Put Fall Promos in Place Now

by John Blom and Margie Church

With summer winding down, there are a few important seasonal opportunities you should be working on right now to end the year strongly.

International Credit Union Day – October 18. Show off your products and services with in-branch activities all week long! Have your lending department ready to work when you hold a free seminar on mortgage refinancing or line up prospects for auto loan pre-approvals. Brag about your free checking and open those accounts. A pre-approved credit card or personal loan offer from the credit union is a wonderful way to help members feel optimistic about handling upcoming holiday expenses. Show off low interest rates on your credit card and let members take advantage of the benefits right now. Bring in the Shred-it services; hold a prize drawing for new members.

Black Friday – November 23. Did you know that in 2011, Americans spent $5.6 billion on Black Friday? Low, fixed rates and no balance transfer fees spell money-saving credit card.

Also consider a Cyber Saturday virtual event that has a short window of opportunity, like a rate sale on a loan or a bonus interest rate on an investment. Engage members and prospects on a personal level with activities at the branches.

Cyber Monday experienced a 24.6% increase in 2011 sales over 2010. Oh, and a landslide percentage of purchases are made at noon, over lunch breaks via laptops and mobile devices. Did we mention credit card? Or how about a personal loan with a great rate?

Don't forget your holiday skip-a-pay promotion. We see credit unions starting these as early as September! The fee income alone usually pays for these wildly popular campaigns. If you've never tried one, 'tis definitely the season to start!

Deliver your promotion with the proven winner—direct mail. Increase your reach by advertising though multi-channels such as in-branch materials and email marketing. 

If you haven't got a great direct marketing partner, we can handle any or all of these promos for you. We'll manage your data, plus provide the creative and fulfillment. Talk to us about which marketing channels and techniques to use to get the best results you can, even on a budget made for Scrooge.

Pinpoint Direct Marketing creates data-driven, electronic and print marketing campaigns for the financial industry. Its customized campaigns achieve excellent results without premium costs. Learn more about Pinpoint Direct Marketing at www.PDMKT.com or call Kerry Blom, owner, 866-784-7555.