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Tag Archive for: Marketing

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Strategic Connections: Lights, Camera, Community: Easy DIY Video Tips for Bank Marketers

Lauren Moran

By Lauren Moran

As community bank marketers, we wear lots of hats — often juggling design, social media, events, and strategy as a team of one, two, or maybe a few if we’re lucky. The idea of adding video to the mix can feel overwhelming. But video doesn’t have to mean big budgets, professional crews, or complicated editing. With a smartphone, a few simple tools, and a strategy focused on authenticity, you can create meaningful video content that boosts your brand and connects with your community.

Why Video Works for Banks
Video builds trust, communicates quickly, and adds personality to your brand. Social media platforms prioritize it because users like, share and watch more. An Invesp report showed that video posts get 48% more views and are shared 1,200% more than text-and-image content. Website visitors also spend 2.6 times longer on pages with video. In a scroll-heavy world, video helps your message stand out and stick.

Start Simple: Equipment You Likely Already Have
You don’t need a fancy setup to get started. A smartphone with a good camera (most iPhones or Androids from the last three–five years will do) is enough to shoot high-quality video. To improve audio quality — a crucial part of video—invest in a clip-on lavalier microphone that pairs with your phone ($20–$30 on Amazon). Good lighting is another quick win: filming near a window during daylight hours or using an inexpensive ring light can dramatically enhance your footage.
A small tripod or phone stabilizer keeps your shots steady, especially for sit-down interviews or event coverage. Many tripods now come with Bluetooth remotes, making it easy to start recording without touching the phone.

Easy Editing with Free or Low-Cost Tools
Once you have your footage, editing is where the magic happens—and it’s easy with beginner-friendly apps like CapCut, InShot, or iMovie (on iPhones). Canva also offers video editing tools to add branding, text overlays, transitions, and music, plus pre-sized templates for social posts, Reels, and Stories. Don’t forget to add captions, as many viewers watch videos muted. Before you publish, always preview your video on desktop and mobile to ensure it fits and reads well on all screens.

Content Ideas That Work
You don’t always need a script — just a plan. Think bite-sized, engaging, and relevant to your audience. Need help mapping it out? Use tools like ChatGPT or CoPilot to turn your ideas into a step-by-step storyboard or outline.
Here are a few DIY video ideas that are perfect for a small marketing team:
• Event recap or bank sponsorship highlights
• Fraud or financial tips from your in-house experts
• Customer testimonials
• Employee spotlights (these can help with your recruiting efforts!)

Congrats, You Made a Video! … Now What?
You don’t need to go viral — just stay visible. You can get a lot of mileage out of every video — post them on your bank’s social media pages and ask your staff to help spread the word, add them to your website, email campaigns and in-branch digital signage.
Aim for consistency over perfection — one video a month can make a difference.

And … ACTION!
DIY video production isn’t just possible — it’s powerful. In a relationship-driven industry like banking, authentic video builds trust, showcases your community impact, and keeps your brand top of mind. With a smartphone, a mic, and a little creativity, even small teams can produce big results.

Moran, AVP – marketing at Wolf River Community Bank, serves on the 2025–2026 WBA Marketing Committee as Past Chair.

September 26, 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 Reiser2025-09-26 07:19:112025-09-26 07:19:11Strategic Connections: Lights, Camera, Community: Easy DIY Video Tips for Bank Marketers
Member News, News

Strategic Connections: The Power of Intentional Networking

By Josh Effinger

Josh Effinger

Networking is a great tool for sales focused teams to acquire new business, but it’s also important to instill that culture into everyone in the organization, especially the marketing department. When you make networking intentional, it connects you to fresh ideas, local partnerships, and peer support. It can also align the marketing and sales teams to work better together.

1. Network with Your Own Team
Developing powerful relationships with your front-line colleagues will give you valuable insights from those working directly with the customers. They know what drives sales, generates interest, and what questions or pain points are trending.

•  Attend internal meetings outside your focus
•  Go on a sales or service call with a banker
•  Network directly with customers and find ways to provide extra value for them and leverage that time to get testimonials and feedback

Regularly connecting will give you real time feedback on marketing initiatives. It will also help align messaging and strategy across departments throughout the bank.

