Tips From Counselors on How to Manage Financial Stress During a Crisis
Image and Article Source: https://onlinecounselingprograms.com/blog/manage-financial-stress/
Interested in learning more?
We can help! Simply fill out this quick form and we’ll be in touch soon.
.org – Now For Profit
UPDATE: On April 30, 2020, ICANN’s Board rejected the sale of the .org domains to the private equity group. Citing a number of concerns including those voiced by private citizens and the California Attorney General’s Office, the organization decided the sale was not in the best interest of the public. Read more about their decision here.
It happened rather quietly just before Thanksgiving. The Public Interest Registry – or PIR – announced a plan to sell the entirety of the top level .org domain to a private equity group, Ethos Capital. The terms of the sale, including price, weren’t released and the sale won’t be finalized until January. Assuming the same does go through, what does it mean for the .org domains which are used almost entirely by non-profits like charities and not-for-profits like credit unions? Potentially some expensive changes.
According to CNN.com, this isn’t the first time that a for-profit company has owned the .org top level domain. Verisign owned it from 1995 to 2003. The difference according to experts is that Ethos has only been in business since May of this year and PIR is one of their first investments. The Internet Society — a non-profit itself that created the PIR in 2002 — says the private firm could increase the price of domains by 10%, a big concern for companies who own hundreds or thousands of domains. Another concern is potential censorship on the .org domains. As of December 4th, over 12,500 people have signed a petition opposing the same. Organizations including the Girl Scouts of America and the YMCA have signed as well. Many experts believe the sale will go through despite the opposition.
There has historically been a cap on the amount a .org domain can be sold for. The theory being that since the buyer isn’t making a profit, the sellers should have limits on their profits as well. When – or if – the Ethos purchase goes through, that cap could be eliminated. That means credit unions, community groups and other users of the .org domains would be wise to extend the purchase on their domains for as long as possible. If you can get a ten-year agreement in place, now may be a very wise time to do so.
Quick Facts
.org domains on the internet currently
Amount of people who have signed the petition opposing sale
The average price of a .org domain
Interested in learning more?
Simply fill out this quick form and we’ll be in touch soon.
Out with the Old and in with the New
Have you had your website for 2+ years? Are you getting tired of the same layout? If you’ve been thinking this way, it may be time to reach out to your favorite web development agency and ask for a refresh.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking… a new site costs money and takes so much time to redo. But, wouldn’t it be nice to show that you keep up with the times and want to give your users a fresh, new and exciting experience?
Ready for a refresh?
We can help! Simply fill out this quick form and we’ll be in touch soon.
Does your website bring you joy?
-
Clean up extra media
When I’m in the throes of developing, it’s easy to upload multiple images to figure out which one works best. I’ll try a few different options, resize them to make sure it fits perfectly or to make sure someone’s head isn’t cut off in the end result. This creates a bunch of extra files that aren’t needed and are just slowing down your site. Start deleting all of those unused photos and see how organizing them is now less overwhelming. -
Keep only relevant blogs
When you write an amazing blog or have this cool promotion you did two years ago, it’s hard to click the delete button, but we must be real with ourselves. The graphics are outdated or the references are no longer relevant. A good rule of thumb is to only keep the last six months of your blogs or promotional pieces. No one wants to search through your site just to come across something that is no longer available to them. -
Use an auditing plugin & analytics
You may be wondering why I’m suggesting adding something to your site in an article about cleaning it up. There is a method to my madness, I swear!
Installing an audit tool that will document everything that you do on your site will help you narrow down what you actually use your site for. Studying your analytics will help you understand how users are using your site. You may find that your users hardly visit a particular feature or page. This could free up your time from having to maintain it and possibly some money if it’s a premium feature.
“Thanks a lot, Kaia. Now I have another thing I have to think about cleaning”. #MyBad.
At uncommn Marketing Partners, we get that “Ahh” feeling when a website is tidied up. I know. We’re those people, but the great news is that we can be your people too. Hit us up below to get started on refreshing or possibly getting a sparkly new website all together today!
Looking For Modern Marketing, Video and Web Design Strategies?
We can help! Simply fill out this quick form and we’ll be in touch soon.
Breaking The Rules In 2020
What comes to mind when you think about the 1920s? For me, it’s all about rebellion, change and glamour. The 1920s had some huge milestones that challenged the traditional way of thinking. Women were able to vote, sultry jazz was becoming mainstream and Mickey Mouse made his first appearance. It was an era that brought old-school class with new world sass.
You can’t be rebellious without being bold. In-your-face, large, thick fonts are coming to the forefront of marketing campaigns, hero images and call-to-actions. Below is a great example of implementing all three of these concepts. It’s definitely hard to miss.
These design trends may not be for everyone or every brand, but that’s the beauty of it. It’s supposed to be challenging and attention grabbing. It’s unapologetic. It’s confident. It’s, dare I say, roaring.
If these trends just don’t seem like something you like, that’s fine. I’m only a little hurt, but use this as a stepping stone to find ways on how you can mix things up with your brand or campaign. In fact, let us help you think outside the box with your next project! We love a good brainstorming session and after all, we’re called uncommn for a reason. Drop us a message below to schedule a creative consultation with us.
