10 Best Practices to Keep Your Credit Union’s Website from Being a Digital Dinosaur

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Credit Union Website Development

Your credit union’s website is often the first impression potential members get of your organization. In today’s digital-first world, it’s more than just a place to host basic information; it’s a crucial member engagement tool. A well-designed website can guide users effortlessly through their financial journeys, from exploring products to completing loan applications or managing their accounts.

The competition for attention online is fierce, and members have high expectations when it comes to speed, convenience, and personalization. If your website doesn’t deliver a seamless experience, members will turn to more agile alternatives. That’s why it’s essential to ensure that your credit union’s website is modern, functional, and optimized to meet member needs.

1. Simplified, Intuitive Navigation
Your site’s navigation should be easy to understand and use, with a logical structure that prioritizes essential functions like account access, loan applications, and contact information. Don’t clutter your menus with unnecessary pages. Keep it simple—less is often more when it comes to helping your members find what they need quickly and efficiently.


2. Mobile-First Design
Mobile traffic continues to dominate, and with more members accessing your site from their phones, a mobile-first design is critical. Your site should be fully optimized for mobile devices, meaning more than just shrinking content to fit smaller screens. It should offer seamless navigation, fast load times, and an intuitive interface designed specifically for mobile users.


3. Streamlined Application Process
Nothing frustrates a potential member more than a complicated or lengthy application process. Break your loan and membership applications into easy, digestible steps. Eliminate unnecessary fields and offer features like auto-fill to simplify data entry. A streamlined application process can drastically reduce abandonment rates and improve conversions.


4. Personalized Member Experience
Personalization is key. Credit unions need to leverage data to offer tailored content and recommendations. By analyzing member behavior, you can provide relevant information, such as suggesting a loan product when someone browses mortgage rates or showcasing financial education resources based on previous searches. This personalized approach not only improves the user experience but also fosters deeper engagement and loyalty.


5. Fast Load Times
Slow-loading websites are a deal-breaker in today’s digital world. Optimize your site’s load time across all devices by compressing images, reducing server requests, and leveraging browser caching. Members expect a fast, seamless experience—especially on mobile—so make sure your website is built for speed.


6. ADA Compliance
Accessibility is not just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. Your site should comply with the latest ADA standards, ensuring it’s usable for all members, including those with disabilities. Features like screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and proper color contrast not only broaden your reach but also help avoid potential legal risks.


7. SEO Optimization
Search engines are getting smarter, and your SEO game needs to follow suit. Ensure that your website is optimized with up-to-date SEO practices such as keyword research, optimized meta tags, and rich snippets. Also, focus on local SEO to capture members in your credit union’s geographic area, improving both visibility and search rankings.


8. Content Strategy with Value
Offering valuable, educational content can significantly boost member engagement. Think beyond blog posts—provide calculators, financial literacy resources, and tools that empower your members to make informed decisions. Members who find your content helpful are more likely to return and view your credit union as a trusted advisor.


9. Secure and Trustworthy
In an age of increasing cyber threats, your website must convey security and trustworthiness. Make sure your site is equipped with the latest security measures, including SSL encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure payment gateways. Displaying trust symbols like SSL certificates and regularly updating security features can instill confidence in your members.


10. Engaging, Modern Design
A clean, modern design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about functionality, trust, and user experience. Your website should reflect your brand, be visually appealing, and incorporate elements like engaging visuals and member testimonials. A fresh, professional look helps reinforce your credit union’s credibility and leaves a positive impression on visitors.

These best practices are critical in building a website that not only looks good but also performs well in terms of engagement, conversions, and member satisfaction. Ready to take your credit union’s website to the next level? Reach out to us for a website audit, and let us help you create a site that drives growth, builds loyalty, and sets you apart from the competition!

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Mandy Garman headshot

Mandy Garman

Graphic Designer

Meet Mandy, one of YMC’s in-house Graphic Designer phenoms! Honing her craft from an early age, Mandy constantly strives to innovate design and refine her artistic techniques. An avid believer in “quality over quantity,” she feels right at home with YMC’s focus on details and dedication to providing unique strategies. In fact, her marketing philosophy reflects this drive for excellence and commitment to substantial work, “Brand consistency is key for all marketing materials. Also, I believe less is more in graphic design. White space is your friend, and the logo does not always need to be the main focal point.”

