A competitive, dynamic website can differentiate you, but you have to step out of the traditional “brochure” site box. Try these cutting-edge tactics…
Most retailers’, including bankers’, sites are evolving – bringing the quality of websites to a whole new level. New, dynamic and interactive technology is allowing bankers to connect with customers and prospects faster, and on a more personal level, than ever before.
Our advice? To stay competitive, you and your online team need to evaluate your current site, and consider a few of these website enhancing trends:
- Corporate/President’s Blog
Benefit: Similar to a press release, it allows customers a unique opportunity to hear from the bank president, in a relatively informal platform. It can be used to announce new products or services, to explain or clarify policies, announce events, or react to community issues/criticism. Still photos may be utilized on the blog site.See it in action!
http://michaelhyatt.blogs.com/fromwhereisit/
http://www.jimestill.com/ - Podcast
Benefit: These digital media files can be posted and played back on portable media players and personal computers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Use them for noteworthy announcements, events, a new location construction update, and more.See it in action!
http://www.ge.com/news/audio_video/index.html
http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast/podcast_directory.php - Real-time Online Chat
Benefit: This instant messaging service allows customers or prospects to ask questions to real people, and get answers realtime.See it in action!
http://suntrust.com; Click “Enter” under Personal Finance, then “Banking” on top left navigation bar. On right, click to “Chat With Us Online.” - Translation Services
Benefit: Allow Spanish or other foreign language speakers to access your product and service information on your website, without having to make an additional visit or phone call. You can offer the entire site in Spanish (or another language) or just certain sections.See it in action!
http://www.castlebank.com; click “Personal Banking” on top navigation, then “Espanol” on top right-hand side.
http://www.wellsfargo.com; click “En Espanol” on the top right and the entire site changes to Spanish. - E-newsletters
Benefit: Use your site as a home base for your unique E-newsletter. Customize messages based on the e-mail group, customize groups easily, and track results in minutes! An E-newsletter is a great way to reach a large target quickly and cost efficiently with timely added value, and it drives traffic back to your website.See it in action!
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news_advice_home.asp; scroll to see “Newsletters and Alerts” and click on “Newsletters”