Looking For Modern Marketing, Video and Web Design Strategies?
We can help! Simply fill out this quick form and we’ll be in touch soon.
Click Here to Prove You’re Not a Robot
If you have ever created an account online, paid a bill through a website, or have just been on the internet in general, you’ve more than likely had to click on that little captcha box that verifies that you are not a robot. If you’re reading this now, unless something SERIOUSLY crazy has happened from the time I’m writing this to the time you’re reading it, you’re not a robot. I know that. You know that. But does your branding and communication reflect that? I hate to break it to you, but it probably doesn’t.
You’ve probably caught yourself at one point or another saying:
“We have the lowest rates in town! Oh, and we just upgraded our mobile app. Plus, we’ve been around for X number of years and our members love us. So why aren’t people more responsive to what we’re trying to do? What can we do?”
It all comes down to one very scientific, very uncomplicated answer (and the best part is it costs ZERO dollars and ZERO time to put into action):
If you want a human response, do human things!
Quit being so robotic on social media:
Take a look at your credit union’s social media presence and the type of content that you’re sharing. Are you solely blasting out your products, services, and this month’s big promotion? If you are, then you’re missing out on the chance to be personal with your community and your membership. While social media is an easy way to share your credit union’s news and offerings with the masses, don’t miss out on the chance to showcase the individuals in your branches and in your community that are making an impact. It’s a feel-good moment for all involved and shows a little of your brand’s personality. It won’t be a wasted effort.
Don’t just take my word for it, here’s an example:
Recently, one of our newest social media clients recently shared a post of two of their employees who wore matching outfits one day. The post? Cute. The caption? Silly and uncomplicated. The engagement on that post? More than five times the amount of any other post that week.
Quit being so robotic in your branches:
When people walk into your credit union, what is the first thing they see? Do they see smiling faces eager to help, or do they see people darting around and avoiding eye contact and just going through the motions? If they see the latter, it’s time to make a change. Encourage your staff, especially your front line, to take the extra step to talk and engage with each person they interact with. You’ll be surprised at the difference it can make!
Don’t just take my word for it, here’s an example:
A few months ago, a client told us the story about how a man walked into one of their branches thinking it was the pizza shop next door. He walked out with an account because the staff was so welcoming. While I have a lot of questions as to how he confused the credit union with the pizza place, it’s still a true testament to the way an engaging welcome can lead to a great relationship.
The point in all of this is that a little bit of humanity can go a long way in the eyes of your membership. If you want a human reaction, do human things. Great rates are important, but I’ll argue that being personal is more important when it comes to member engagement and retention. If you find yourself or your team going through the motions, remind them that attentive listening and friendly engagements are the simple difference made with personal, human service. You’ll be surprised at the results you get.
Looking For Modern Marketing, Video and Web Design Strategies?
We can help! Simply fill out this quick form and we’ll be in touch soon.
The Digital World from a Print Perspective
The Digital World from a Print Perspective
Having worked as a designer in the print industry for 30 years, I — like a lot of credit unions out there — was a little hesitant to dive head first into the “new” digital world. It can seem overwhelming and brand new; like we’re starting from scratch.
The good news is, digital is just the next step in the evolution of brand messaging.
First, take a step back and analyze your marketing as a whole. Ask yourself some of these questions: What are you doing now, what is working and not working, do you have a marketing plan in place, what are your budget constraints, what target audiences are you trying to reach and do you have programs in place that will appeal to that audience?
Another question to ask before starting any digital media campaign is where will you be sending any potential leads? The vast majority of respondents will likely be driven to your website instead of a brick and mortar branch. Of course that means you’ll need to make sure your site is appealing, functional, clearly conveys your brand message and provides easy navigation for users to find what they’re looking for. Let’s say you are focusing your marketing on that spring car loan promotion. Visitors to your website should find the relevant homepage banner easily and be able to make one simple click to access all the information your potential borrower will need. The landing page will spell out the details of the offer and, ideally, contain an online application or interest form for them to request more information or get started right away. In addition, when members log into their online banking account, the promotion should be displayed prominently on the login page. Additional promotional messaging should be contained on your print and estatements, mobile app and any organic and paid social media posts as well as SEM/PPC ads.
The digital age is well underway, and you need to find ways to stand out from your competition. Here at uncommn Marketing Partners, we specialize in creating a creative, cohesive message to promote that loan at every member touchpoint. From print pieces like posters, newsletters and direct mail to homepage banners, landing pages, social media and online banking graphics to digital billboards, we create a consistent message to make a stronger connection with your audience.
Teamwork: The Powerhouse of Success
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” – Helen Keller
- Collaborate! – It may seem like a given when discussing teamwork, but more often than not, it is lost. If you’re having trouble coming up with a new idea for your latest project, get some inspiration from others on the team. Having a brainstorming session may be just what you need to get your ideas flowing.
