Despite the fact that most people nowadays use financial services online, banks and credit unions often have the need to expand and open new branches in different locations. Undoubtedly, it’s vital for the customers to have a physical connection to their financial institution if nothing else to get the sense of security that an actual person can help them with their queries. Offering a valuable and accessible branch should provide the credit union with loyal customers. And what is the best way to spread the word about a new branch opening? – Through the Internet, of course. Although many would like to physically go to the credit union they would first go online to look for the nearest branch to visit.
For that reason, we are here to present some of the best promotion strategies for your new branch opening.
Create a Location Page for Your Branch
One of the best ways to promote your branch online is to use the power of local SEO and optimize your website for search engines. We have already pointed out before that local SEO is the most important aspect of any credit union website’s digital marketing strategy, so why not take advantage of it. Not only should you optimize your website entirely, but you should also create a specific page dedicated to your new local branch.
In order to optimize that page make sure to include the address of the branch, contact number, images of the location, and the working hours together with the branch manager. In this way, your customers will be well informed on how and when they are able to reach your branch thus building their trust in your credit union.
Apart from this essential information, feel free to add any information that would be useful to any potential customers.
Set up Local Listings on Google My Business
The next step in the promotion strategy of your new branch is setting up a local listing in your Google My Business profile. That is if you have already registered there and have your main branch address listed there. If that’s not the case, setting up a profile on Google My Business should be your top priority. And make sure to list all your branches there.
Moreover, you should optimize each listing by providing as many details as possible starting from the address, contact information, hours of operation, website link, and of course images from each branch. Don’t forget to provide a brief description of your business, the products and services you offer, and any points that separate you from the competition.
Use Google Ads For Your New Branch Promotion
With its power to specifically target the audience you need, Google Ads is a platform that can do wonders for your promotion strategy. When used properly you are able to reach your potential customers in the area where you are opening the new branch. And the process is simple, all you need to do is create ads that announce the grand opening of your branch, the specific services or products you will offer there, and set them up for region-specific ad groups. By doing so, you may attract customers that are looking to switch credit unions or would like to take advantage of some new incentives or discounts.
Social Media Marketing
Next to Google Ads and SEO, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media networks are perfect for any type of promotion strategy. Especially if you are planning to launch an event for the branch opening. Use your Facebook page to announce the event and create a buzz around it. It goes without saying that you should create an event where you can provide all the details about the new branch opening and then share it with your followers and into different relevant groups. The same can be done on LinkedIn, a social media network that is mostly used professionally. It is likely that most of your business partners will be there and get the chance to connect with you.
Email Marketing
Simple as it sounds, creating an email marketing campaign can be a convenient way to inform your existing and potential customers about the new branch opening. This is a very useful marketing tool that almost every company uses and the best thing about it is that you can easily target customers nearby.
Content Marketing
Creating well-optimized content on your credit union website can help you rank higher on search engines for the relevant keywords. Based on that, if you publish blog articles and news with geo-specific keywords your entire credit union website will perform better and rank higher. As a result, people will be able to learn about your credit union and new branches quickly after opening them.
Use Traditional Media Channels
Let’s not forget the fact that not everyone is looking for a new credit union or need credit union services at all time. Therefore you should think about ways you can reach the audience that isn’t online browsing through search engines for a credit union. Here is where traditional marketing strategies come into play through the use of radio ads or billboards.
Grand Opening Event
Organizing a promotional event in the form of a grand opening is a must when opening a new branch. People like socializing through events, but even more, they like getting gifts and discounts. Consider offering different types of contests, giveaways, prizes, and perks at the grand opening and this will increase your event attendance which will result in a bigger number of potential customers.
Lead Generation
This type of grand opening is another form of lead generation. Think about the number of potential customers you will receive from the event if they leave their email addresses, contact numbers, and their consent to reach out to them with various promotional offers.
Direct Mail
Finally, there is no harm in notifying people about your new branch opening through well-designed postcards or flyers sent directly to them by mail. Although this activity isn’t cheap, there are some methods that will allow you to save some money. For example, you can add inserts to their monthly statements or use every door direct mail.
To sum up, creating a promotion strategy for your new branch opening is not always an easy task and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Entering a new market or expanding your services to a new location means a new beginning for your credit union and it is important to leave a good impression on the community. It’s of primary importance to build brand awareness and make people hear about you and above all spark their interest in your credit union.