A Nashville native, Mandy is intimately familiar with the profound effects of great art and stellar design. Especially influenced by the city’s music scene, one of her lifelong ambitions – besides trips to Italy and Japan – is to professionally create album covers. When she isn’t practicing her craft, you might catch her out and about enjoying matcha boba tea or at her favorite dining establishment: Mas Tacos. That, or obsessing over her Persian cat, Benny!

Reh Harvey

Vice President of Digital Strategy

Reh Harvey, our Vice President of Digital Strategy, leads with diligence and fervor. Having previously been a member of Team YMC, he is excited to return to such an amazing culture and even more amazing people (his words)! Through his experience in the marketing world, he’s found the key to success is to stay on the cutting edge and to always keep evolving.
 
Although originally drawn to marketing for its lack of math, Reh now finds himself doing more math than he would’ve bargained for. But his self discipline and positive attitude make it easy for him to laugh and take it in stride. Hoping to one day visit Japan and enjoy some premium Sushi, Reh lives life by his creed: Be a good human. Do good work. And above all, just keep going.

Hailey Madej

Graphic Designer

As YMC’s in-house Graphic Designer, Hailey possesses an eye for detail and a drive to innovate. It’s no surprise though since being creative runs in the family! Inspired from an early age by her mom’s work as a Graphic Designer, Hailey is a seasoned expert whose talents bring vitality and accessibility to every project. As a UX/UI designer, she expertly blends the intuitive and the creative for all to enjoy.
 
In addition to the occasional freelance project, Hailey also lends her abilities to supporting art initiatives within her community, such as the Belleville Mural Project. Her favorite aspect of joining the YMC team is the friendly, uplifting culture and breadth of design tasks. When it comes to marketing, she believes in pushing boundaries and maybe breaking some rules to capture her audience’s attention. Her advice to those just starting out? “Always seek quality over quantity.”

Dexter Ochoa

Development Assistant

When it comes to blending logical thinking and creative problem solving, Dexter’s abilities are undeniable! Beginning his career as a Web Developer, he’s no stranger to the wide world of Marketing and Advertising. Calling Biñan City in the Philippines home, Dexter has a burning desire to visit the Alpine peaks and valleys of Switzerland. While that journey may be far off, he is still no stranger to international travel. While visiting Japan, he was able to enjoy his favorite delicacy: Sushi and Sashimi. He also learned unexpected facts about Japanese Yen, specifically that it has special markings for the blind to know its value!

Whether he’s enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning or the occasional Pale Pilsen in the evening, Dexter is eager to work with the talented professionals of YMC, and we’re just as eager to add his talent to the team as well! His marketing words of wisdom? “Be creative, and just do what you want!”

Andrew Wyche

Copywriter

Hailing from the NC state capital (that’s Raleigh if you didn’t know), Andrew is YMC’s Copywriter extraordinaire. That’s why he knows that “The verb form of ‘reconnaissance’ is ‘reconnoiter.’ The former is, strictly speaking, a noun.” Seriously, he knows his words and he’ll use those words to get bold and weird (in a good way) with his copy. Fuelled by a love for pasta, shellfish, a good single malt, or a meal consisting of all three, Andrew navigates life with a motto engraved in his heart: “Choose kindness. Always.” It is this guiding principle that has led him to explore the realm of marketing, driven by a desire to connect with people in meaningful ways. As he continues to chase his dreams, one bucket list item stands out above the rest – a pilgrimage to Scotland. With his heart set on adventure and his pen poised for creativity, Andrew’s journey is far from over.

Alex VanHaasteren

Senior Web Developer

Alex is YMC’s Senior Web Developer and, as the title suggests, she is an absolute pro! While she initially started in graphic design – working long and hard to expertly bring concepts to life – she also felt drawn to technology and applying her natural ability to problem solve. Web Development proved the perfect blend of her creative passion and technical savvy.

When Alex is out with friends – including her YMC colleagues – she’s up for Greek cuisine or some good pulled pork BBQ washed down with Diet Coke. Or an Old Fashioned, if the occasion demands. Someday, she hopes to go to Africa on a safari. Hopefully she’ll see a giraffe in the wild, because – as she’s pointed out – its neck is too short to reach the ground!

When she isn’t jamming out to T-Swift, she’s happy to impart some marketing words of wisdom, “Aim to create something unforgettable.” For day-to-day inspiration, she would remind you of two fundamental truths: You decide your happiness, and Ice cream is its own food group—not just a dessert.

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