How do I get more innovative technology? Ask the right questions.
These days, consumers expect state-of-the-art banking technology and services, which means credit unions are under constant pressure to keep up with the competition. But there are so many new offerings out there, it’s enough to make your head spin. How do you know what will work for your credit union and what is just a flash in the pan?
It’s important to have some core principles in place that keep you on track to hit your goals when searching for new products. Here are some things to be mindful of during that process.
Look for products and services that draw consumers in.
The first step is to get them to a branch — whether that’s in person or online. 80% of the U.S. population heads to the internet before opening a new checking account.[1] So you need marketing that cuts through the clutter, as well as a strong online presence.
At the same time, these attention-grabbing efforts mean nothing if you aren’t able to convert at the point of sale, or evaluate your effectiveness through data. By incorporating a focus on training, onboarding, research, and analytics, you’re ensuring you’re communicating consistently across every touchpoint, and also making strategic choices as you go.
Search for offerings that keep new members happy.
Once you’ve got them, it’s important to deliver on your promise in order to keep them happy. That starts by offering products that people want and are looking for. But that alone isn’t enough. To make them stay, you have to continue to offer the benefits that sold them — or better.
For example, rewards are twice as important to Millennials than other age groups.[2] So be sure not only that you have a rewards account or program, but that it also offers the kind of rewards that keeps your members excited and motivated to use their accounts.
Questions to ask yourself before you invest in new technology
When considering adding a new partner or offering a new product, there’s a lot to know — and it’s not always clear where to look for help. Here are some questions to keep in mind:
With all the different options available and the upkeep required, it can feel a bit overwhelming — especially for credit unions. Rather than seek a multitude of partners who each handle a few, short-term agenda items, you could choose fewer companies who do more for your institution. You might even find one that to serve as an all-in-one solution, constantly innovating to keep you ahead of the game and out of the exhausting homework loop.
