Umpqua Bank Unveils New Branch That’s a ‘Neighborhood Store’
Umpqua Bank opened what it describes as a “boutique store” last month in Northwest Portland, Oregon. Umpqua calls the 1,385-square-foot store its first “neighborhood store” offering “banking, innovation and a place to connect with the community” to both businesses and the general public. Umpqua’s says it wants its stores to feel like neighborhood hubs. “Every […]
12 Technology Trends Shaping Financial Marketing
Here are some of the major innovations and significant online/technology trends that financial marketers should watch in the coming years. (Please note: This is by no means intended to be a comprehensive or definitive list.) What do you think will be a major trend shaping financial marketing in 2010 and beyond? Please leave your thoughts […]
Portfolio: Marshmellow Rocks, Swap a Solid, Mr. HIV
Here is a unique portfolio of advertising campaigns coming from creative financial marketers from around the world.
Commerzbank Blends Brands Following Merger
“A strong company needs a strong brand.” — Commerzbank When the third-largest bank in Germany merged with the second-largest, it left a big question: What to do about the brands? Easy. Pair the logo from one with the name and color of the other, and…whammy! You have a new brand that, well, actually works pretty […]
A Simple Competitive Recon Tactic in Retail Banking
Bankers want to know what the customer experience is (and should be) like, especially amidst other banking competitors.
Vantage CU’s Twitter 2.0 Banking Breakthrough
A few banks enjoyed success offering Twitter customer service, but most struggled to integrate the social media tool into their marketing.
Creative Showcase: A Blast From the Past
In honor of the new season of Mad Men, here's a showcase of financial ads. You'll notice how few of the ads targeted consumers.
Creative Showcase: Fairies, Fights and Microsites
Check out Bank of America's 'Keep Moving Forward' campaign, ING's 'Planet Orange', Dropthebank.com and much more.
Notably Quotable: Anger, Blame and Dynamite
Get a peek into how banking customers feel about their primary bank or credit union — how they actually feel.
Time Capsule: ‘Bank of the Future’ From 1973
When financial marketers were envisioning the 'bank of the future', did it look any different from what it turned out to look like?
How To: Twitter for Banks & Credit Unions
Everywhere you turn, it seems people are talking about Twitter. Sure, you hear a lot of hype about how “you need to get on Twitter!” But there isn’t much in the way of practical, actionable advice. Why is Twitter important? Who is using it? And what for? How do you get started? Find out in […]
Trend Alert: Online Financial Makeover Reality Contests
This year, credit unions across the country are offering “savings challenges,” reality-based contests in which selected finalists compete to achieve specific savings and debt reduction goals (see 8 examples below). Participants work with a financial planner on a set of realistic yet ambitious financial goals. Over the next 10-12 months, their ongoing progress is made […]
Credit Union Core Values: Any Different Than Banks?
Generally speaking, banks and credit unions see pretty much eye-to-eye on their basic core values. But, does that translate in branding?
Core Values: Do All Banks Really Believe the Same Thing?
If all banks pretty much share and believe in the same core values, then what good are they? What differentiates one bank from another?
HSBC’s First Direct Has a Little Black Book
Now closed, HSBC launched a Little Black Book for customers to post reviews of the bank in a strategy to keep customers happy.
It’s Official: UNCB’s ‘Gold Café’ Branches Are Gone
Since April 2006, Union National Community Bank’s Gold Cafés were heralded widely around the financial industry as a fresh innovation in branch design. The concept was a revolutionary combination: one part bank branch, one part upscale, fully-functioning café. There were espresso drinks, smoothies, menus, patio seating, checking accounts, loans, and even “financial baristas.” The Financial […]
Westpac Rolls Out Free Checking with “Truth Pod”
There is no better way to figure out what bugs and surprises customers than hitting the streets and asking.
Is It a Branch? Or a Store? It’s Deutsche Bank’s Q110
Deutsche Bank built a revolutionary branch prototype back in 2005, something it named Q110. Besides being a gorgeous architectural statement, the branch is one of the most progressive you’ll see anywhere in the world, combining most — if not all — of the latest ideas and newest innovations in financial retailing. Before you read any […]
Aussie Brokerage Rocks the Beatles With Slick Marketing Website
CommSec claims to be the first and only bank enabling Australians to get both cash and investment accounts in a single view with one login.
Umpqua Bank’s Branch of the Future
The much-admired Umpqua Bank has created this fascinating video depicting one possible vision of the (very near?) future of financial services. Take a look: What’s particularly interesting about the video is the absence of narration. It gives the viewer credit, and lets us fill in any missing pieces with our imagination. The video engages you […]
Why a “Happy Banking” Campaign Isn’t Such a Bad Thing
A new marketing campaign from BankWest is showing just how happiness is a great way to spread the message of banking.
Wanted: Marketing People. Also, Donuts.
Financial marketers can be building your brand with everything you say and everything you do, including your help-wanted ads.
