As you know, I spend a lot of time writing about marketing and advertising plans for financial institutions. The most common response I get is, “Great ideas, but where do I start?” So, today I want to help you put these ideas on your calendar!
January: Start today promoting your IRA and SEP’s. Most people in America are starting to think about filing their income taxes before April 15th and many may be considering these types of products.
February: As the snow begins to melt, many cities hold their annual “home show.” This is a great time and place to promote mortgages and home equity loans.
March: When the weather starts to warm up, boat shows pop-up all over the country. It’s a great time to offer boat loans in all shapes and sizes. The local little league teams will be selling “sponsorship ads” in their programs, so promote the fact that you’re a community bank and there to support them.
April: As we close in on April 15th, you can run your IRA ads a few more times to get those last minute filers. People are also starting to think about vacations, so you could begin promoting your Travel Clubs.
May: Many high schools and colleges will be holding graduations, so promote the fact that wherever these graduates go in the future, you’ll be there to help. Also this month, since people will be traveling more, it’s a great time to promote car loans. Many people are also thinking about remodeling their home, so promoting home equity loans could be profitable.
June: As kids get out of school, many families go on vacation. Credit cards and debit cards are extremely popular this time of year.
July: As the country celebrates the nation’s birthday, it’s a great time to talk about being a community bank or credit union that supports the local community. Plan a Customer Appreciation Day with a bar-b-que and invite the whole town!
August: As parents begin sending their kids back to school or college, it’s a great time to promote education loans. The local high school will also be selling sponsorship ads in its football programs, so personalize your message for that specific school.
September: Christmas seems to get earlier and earlier each year and September is a great time to start promoting your Christmas Savings Plans.
October: Since Roth IRAs have to be done by the end of the year, October is a great time to begin advertising these. You can also start promoting Health Savings Accounts, since many people will be researching them before the end of the year.
November: Car dealers start promoting their end of year deals – a great time to promote car loans!
December: Take time to say, “Thank You” to all of your loyal customers. It’s also a great time to remind everyone that you are a community bank. Their money stays in their community and any loan decisions are made by people who know them.
Put these dates on your calendar today and get started. You’ll be surprised what a little planning can do!…
###
Neal Reynolds has worked with hundreds of banks and credit unions around the country helping them to grow core deposits and market share without growing their marketing budgets. Contact him at [email protected].
