do we all want to see our communities succeed, but we want to see each other succeed. The WBA Marketing Committee are the greatest cheerleaders. We celebrate the successes of our fellow marketers and the industry as a whole. There’s an energy that comes from the FLEX Summit, peer group meetings, and committee involvement that stems from a spirit of collaboration and encouragement. I’m so thankful for Horicon Bank’s membership in this Association that allows me to tap into the knowledge, experience, and successes of my peers. I have grown as a marketer because of the relationships fostered through WBA involvement and educational opportunities they provide. (So if you’re not involved. . .this is your sign to start!)

As a banker, and as a leader, what is the most important lesson that you have learned?

Raise your hand — to ask the question, to volunteer, to take on a new challenge. When we’re afraid to raise our hand, we get complacent. We stop learning; stop growing. Asking tough questions or trying something new can put you in an uncomfortable place, but that’s when true growth happens.

Who (or what) motivates you to succeed?

Faith and family. We as bankers and humans have a purpose to serve others. One day, I hope my two little boys will be proud of the work I did to fulfill that purpose.

December 5, 2023/by Hannah Flanders
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Triangle-Backgrounds_Blue-on-Lime-Green.jpg 972 1920 Hannah Flanders https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Hannah Flanders2023-12-05 07:52:412023-12-05 08:07:08Committee Chair Spotlight: Grace Bruins
News

WBA Announces Inaugural Marketing Excellence Award Winner

The WBA is pleased to announce the winner of the inaugural WBA Marketing Excellence Award for 2023: Bank Five Nine and the marketers behind the ‘Tim’s Treat’ campaign, Heather Dewey and Jeff McCarthy!

The WBA and WBA’s Marketing Committee created this new honor with the intention of celebrating marketing teams who excelled in communicating bank products, services, or initiatives through interesting and dynamic campaigns.

Pictured (left to right) are: Jeff McCarthy and Heather Dewey.

Bank Five Nine received the award on November 16 at the 10th annual WBA FLEX Retail and Marketing Summit (formerly LEAD360). Their ‘Tim’s Treat’ campaign garnered community engagement and exemplified the Bank Five Nine mission to “Make Lives Better” while introducing customers and local leaders to Tim Schneider, president and CEO at Bank Five Nine.

Submissions for the 2024 Marketing Excellence Award will open in August 2024!

November 20, 2023/by Hannah Flanders
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Untitled-3_Yellow.jpg 972 1920 Hannah Flanders https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Hannah Flanders2023-11-20 08:23:232023-11-20 08:23:51WBA Announces Inaugural Marketing Excellence Award Winner
People connected by lines
News, Resources

Strategic Connections: Tapping into the Power of AI for Bank Marketing

By Lauren Moran

If you are like me, you often consider technology a blessing and a curse. However, when it comes to a small marketing team with an endless to-do list, some recent advancements in technology are welcome conveniences. With staff shortages and conservative budgets becoming more common, artificial intelligence (AI) is allowing marketers to do more with less.

AI: The Game Changer

While the vast capability of AI has yet to be fully uncovered, a variety of industries have benefitted from AI’s automation and agility — especially marketing. Although many banks are approaching AI with caution from a risk perspective, I’d like to share a few AI-driven tools that can help lighten the load of a busy bank marketer. Please be sure to connect with your IT, compliance, and/or risk management teams before diving into any AI platforms.

  • Copywriting

Writer’s block is no longer a threat. Tools like ChatGPT or Bard can help create content or copy for blogs, email campaigns, webpages, social media posts, or even radio ads by simply writing one line of text explaining what you are looking for.

  • Design

Illustrator or Photoshop aren’t your strong suits? No problem. Canva has taken what used to be a tedious creative process and has made it quick and easy with boatloads of design templates, pre-sized canvases, and instant background removers. More recent features like “magic design” allow users to insert a photo and have a multitude of custom templates created within seconds. The “text to image” feature lets users type a description of an image and the AI will generate suggested images instantaneously. Both of these tools have proven to be extremely useful, especially for social media content.

  • Video

My skills as a videographer are limited to filming my kid’s tee ball game, so I need all the help I can get. Have an idea in your head but don’t have the time or film crew to make it a reality? Platforms like Runway can help bring your ideas to life with text-to-video AI-generation. Runway allows users to type in a description of the video footage they’d like to see, and the program generates it on the spot. Other platforms like Fliki can help marketers create a narrated and captioned how-to video that’s ready for the bank’s website or social media in minutes.

  • Headshots

In community banking, our people are our greatest asset. However, it can be tough to keep up with current staff headshots to use in marketing materials. AI apps like Fotor can help. With submission of some current casual photos of your staff members, Fotor can spit out 40 or more professional headshots at a cost that’s likely less than a professional photographer’s studio fee.

  • Presentations

Need an eye-catching presentation in a flash? Platforms like Tome can help build presentations with a simple description of your subject matter.

AI technology is moving even faster than the community banks who stay on the bleeding edge of new technologies. While it can be hard to keep up, AI can provide bank marketers with the tools to be more efficient and effective in their positions. Who knows, one of the platforms mentioned above could be a game changer in your daily work life.

Moran is marketing director at Wolf River Community Bank, Greenville, and vice chair of the 2023–2024 WBA Marketing Committee.

September 26, 2023/by Hannah Flanders
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Network-scaled.jpeg 1067 2560 Hannah Flanders https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Hannah Flanders2023-09-26 08:31:022023-09-26 08:31:02Strategic Connections: Tapping into the Power of AI for Bank Marketing
Page 1 of 212
Search Search

Categories

  • Advocacy
  • Community
  • Compliance
  • Credit Unions
  • Education
  • Member News
  • News
  • Products
  • Resources
  • Uncategorized

Recent Posts

  • Chair’s Column — Relevance in a Changing World: A Vision for Community Banks and WBA
  • Associated Bank Adds Chris Sager as Senior Vice President, Private Banking Group, Manager of Professional Services
  • North Shore Bank Pewaukee Parking Lot Initiative Raises Funds for the Pewaukee Predators’ Girls Select Fast Pitch Softball Program
  • Inside the Fight Against Fraud: Highlights From WBA’s First Fraud Summit
  • Association Update: Staying Relevant in a Rapidly Changing Industry

Archives

  • July 2025
  • June 2025
  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • November 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • June 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • January 2018
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • August 2016
Wisconsin Bankers Association logo
  • About
  • Community
  • Subsidiaries
  • Staff

questions@wisbank.com

608-441-1200

4721 S Biltmore Ln.
Madison, WI 53718

Get our Newsletter!
Subscribe

© 2025 Wisconsin Bankers Association. All rights reserved. | Website Design by Bizzy Bizzy
Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

OKLearn more×

Cookie and Privacy Settings



How we use cookies

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

Essential Website Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

Other external services

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

Privacy Policy

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

Terms of Use
Accept settingsHide notification only

Subscribe

* indicates required








Membership