Digital Advertising Should Be Segmented To Target Specific Audiences
Think about it this way—just like a financial advisor simplifies investments for clients, advertising strategies can be broken down into easy-to-understand concepts. The goal is to reach the right audience with the right message at the right time
A recent study found that 63% of Gen Zers and Millennials are eager to become homeowners and will need mortgages (according to SalesFuel, 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Consumers Survey, RE/MAX and Pollfish). That’s a huge opportunity for banks and credit unions that know how to target them effectively
Let’s dive into the best ways to advertise financial services successfully. You can also check out and reference a previous blog of mine on the same topic
Best Advertising Channels for Banks & Credit Unions
There are countless advertising options out there, but for financial institutions, certain channels perform better than others. Here are the top digital advertising methods for banks and credit unions
Social Mirror Ads
Social Mirror ads look like your social media display or video posts but appear on other websites and apps and run across all devices using our targeting strategies
(Source: 2024 AudienceSCAN® study of US online adults 18+, SalesFuel, Inc.)
Over-the-Top (OTT)
OTT ads are video ads that run 100% on Connected TVs and are embedded into programming content people stream on their internet Connected TVs
Mobile Advertising (Mobile Conquesting)
With consumers spending more time on mobile devices, financial institutions need to meet them where they are
Creative Strategies to Boost Engagement
Having the right advertising channels is important, but crafting the right message is equally crucial. Here’s how financial institutions can create compelling ads
Consumers trust banks and credit unions that invest in their communities.
Reaching the right audience is easier than ever with behavioral targeting.
Many potential customers research banking options but don’t convert immediately. Retargeting helps keep them engaged.
Customers often switch banks for better online experiences, lower fees, and personalized service. Financial institutions should emphasize these benefits in their advertising
Overcoming Advertising Challenges in the Banking Industry
Many financial institutions struggle with adapting to digital advertising. Partnering with experts and investing in AI-driven marketing can help streamline ad targeting.
Platforms like Google and Facebook have strict guidelines for financial advertising. Banks should work with professionals to ensure their campaigns meet compliance standards.
Since Gen Z and Millennials are less likely to use credit unions, these institutions should focus on mobile-first advertising, influencer partnerships, and TikTok campaigns to engage younger audiences
What’s Next for Bank & Credit Union Advertising?
The future of financial advertising is evolving. Here’s what’s on the horizon
Final Thoughts
Advertising for banks and credit unions is changing, but with the right strategies, financial institutions can attract and retain loyal customers
By leveraging Social Mirror, OTT, Meta, and Mobile Advertising, banks and credit unions can effectively connect with their target audiences. Add in strong messaging, personalized content, and community engagement, and you have a recipe for success
Asset
An asset in banking refers to any resource owned by the bank that can be converted into cash. This includes loans, securities, and physical properties
Core Deposits
The portion of a bank's total deposits that are expected to be stable and remain with the bank over long periods of time
Non-Interest Income
Income generated by a bank through fees, commissions, and other services not tied directly to interest-bearing products
Relationship Lending
Making loan decisions based on the strength of the bank's relationship with the borrower
Deposit Growth Rate
Measures the percentage change in a bank's total deposits over a period. Deposit growth reflects a bank's ability to attract stable, low-cost funding
Loan To Deposit Ratio
Measures total loans as a percentage of total deposits. This ratio helps banks ensure they have enough deposits to fund loans
Field of Membership
This is the common bond of the members of a credit union. It could be based on employer, geographic area, school, or church, among others
Fixed-Rate Loan
A loan where the interest rate doesn't fluctuate during the fixed rate period of the loan, allowing the borrower to accurately predict their future payments
Secured Loan
A loan in which the borrower pledges some asset (e.g. a car or property) as collateral for the loan, which then becomes a secured debt owed to the creditor who gives the loan
Unsecured Loan
A loan that is issued and supported only by the borrower's creditworthiness, rather than by any type of collateral
Variable-Rate Loan
A loan where the interest rate can change, based on a benchmark or index rate, like the U.S. prime rate
Member Penetration Rate
The percentage of potential members in the credit union's field of membership that have joined. Shows success in attracting members from the eligible community