There are ways you can step outside the box for innovative marketing ideas with financial institutions.
As a financial institution, you might think that your ways of marketing your services would need to be as airtight and precise as your business practices. In reality, you still have to be innovative and personable to get the word out to your target market. Tried and true ways of marketing your business---such as postcard mailers, print advertising and broadcast commercials---can work in your marketing mix, however, you may want to consider a few new ways to engage potential clients and members.
Networking and Member Organizations
Word of mouth has always been a leader in the marketing platform for getting your customers in the door. Use this concept by joining area business organizations and attending local events to mix and mingle with your potential clients. Keep your ideal customers in mind when choosing where you spend your time, but use this as the chance to relax and do a little relationship marketing. Groups to participate with would be after-hours business networking meetings, joining a charitable organization and sitting on a board or committee, or pairing up with other members of your institution to attend community festivals and events. These are ways where, in your natural volunteer and participatory element, you and your team can meet new people. You can mention your services in conversation or volunteer your institution to help out in ways that may arise such as using your location to host business meetings.
Trade Shows and Events
Set aside money in your marketing budget to exhibit at area trade shows, festivals and expos. These could be both at events that other businesses are attending to learn about your services or events that are open to the public. By setting up a table or expo booth, you can promote your ongoing promotions and even do on-the-spot financial consultations at your booth. You can hold drawings, open new accounts and distribute information about your entire brand, perhaps a new branch that is opening or new services you're rolling out.
Financial Family Challenge
A trend that has popped up in the age of reality television is the concept of hosting a family financial challenge competition. You can choose to partner with a broadcast station or just add it to your promotions and advertising campaign to track the progress. The basis of the family challenge is to select a set number of families all with varying financial circumstances and have either your separate branches or individuals within your staff work with them to get them financially fit as a result of your planning and financial management. The financial effects to some families recovering from recession turmoil can last for years to come. So your company can not only benefit in aiding families personally, but really soaking up some good publicity for being able to tackle such a daunting task. Either advertised route you take, the key is to showcase the before and after of how your institution can work with a range of issues and help to improve family lifestyles as a result of your services.
