Ten fast video content ideas for credit unions
Everyone knows that video content is the most engaging by far on websites and social media. That goes double when branch access is restricted, and people are depending heavily on online access.
Of course, credit union products and services are a little abstract, so it can be hard to figure what’s interesting and engaging. Here are ten ideas to help you quickly create interesting online video content.
It’s OK to be human. Most people are.
Before we get started, let’s make one thing clear: the great thing about internet video is that it doesn’t have to be perfect.
Online video is about connecting humans to other humans (or funny cats). As long as it’s authentic and interesting, no one will actually care too much about flubs or sound quality. Quality does matter, but not much. It’s far more important to get started than it is to be perfect. You’ll learn along the way.
It’s also really important to remember that you’re not making commercials, you’re creating connections. Lay off the selling, and focus on what people are interested in; other people, emotions, interesting tech, learning how to make life easier and better, and interesting experiences. And cats.
#1: Interesting Interviews
I can guarantee there are lots of interesting people with interesting stories in your Board, employees, and membership. Set up a recorded online/zoom meeting with your CEO or Board members, committee chairs, etc. People want to know who’s leading their CU.
And talk to anyone else you can find who’s willing to chat. Tellers, facilities, managers, loan officers, etc. Everyone’s interesting in some way! Videos can be two minutes or 30 minutes depending on how it’s going.
Talk about the history of the credit union, how and why they ended up there, and their interesting life experiences. What are they passionate about that’s not related to the credit union? Get to know the people, and don’t worry too much about connecting everything to the CU’s bottom line. You’re creating valuable personal connections.
Capturing video using Zoom (or whatever platform you’re used to) is easy, and in the last few months, people have become used to this type of interview.
#2: Tech Talk
Exactly what happens when someone swipes their debit card? What’s the difference between using “debit” or “credit”? How do ATMs work? How fast are the tubes in the drive-through, and which lane is the fastest? How does mobile deposit work? Can magnets or cell phones erase my cards?
Your CU is full of interesting science and technology, and that means lots of opportunities for fun, fascinating videos. And you don’t need slick graphics or animation; a video explaining the lifetime of a check using crayon drawings would be both hilarious and informative.
#3: Quick How-Tos
Talk to your call center folks to see what the most common member questions are, then make quick, to-the-point, no-fluff 30-90 second videos explaining the solutions or answers. For example, videos using simple screen capture software with a voice over can be very useful for explaining different aspects of online banking, bill pay, mobile banking, resetting a password, mobile deposit, etc.
Many app or online banking vendors provide videos like these, but for members having trouble, it really helps to see the actual interface for your credit union rather than a generic interface or a different credit union.
And as a bonus, you might just see a little relief in call volume.
#4: Department Profiles
What happens in the loan department? Marketing? ATM or Visa? Mortgage? What in the world does a CFO do all day?
These are all great topics for quick videos. A peek “behind the curtain” is probably a lot more interesting than you might think.
#5 Showcase your causes
What is your CU doing for your community, and to make a better world? What are the people at the credit union passionate about, and what does the credit union do on a regular basis beyond writing a check? What can members do to help?
A regular series of videos on your causes is a powerful way to get members on your side and show the credit union difference in action.
#6 Boost Member Businesses
Even if you don’t offer business accounts, there are undoubtedly lots of members who own or work for small local businesses. What are their stories? Develop your own unique format for a quick, interesting video highlighting a local business and make it a regular feature on your website and social media. It’s a great way to strengthen your connections to your community and show the CU difference in action.
#7 The video-a-day challenge
Pick a topic or series of topics and commit to a week or a month of making a video every day. You’ll improve your skills, and you’ll give members something to look forward to regularly.
#8 Life stages and problems
You could turn life stages and problems into a whole series of videos. For example, what do first-time Grandparents need to do? If you’re a 14 year old dreaming of her first car, what do you need to do right now?
The trick is to get creative and look for a niche. There are thousands of videos on financial planning for college. But there are only a few on the financial planning needed for first-time dog owners. How do you budget for you dream tattoo? What if your car needs a new engine? Should I finance my next motorcycle?
Ask your front-line staff for some real-life examples. And look for some local examples, too – what do local boat owners need to know? How does snowmobile financing work?
#9 Smart answers to dumb questions
Set aside a regular shame-free weekday on social media and your website, where members can anonymously send in their absolute dumbest money and credit union questions and get the answers.
For every puzzled member with a seemingly obvious question, there are many more with the same question who were too chicken to speak up.
It’s a great way to make a series of entertaining, easy, short, snackable videos, and of course they’ll be useful.
#10 Cats. And dogs.
It’s probably not much of a stretch to say that cats helped build the internet. Legend has it the first meme was a funny cat picture, a huge chunk of Youtube is videos of funny fuzzy felines, and you can install cat toy and cat simulator apps on your phone.
So you might as well get on the bandwagon and make a “Cats of Awesome CU” video. It’s also perfect for folks working from home; cats seem to love getting involved in Zoom calls.
Of course, you’ll also need a “Dogs of Awesome CU” video if you don’t want to face accusations of bias. Loop in lizards, fish, birds, llamas, and everything else, too.
Ask your members to join in and send you video or pics – pets are a great way for people to connect.
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