Digital Must-Dos: 3 End of Year Essential Digital Marketing Tasks for Your Credit Union

Digital Must-Dos: 3 End of Year Essential Digital Marketing Tasks for Your Credit Union Digital Must-Dos: 3 End of Year Essential Digital Marketing Tasks for Your Credit Union As the year draws to a close, credit unions have a prime opportunity to assess their digital marketing strategies and make necessary adjustments for the upcoming year. Let’s explore three essential digital marketing tasks that you should prioritize before the year ends. These tasks are designed to enhance online visibility, engage audiences effectively, and set the stage for a successful digital marketing strategy in the year ahead. Year-End Content Audit and Refresh: When was the last time that you took a look at the content on your website? Is it outdated? Is it relevant? Is it searchable?  These are all questions that you should be asking yourself as you audit your credit union’s content strategy.  Whether it is your website, your blog posts, your social media or even your emails, taking a look at the evolution of the information that you have shared with your members this year will set you up for success in the new year.  What are the keywords that will help you stand out in this ever evolving digital landscape?  Are those keywords included on your website and in your SEO strategy?  How are you connecting the content on your website to your email and social strategy?  Evaluate the connectivity of your content strategy across all of your digital marketing platforms and you’ll be sure to set your credit union up for success in the new year.  Social Media Strategy Review and Optimization: Social media is a dynamic landscape, and it’s crucial to ensure that your strategy remains effective. Begin by reviewing your social media analytics from the past year. Identify the platforms that delivered the best results in terms of engagement, conversions, and audience growth.Consider any shifts in your target audience’s behavior or preferences and adjust your social media strategy accordingly. Explore new features or advertising options offered by platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or X.. Even TikTok could be a great place to add some fresh content to your social strategy. Consider investing in influencer marketing to expand your reach. Collaborating with influencers in your industry can provide a boost in credibility and help you tap into new audiences. Data Analysis and Performance Metrics Assessment: As a credit union, you can benefit significantly from tracking key digital marketing metrics to measure the effectiveness of your campaigns and strategies. Here are some of the most important digital marketing metrics that every credit union should be looking at: Website Traffic: – Metric: Unique Visitors, Pageviews, and Traffic Sources – Why it Matters: Monitoring website traffic provides insights into the popularity of your credit union’s online presence. Track the number of unique visitors, pageviews, and where your traffic is coming from to understand user behavior and optimize your website for better engagement. Conversion Rates: – Metric: Conversion Rate – Why it Matters: Conversion rates indicate how well your digital channels are performing in terms of turning visitors into members or customers. Track conversion rates for online applications, contact forms, or other desired actions to assess the effectiveness of your website and landing pages. Social Media Engagement: – Metrics: Likes, Shares, Comments, Click-through Rates – Why it Matters: Social media engagement metrics measure the effectiveness of your credit union’s social media presence. High engagement indicates that your content is resonating with your audience. Track likes, shares, comments, and click-through rates to understand which content is most effective. Email Marketing Metrics: – Metrics: Open Rate, Click-through Rate, Conversion Rate – Why it Matters: Email marketing remains a powerful tool for credit unions. Monitor open rates to gauge the effectiveness of your subject lines, click-through rates to measure engagement, and conversion rates to assess the success of your email campaigns in driving desired actions. Cost per Acquisition (CPA): – Metric: Cost per Acquisition – Why it Matters: CPA helps you understand how much it costs to acquire a new member or customer through your digital marketing efforts. It’s calculated by dividing the total campaign cost by the number of new acquisitions. Keeping CPA in check ensures efficient use of your marketing budget. **Return on Investment (ROI):** – **Metric:** Return on Investment – **Why it Matters:** ROI is a critical metric for assessing the overall effectiveness of your digital marketing campaigns. It calculates the return generated relative to the cost of the campaign. Knowing your ROI helps in optimizing marketing strategies and allocating resources to the most successful channels. Regularly monitoring and analyzing these six digital marketing metrics will provide your credit union with valuable insights to refine their strategies, enhance member engagement, and ultimately drive growth in the digital landscape. As the year comes to a close, taking the time to complete these three essential digital marketing tasks, along with exploring new content formats and automation tools, can significantly impact your business’s online presence and overall success. Conducting a content audit, optimizing your social media strategy, analyzing performance metrics, and embracing innovative approaches will position your credit union for a strong start in the new year. Embrace the digital landscape, adapt to evolving trends, and leverage data-driven insights to refine your digital marketing strategy for sustained growth and success in 2024.