2. External Networking
Networking outside of the bank is an opportunity for marketing professionals to build their network and get more out of their marketing budget.

•  Attend events hosted by your local Chamber of Commerce, small business alliances, or other community organizations
•  Get involved by joining a committee or board of directors for a local organization, event or non-profit
•  Connect regularly with other marketing peers to collaborate on ideas
•  Practice a “sales” mentality on behalf of the bank by asking for business

Networking allows you to grow both personally and professionally. The more you network, the more effectively you can position your institution for growth.

For a marketing professional at a community bank, the value of strong relationships cannot be overstated. Building connections within your own team fosters collaboration and alignment, while external networking opens doors to new ideas, partnerships, and opportunities. Intentionally investing in networking can lay the foundation for both personal development and the long-term strength of your bank’s marketing efforts.

Josh Effinger is marketing officer at Ixonia Bank and member of the 2025–2026 WBA Marketing Committee.

July 28, 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 Reiser2025-07-28 08:02:002025-07-28 08:02:00Strategic Connections: The Power of Intentional Networking
Member News, News, Uncategorized

Committee Chair Spotlight: Get to Know WBA’s 2025–2026 Marketing Committee Chair Kathy Rolfs

Kathy Rolfs

Kathy Rolfs, VP/Chief Marketing & Communications Officer with PremierBank, is the newly appointed chair of the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) Marketing Committee.

As steps into her new role, WBA asked her a few questions to help members learn more about her.

Can you share a bit about your experience in banking?

My path into banking was a bit unconventional. After graduating from UW–Madison, I began my career at an ad agency. One of my clients was a successful, fast-growing De Novo bank, and I had the opportunity to work directly with its CEO who became a mentor and great friend! As a young college grad without a finance background, in the beginning, I asked a lot of questions to be successful in the public relations and marketing efforts I was hired to do. Fortunately, he was a kind and patient mentor who appreciated my storytelling skills and valued that I wasn’t afraid to challenge traditional marketing strategies and often pitched public relations-focused ideas and marketing initiatives that worked! Eventually, he created a new position and offered me a role at his bank, and I became their first Director of Marketing. About ten years later, we were acquired by an out-of-state regional bank. That experience gave me firsthand insight into the merger process, knowledge that proved valuable when the next community bank I worked for also merged with a larger institution.

I’m now with PremierBank, one of Wisconsin’s first federally chartered banks, founded in the 1860s. It’s been interesting to serve both ends of the spectrum, from being part of a De Novo team of all new employees, to joining a bank that has been around almost as long as the town it was formed in, serving generations of families, with many legacy employees who have served in their roles for decades. Each has its own strengths, and I count myself lucky to experience both types of institutions.

Despite the unexpected twists and economic ups and downs along the way, I’ve found my banking career path to be incredibly rewarding. It’s deeply satisfying to see the real impact our work has in helping people achieve their goals and dreams. And, the constantly changing duties that fall under a bank’s marketing realm keeps the job both challenging and interesting.

What you are looking forward to most during the year ahead as chair of the WBA Marketing Committee?

We have a strong committee made up of both experienced bank marketers and those new to the industry. It’s always a treat to gather in person at the WBA office and build community; I look forward to each quarterly meeting where we share insights, exchange ideas about vendors, and learn from one another about a myriad of topics that impact each of us. This year, it’s especially exciting to have a diverse range of bank sizes represented. I am committed to keeping the strong momentum established by the talented chairs who came before me.

Your favorite quote?

“Don’t count the people that you reach, reach the people who count.” – David Ogilvy

Your favorite podcast or binge-worthy series?

I’ve been listening to “Here’s Where it Gets Interesting” lately after reading the recent NYT bestseller, The Small and the Mighty. The author/podcaster is super interesting (at least to me)!

“When I am not at work, you can find me…”

Hanging out with my family; reading or at a book club; walking out in nature; or baking sourdough bread (my newest hobby).

July 17, 2025/by Katie Reiser
https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Untitled-3_Blue.jpg 972 1920 Katie Reiser https://www.wisbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Wisconsin-Bankers-Association-logo.svg Katie Reiser2025-07-17 08:01:192025-07-17 08:48:25Committee Chair Spotlight: Get to Know WBA’s 2025–2026 Marketing Committee Chair Kathy Rolfs
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
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