To some, banks may seem by nature a tad on the boring side. How much fun can it be, really, to collect and distribute money all day?
Actually, if you talk to people in the profession, it can be a whole lot of fun to be in the business of marketing dollars and cents to the masses. You have the opportunity to assist individuals and businesses alike with their finances, offer loans to help personal and professional dreams come true, and teach customers of all ages the philosophical and tangible benefits of saving money. Employees also agree the now infamous mantra of “banker’s hours,” coupled with the stability, and agreeable compensation, adds up to a winning combination.

A bank’s blog can be an excellent place to show the world that while your location may not be as wacky and wild as a theme park, at least the perception by customers and employees is that it is a hugely interesting place to be. A good bank marketing team has the potential to devise plenty of useful, entertaining and SEO-friendly content that readers will enjoy – and hopefully even share – on social media.

While creating so much captivating content on the regular has the potential to be quite time consuming, if you’re someone who also finds banking enjoyable, it won’t be too hard to find all sorts of interesting topics to share.

Here are 7 interesting content ideas with the proven potential for good bank marketing payoff:

Definitions

Your average consumer may understand the basics of savings or checking accounts, but may not know much more. So a blog post that explains concepts like how interest is compounded could be of great use. This education could cover everything from a basic savings account rate to higher rates on larger loans. It could also talk about the industry’s traditions and processes – people love learning about how and why about any unfamiliar industry as long as things don’t get too complex.

Community efforts

Local and national banks are often encouraged to raise money for charity. This could be for a project supported by the entire organization as a whole, or via an area fund-raiser. A blog can describe fundraising efforts taking place, how customers may become involved and contribute, or as a means of “show and tell” for how well an event was executed.

Focus on employees

A great way to offer a personal connection to customers is to highlight the staff. Perhaps on a weekly basis, share a profile about a different employee – how long they’ve been employed with your institution, what they like about the branch or company, their general interests, or maybe even a helpful financial tip or two or their favorite financial product. Featuring your employees has the potential to double as content that educates consumers services offered, or special promotions, within a specific branch. Employees will really engage and become excited when its their turn to be a headliner.

Focus on customers

Another way for people to feel connected is public recognition. If you have longtime, reliable customers, you should include an occasional post about them. With so many choices for banking out there, people might be curious why someone chose a particular institution for his/her personal or business needs. Your customer service staff may know, or you can request testimonials via mail, online, or in-branch comment cards.

Financial literacy strategies

Financial assistance is always appreciated at all stages of someone’s life, from a child trying to learn the basics of saving, to teens with their first checkbook, to college students trying to balance a budget for the first time. Couples and new families always welcome solid advice, in the same manner as people approaching retirement age and beyond.

The value of banks

With much continued financial uncertainty, consumers are bombarded with suggestions for everything from local credit unions, to investment advisors, to gold merchants. If feel strongly that banks remain the smartest solution for the consumer or business owner, tell why. Odds are, there is an audience that’s waiting to receive your message loudly and clearly.

Analysis of larger financial topics

Along with educating readers about your local branch office’s activities and banking in general, an author can serve to better explain finance-related news stories, and their potential impact on local customers. Recent examples might include Greece’s bailout, or Puerto Rico’s default. Conclude each post with an encouraging thought or anecdote about the importance of money management.

Interestingly, the banking industry as a whole may be going “back to boring,” at least according to the predictions made by Bloomberg.  After years of banks trying earnestly to be anything and everything to all levels of customers, plus offering all sorts of products and financial services not necessarily related to basic transactions, the industry may be trying to find its way again by slimming down – and focusing on critical needs first. So now, is better time than ever to begin a blog explaining this new shift.

Looking for more riveting content ideas to increase deposit and loan growth – and introduce the “fun” side of your bank’s brand to your current and prospective customers? Contact us today for a dose of added creativity!