- Play off of each other’s strengths – Maybe one person on the team is a great writer, while another has an eye for design. Use this to your advantage when working on a project. Not only will it will make your concept stronger but you’ll get to know your team even better than before.
- Be vulnerable – If you are troubleshooting an issue, and you’ve hit a roadblock, ask for help. Another set of eyes on something you’ve spent hours working on, normally fixes the problem right away and clears up future frustration.
- Learn a new skill – More often than not when working with others, you will learn a new skill. This might involve a trick that helps them in their day-to-day or a new tool they are using that has helped make them more productive. Taking a few minutes to sit down with them may be all you need to learn something new.
Looking For Modern Marketing, Video and Web Design Strategies?
We can help! Simply fill out this quick form and we’ll be in touch soon.
.org Now For Profit?
.org Now For Profit?
UPDATE: On April 30, 2020, ICANN’s Board rejected the sale of the .org domains to the private equity group. Citing a number of concerns including those voiced by private citizens and the California Attorney General’s Office, the organization decided the sale was not in the best interest of the public. Read more about their decision here.
It happened rather quietly just before Thanksgiving. The Public Interest Registry – or PIR – announced a plan to sell the entirety of the top level .org domain to a private equity group, Ethos Capital. The terms of the sale, including price, weren’t released and the sale won’t be finalized until January. Assuming the same does go through, what does it mean for the .org domains which are used almost entirely by non-profits like charities and not-for-profits like credit unions? Potentially some expensive changes.
According to CNN.com, this isn’t the first time that a for-profit company has owned the .org top level domain. Verisign owned it from 1995 to 2003. The difference according to experts is that Ethos has only been in business since May of this year and PIR is one of their first investments. The Internet Society — a non-profit itself that created the PIR in 2002 — says the private firm could increase the price of domains by 10%, a big concern for companies who own hundreds or thousands of domains. Another concern is potential censorship on the .org domains. As of December 4th, over 12,500 people have signed a petition opposing the same. Organizations including the Girl Scouts of America and the YMCA have signed as well. Many experts believe the sale will go through despite the opposition.
There has historically been a cap on the amount a .org domain can be sold for. The theory being that since the buyer isn’t making a profit, the sellers should have limits on their profits as well. When – or if – the Ethos purchase goes through, that cap could be eliminated. That means credit unions, community groups and other users of the .org domains would be wise to extend the purchase on their domains for as long as possible. If you can get a ten-year agreement in place, now may be a very wise time to do so.
Quick Facts
.org domains on the internet currently
Amount of people who have signed the petition opposing sale
The average price of a .org domain
Interested in learning more?
Simply fill out this quick form and we’ll be in touch soon.
TMI: Does Your Website Cause Decision Fatigue?
TMI: Does Your Website Cause Decision Fatigue?
Does your website overwhelm your members with decisions and information? It’s easy to want your members to have all of the information right in front of them and to advertise the promotions, but having too much can actually be counterproductive.
Research has shown that having too many choices can cause fatigue for members and will in turn, cause them to abandon making a decision at all. This is called Decision Fatigue. Decision Fatigue happens when “making a large number of decisions over a prolonged period of time can be a significant drain on our willpower.”
How can you ensure that your website is actually helping you make conversions rather than causing decision burn out? We all know that websites are there to provide information and most of the time you want to put everything right in the line of sight for your members. Below are some tips on how to prevent information overload.
Utilize Information Rotators
Sliders or carousels are most commonly used for displaying promotions because they allow visitors to only see one promotion at a time. Now, this doesn’t mean that you should have 6 or more promotions running at once or have multiple types of information rotators on a page. The recommended number of slides in rotation is no more than 3-4 since most people won’t stay on the page long enough to view more than that. Keep in mind, to keep your site ADA compliant, the rotation of the slides needs to include manual control options.
Assisted Navigation
We’ve all experienced the frustration of trying to find information on a website and it not being where we think it should be. Make a connection with your site’s visitors right away when you ask them about what they are looking for using forms or quizzes to direct them. Not only does this have a conversational effect, but it acts as a guide for your customers that doesn’t require them to search or guess where the information should be located. The questionnaire can also use statements instead of questions to minimize the look of making a decision. For example: you can have an opening statement of “I want to…” with options for the member to select such as “save for retirement, refinance my home loan or open a checking account”.
Blog and Search Filters
When you have high-quality blog content, it’s understandable that you’d want to keep all of it on your page as a resource and to benefit your organic search result rankings. The issue with having it all available for a member is that it requires them to muddle through and search for what they’re wanting. Blog and search filters will help remove this step for them. Filters give the member the ability to easily sort the content by categories and from there, they can view only the posts that they’re interested in.
Implementing some of these features can drastically improve your member’s experience on your site. By providing guidance and filtering options, you reduce the number of decisions visitors to your site have to make to get to the information they are seeking. This eliminates feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out) and information overload which, in turn, streamlines the experience and helps increase conversions. By cleaning up the flow of information, you require fewer decisions from your site’s visitors making their experience more efficient and enjoyable.
Interested in learning more?
Simply fill out this quick form and we’ll be in touch soon.