Unleashing the Power of AI and Digital Marketing to Supercharge Credit Union Membership Growth

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In today’s digital age, credit unions face stiff competition in attracting and retaining members. The key to thriving in this environment is harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital marketing strategies. By combining the strength of AI-driven insights with targeted digital marketing campaigns, credit unions can not only expand their member base but also enhance member engagement and satisfaction. Let’s explore the remarkable synergy between AI and digital marketing and how they can be leveraged to foster credit union membership growth.       1. Data-Driven Personalization AI excels at processing vast amounts of data and deriving meaningful insights. Credit unions can use AI to analyze member data, transactions, and behaviors to understand their unique preferences and needs. This insight can be used to create personalized experiences, tailored product offerings, and relevant communications that resonate with individual members. By delivering what members want, credit unions can strengthen member loyalty and attract new members who value this personalized service. Imagine knowing the exact next best product for your member through the power of AI.        2. Chatbots and Virtual Assistants AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are transforming member interactions. These tools provide 24/7 support, answering common queries, assisting with account management, and even helping members apply for loans or open accounts. This not only enhances member satisfaction but also frees up credit union staff to focus on more complex and strategic tasks.      3. Predictive Analytics Predictive analytics, a subset of AI, can help credit unions anticipate member needs and behaviors. By analyzing historical data, AI can predict when a member might be in the market for a new loan or other financial products. Credit unions can use these insights to proactively reach out to members, offering solutions before they even realize they need them. Gone are the days of one size fits all marketing to your members.       4. Targeted Marketing Campaigns Digital marketing powered by AI allows credit unions to create highly targeted campaigns. By using member data and AI algorithms, credit unions can identify the right audience for specific products or services. This precision not only saves marketing budget but also ensures that marketing efforts are directed towards individuals who are more likely to convert, thus boosting member acquisition.      5. Automation for Member Onboarding The onboarding process is a critical touchpoint for credit unions. AI can streamline and automate the onboarding process, ensuring that new members have a seamless and convenient experience. Automated processes not only reduce administrative overhead but also leave a positive first impression, increasing the likelihood of new members sticking with the credit union.      6. Credit Scoring and Risk Assessment AI can improve credit unions’ risk assessment and lending decisions. By analyzing an applicant’s financial history, credit unions can make more accurate lending decisions. This reduces the risk of defaults and allows credit unions to serve a broader range of members, including those with unconventional credit histories.      7. Member Retention AI can help credit unions proactively identify members at risk of leaving and develop strategies to retain them. By monitoring behavior and engagement patterns, AI can trigger personalized retention efforts such as tailored offers, loyalty programs, or proactive issue resolution.      8. Security and Fraud Prevention In an age of increasing cyber threats, AI can strengthen security measures. Machine learning algorithms can identify unusual patterns and detect potential fraudulent activities in real-time, safeguarding members’ accounts and trust. Conclusion Incorporating AI and digital marketing strategies into credit union operations is no longer a choice but a necessity to stay competitive. The synergy between AI-driven insights and personalized digital marketing campaigns can significantly boost credit union membership growth while simultaneously enhancing member satisfaction and loyalty. By embracing the power of AI and digital marketing, credit unions can position themselves as modern, member-centric financial institutions ready to meet the needs of the digital age. This not only benefits the credit union but also ensures members receive top-notch financial services and support. The future of credit union membership growth is undoubtedly digital, and the time to invest in AI and digital marketing is now.

Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Optimizing Email in 2023

Email marketing is still one of the most effective ways to reach your target audience when it comes to effective credit union marketing. In fact, according to a study by HubSpot, email marketing has an average ROI of $38 for every $1 spent. But in order to be successful, you need to keep up with the latest trends. One of the biggest trends is personalization. Members are increasingly expecting personalized experiences from their credit union, and email is no exception. Credit unions can use personalization to tailor their emails to each individual recipient, which can lead to higher open rates, click-through rates, and conversions. For example, a credit union could personalize their emails by using the recipient’s name, or by including information about their account history. They could also use segmentation to target their emails to different groups of customers, such as new customers, existing customers, or customers who have shown an interest in certain products or services. Another important trend is automation. Automation can help credit unions save time and money on their email marketing campaigns. There are a number of email marketing automation tools available that can help credit unions send targeted emails based on subscriber behavior, segment their lists, and track results. For example, a credit union could use automation to send a welcome email to new members, or to send a reminder email to members who have an upcoming bill due or have shown interest in a specific product offered on their site. Finally, mobile is still king. More and more people are using their smartphones to access email, so it’s important for credit unions to make sure their emails are optimized for mobile devices. This includes using responsive design, keeping emails short and to the point, and using high-quality images. By following these trends, credit unions can ensure that their email marketing campaigns are effective and reach their target audience. Here are some additional tips for credit unions to improve their email marketing campaigns and stay on trend all at the same time: Email marketing can be a powerful tool for credit unions to reach their members and achieve their business goals when implementing their credit union marketing plans.

