Whether you’re new to the digital space or looking to refine your existing strategy, we’re thrilled you’ve found your way here.
As the digital landscape continually evolves, so does the need for Credit Unions to adapt their marketing strategies. The rise of digital banking, mobile apps, and online transactions have shifted how members interact with their Credit Unions. So, how do you meet members where they are and still deliver the personable service Credit Unions are known for?
Fear not, dear reader. That’s why we’ve created this essential guide to digital marketing for Credit Unions.
SEO: It’s Not as Scary as You Think
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is all about being found by the people who matter most—your members. When done right, SEO can help your Credit Union show up in search engine results when people look for the services you offer. It’s about being the friendly face that pops up, waving at them saying, “Hi there! Looking for a Credit Union? We’ve got you covered.”
Recommended Tools
Google Analytics: This is a must-have tool for any website. It gives you a deep understanding of your website’s traffic, user behavior, and conversions.
Google Search Console: This tool provides insights into your site’s search performance, index coverage, and it alerts you to any issues that Google’s crawler encounters.
SEMrush: A comprehensive SEO tool that provides data on keywords, backlinks, site audits, competitor analysis, and more.
Ahrefs: A similar tool to SEMrush. It’s particularly known for its backlink analysis capabilities, but also provides keyword research, rank tracking, and site audits.
Ubersuggest: This tool, developed by Neil Patel, provides keyword suggestions, content ideas, site audit reports, and more.
Content Marketing: Let’s Get Chatty
Content marketing is about starting a conversation with your members and providing value to them through insightful, relevant content. This might include blog posts about financial literacy, email newsletters sharing community events, or even webinars on home buying. Content marketing is like that helpful friend who always has good advice—they’re always there when you need them, and they never let you down.
Recommended Tools
HubSpot: HubSpot offers a full platform of marketing, sales, customer service, and CRM software, including content creation, SEO, social media, and analytics.
CoSchedule: CoSchedule’s Headline Analyzer can help you craft compelling headlines for your content, while their marketing suite helps manage and collaborate on your overall content schedule.
Canva: Canva is an easy-to-use design tool for creating visually appealing content, from infographics to social media posts.
Mailchimp: Mailchimp offers email marketing tools that are critical for distributing content and nurturing leads.
Contently: Contently is a platform that connects brands with freelance content creators and provides tools to manage content production.
Email Marketing: More Than Just “Hello”
Email marketing is a fantastic way to build relationships with your members. Send out personalized messages, give them the inside scoop on your latest services, or just check in to say “hello”. Remember, it’s not about spamming your members—it’s about creating a meaningful dialogue that shows them you value their membership and their financial success.
Recommended Tools
Mailchimp: Mailchimp is a comprehensive email marketing tool that also offers automation, landing pages, and CRM functionalities.
Constant Contact: This is a user-friendly email marketing platform that also provides social ads, Google ads, and website builder tools.
GetResponse: This tool combines email marketing with landing pages, webinars, and CRM functionalities.
Campaign Monitor: Campaign Monitor is a simple and elegant email marketing tool, with a drag-and-drop email builder, automation, and analytics.
AWeber: AWeber offers email marketing services with a focus on small businesses, including email newsletters, automation, landing pages, and web push notifications.
Social Media Marketing: Get Social, Stay Personable
Social media is a powerful tool to engage your members on a more personal level. It’s a space to share the human side of your Credit Union—community involvement, member success stories, team spotlights, and yes, even the occasional funny meme. Use these platforms to engage in two-way communication with your members. It’s like hosting a neighborhood BBQ, where everyone’s invited!
Recommended Tools
Hootsuite: Hootsuite allows you to manage multiple social networks in one place, schedule posts in advance, track your performance, and more.
Buffer: Buffer is a simpler tool that also lets you schedule, publish, and analyze all your posts in one place.
Sprout Social: This comprehensive social media management tool allows for scheduling, monitoring, and reporting across various platforms.
CoSchedule: CoSchedule is a family of agile marketing tools that includes social media scheduling.
MeetEdgar: This tool automates content creation and sharing on your social networks.
Paid Ads: Your Digital Billboard
Paid advertising is like a digital billboard, but way better! It can reach your members wherever they are online, whether that’s browsing their favorite news site, scrolling through Facebook, or searching for financial advice on Google. And the best part? You can target your ads to the members who are most likely to be interested in your services.
Recommended Tools
Google Ads: Google’s platform lets you create and manage ad campaigns on Google’s search results and other properties.
Facebook Ads Manager: This is the main tool for creating and managing ads on Facebook and Instagram.
Outbrain: Outbrain is a native advertising platform that lets you reach audiences through high-quality content recommendations on top media outlets.
Quora Ads: Quora’s advertising platform lets you reach its community of knowledge seekers with your ads.
