As the end of the year is approaching, many credit unions have little remaining in their marketing budget. However, there are some great low cost, quick, and effective marketing initiatives that credit unions can employ to make the most out of the final days of 2018.

Email Marketing

Email marketing remains one of the most important and effective forms of communication for a credit union. Maintaining contact with clients and customers is necessary, and an email list is one of the greatest possible assets an organization can have. The most effective email marketing programs will contain a combination of dedicated email blasts, where the entire email focuses on a single promotion or call to action, and regularly scheduled newsletters that highlight multiple items or calls to action. Email marketing can be done inexpensively or even for free with certain email providers.

Social Media 

Social media has become a prominent fixture in the modern world. It’s so pervasive that many people can not go a few hours without looking at it. Needless to say, social media can be a great tool to help credit unions reach their members and communities. The two most commonly used social media platforms are Facebook and Instagram. Facebook and Instagram also happen to be the most useful for today’s credit union. 

Facebook offers profile pages for businesses, musicians, and public figures. Facebook users can post links, blog posts, promotions, funny images and generally anything that connects with their target audience. Credit unions can use Facebook to get the word out about new offers or locations, or to feature star staff or members. It’s also possible to buy targeted advertising to show your message to any specific demographic or personality type.

Next, Instagram is a platform where users share photos that can be tagged, organized and searched for. They also offer businesses the ability to promote their posts with ads. A credit union could utilize Instagram to show photos of young people reaching their goals of buying homes or cars, or to educate the public about new lending technologies like GrooveCar Direct. Post photos and videos of community outreach events with the locals in your area. On Instagram, you want to show that you are fun, friendly, and in-touch.

In-Branch Conversations

While there’s so many great ways to market a credit union digitally on the internet, there’s nothing better than a good old fashioned, in-person conversation. Being able to look into a client’s eyes establishes a connection and rapport that just can’t happen online. What better way for a credit union to show off and turn people on to new innovative platforms, like GrooveCar Direct, than with in-person dialogue. When promoting digital platforms, it can be helpful to demonstrate the technology on a tablet. That way the member can see it in action, touch it, and operate it on their own. After a great experience that leaves the member feeling positive, they will take that feeling with them and draw others to the credit union for the same fellowship. 

Marketing doesn’t have to eat up a ton of money. Sometimes the simplest, most universal methods are the best way to get the word out. Methods that are available to anyone and everyone can help credit unions save cash while still connecting and building trust with the communities they serve.