Mastering Social Media Analytics: Unleashing the Power of Above-Average Data

I recently had the pleasure of presenting some pretty impressive numbers to the marketing strategist team about our client credit union social media marketing. A few things that stood out in my discovery. If you take a look at the slide below you will see that YMC’s client credit union social media results are leaps and bounds above the national average for the financial industry. Why? When it comes to the YMC digital strategy we focus on two key things: relationships and personalization. Strong client relationships are a partnership built on trust and collaboration. Fostering strong client relationships is at the core of our approach. We understand that effective social media analytics is not just about crunching numbers; it’s about understanding your business goals and working closely with you to achieve them. YMC values open communication, actively listening to your needs and collaborating with you every step of the way. This level of partnership builds trust and ensures that the social media analytical insights provided to your credit union align perfectly with your unique requirements, leading to meaningful results and long-term success. When it comes to brand personalization, it’s all about connecting with your audience on a deeper level. In today’s crowded digital landscape, personalization is the key to capturing and retaining your audience’s attention. YMC recognizes this importance and leverages our social media analytics capabilities to help you personalize your credit union’s brand messaging and engagement strategies. We employ numerous persona tools to help us dig deep and get to know who your current members are and who you want to focus on adding to your audiences. By understanding your audience’s preferences, behaviors and sentiments, we enable you to create highly targeted and relevant content that resonates with your followers. This personalized approach strengthens your brand’s connection with its audience, driving higher engagement, loyalty and, ultimately, business growth. If that’s not enough, let’s talk about maximizing your ROI because we have to make every effort count. YMC’s digital strategy helps you optimize your marketing efforts for maximum impact. By tracking KPIs, or key performance indicators, and evaluating campaign effectiveness, we help you fine-tune your strategies, target the right audience segments, and ensure every piece of content delivers measurable results. It’s like having a secret formula that turns your marketing efforts into gold. By partnering with YMC and embracing the power of above-average social media analytics, you’re setting your credit union up for success in the ever-evolving world of social media and digital strategy. With superior data collection, actionable insights, customizable reporting, competitive analysis and ROI optimization, you can navigate the digital landscape with confidence and clarity. So, gear up and unlock the full potential of your online presence with YMC by your side. It’s time to master this digital universe and embark on a journey toward social media greatness.

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Robb Cribb

Marketing Strategist

Initially from the client side of YMC, Robb has taken the plunge into the world of marketing to provide his expertise as your strategist. With years of experience in the financial sector – both credit unions and banks – he says, “I didn’t pick the financial space. It picked me.” But what brings him to YMC is the same motivation that drew him to the credit union industry: making a difference in people’s lives and helping them achieve what they never imagined. Possessing a fighter’s spirit, he lives his life by the words of the Italian Stallion himself, Rocky Balboa, “You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”
 
Whether he’s talking shop over a client dinner or unwinding at the end of the week, Robb enjoys a nice cut of steak and a nicer pour of bourbon to wash it down. A straightforward yet no less refined pairing, this combination perfectly reflects his marketing philosophy that, sometimes, simple is much more impactful.

Sara Breckbill

Social Media Manager

Sara is YMC’s very own Social Media Manager, and she has the experience and know-how to take your social media presence to new heights. Since her first college course on social media marketing, she’s known, “This is something I could do, and be happy doing it!” Her three guiding principles in branding: consistency, relatability, and humor. She knows people remember things that make them laugh or make them feel seen, so it’s no surprise she excels at crafting strategic and engaging social media content. Her advice to young marketers is the same motto she lives her life by: Enjoy the journey! Collaborative and creative, she feels right at home at YMC.
 
In her downtime, Sara enjoys Japanese food, hot or iced coffee, and listening to her favorite singer-songwriters. Some day, she hopes to visit Niagara Falls in person, but in the meantime, she’s happy to enjoy the journey.
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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