Community banks have always thrived in niche markets, and lending in new spaces is just one of the many ways they serve businesses and individuals in their communities. As the market for “green” products and services evolves, we asked community bankers for their ideas about how to serve this niche.
Promotional merchandise, or swag, has long been regarded as a no-brainer approach to business branding, but community banks are shedding those thrifty connotations with a new, mindful approach to company gifting that imparts value and purpose while bolstering bottom lines.
When customers look up businesses online, reviews are one of the first things they see. These community bankers share how they collect positive reviews, and how to respond to negative ones.
Customized, well-thought-out interactions—especially in the online banking space—are integral to wooing new customers and retaining existing ones. We asked several banking leaders how they’ve employed fintech to ramp up their marketing campaigns, hone their analytic strategies and gain new patrons in the process.
When it comes to customer acquisition tactics, it’s never too early to start thinking about next year’s budget. Here, experts give their take on the trends that can freshen up your community bank’s marketing plan as you strive to engage with new and existing customers.
Dismayed at the lack of business ownership opportunities and advancement afforded to entrepreneurial women, Marianne Markowitz spearheaded a consortium to form a women-founded, women-owned and women-led de novo in search of a national solution.
Combining data with customer feedback can help community banks understand what customers think about their services and turn those thoughts into action.
Despite the large number of PPP loans distributed to small businesses, funding didn’t always reach those who needed it the most. These community banks are working to fix that through microlending programs.
Southern Bancorp partners with other community banks to increase loan accessibility and financial literacy to low-income customers.
Independent Banker’s annual Community Bank CEO Outlook survey reveals how community bank leaders plan to leverage today’s deposit-laden banking environment to grow this year.
