Banks are developing apps, calculators, worksheets, and more to help people manage their finances and draw in new leads. It's a whole new world out there, and now is the time to embrace the tools that customers are calling out for. 2019 saw more than one trillion financial application sessions, a record high according to the 2020 Mobile Finance Apps Report from Liftoff. The Financial Times calls the uptick in financial app users a "fintech feeding frenzy," and there's plenty to go around.

If you've been in the financial industry for a bit, you know compliance is a big deal. Financial institutions must comply with a multitude of regulations based on several different acts issued by various government bureaus and commissions. Of course, compliance is essential to your company's financial health because it helps you avoid lawsuits and fines. But just as importantly, compliance is also good for your brand. It promotes transparency, trust, and a feeling of safety among your customers and prospects and helps them make accurate and informed decisions.

Many sources date the first press release back to 1906, following a Pennsylvania Railroad accident. The agency staff released coverage about the event before journalists could cover it on their own. It's rumored that some newspapers re-published the release nearly verbatim – a brilliant success for the Railroad's PR team.

Nonprofits, NGOs, and charitable organizations have transitioned heavily in the marketplace to being forces for awareness and action in Western Culture. Whereas once, marketing was focused solely on fundraising events, membership drives, or various development pitches, nonprofit branding has become a significant force of influence, as social good has become intertwined with our daily lives. As a nonprofit, the brand has the potential to be the driving force or a disassociative challenge toward your goals of creating awareness, development, or public support for your mission. An effective brand shows the areas where target audiences are aligned with your organization, calling them to partner with you toward success.

If you’re a mortgage broker or loan officer, you know that selling mortgages is all about relationship-building. In this industry, networking works. The only thing that’s changed is how you network. Though word-of-mouth and face-to-face marketing are effective for some clients, more and more people are heading online to start their home-buying journey. That’s why digital marketing is a worthwhile complement to your traditional marketing strategy. 

When it comes to Millennials and Generation Z, we have a lot of presumptions. Older generations cast a wary eye their way, leaning on the many tropes and stereotypes that have become popular for understanding. This is nothing new. The previous generation has always been a bit hesitant about the next. The Cleavers of the '50s were scared to death of the free-loving children of the '60s. Then again, wasn't it the children of the 50's listening to that raucous rock and roll their parents found so offensive? That's why today we are looking at how to reach the up and comers in society, in a way that doesn't feel like mom or dad sitting down to have "the talk."

You’ve seen them -- those “Tell Us How We Did” emails you get after setting up an account or calling a service representative. The language practically begs you (“It only takes five minutes!”) to participate because the company knows that most people won’t take the time. Admittedly, I tend to only complete customer feedback surveys when I’ve had an exceptional experience or an exceptionally awful one. And I know I’m not alone.

Through the nature of necessity, the COVID-19 pandemic forced financial institutions to find ways to do nearly everything digitally and remotely. In making this transition, many institutions found improved, automated tools that will stick around long after social distancing recommendations are gone.

With more time at home in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, people are turning to social media more than ever before. Now at an all-time high, social media use is an avenue for staying connected with loved ones, political engagement, shopping, and so much more. While financial institutions seek to take advantage of this massive, concentrated audience, the tension of general economic unrest can make it tricky to navigate the best ways to connect. According to a study conducted by The Financial Brand in April, most prominent financial brands saw a drop in their social media sentiment scores immediately following shutdowns due to the pandemic.

Let’s do a word association game. When we say Instagram, what comes to mind? Perhaps funny memes, your favorite products, visual inspiration? Now, what about when we say email? Is it suddenly feeling stuffy in here?