Credit unions now have the same Facebook tools as big brands

Facebook recently reported that they made $3.32 billion from ad revenue in the first quarter of this year. To put that in perspective…..forget it. It’s just a lot.

As much as I don’t personally enjoy Facebook, those numbers reflect the flocking of brands to purchasing ads to get noticed on your feed. There’s a new feature, called “Story Packs” that your credit union should take a look at if you’re willing to stop throwing money at “boosting” posts and creating normal ads on the platform.

Story Packs are Facebook’s way of leveling the creative ad experience (you see big brands doing) for small businesses and local establishments…..like say, a credit union.

How do you use it?

Basically “Story Packs” are Facebook’s way of helping small businesses create a beautifully done ad campaign for your CU. For now, they’ve put business categories into these areas: Restaurants, Retail and Spas. My guess is that the list will expand. For this example of how to use it, I’m using the “Retail” tool.

Facebook will ask you three question areas to help focus the ad.

1) Increase people’s awareness of your brand – in each section you’ll be asked “What results do you want?” These questions are all about making sure the ad is focused and measurable. Questions like these: Do you want to reach and engage people? More page likes? Reach people near your business/store? Do you want views of your video?

2) Find potential customers – after those questions, you move on to audience engagement with questions like: Do you want clicks to your Website? Conversions on your Website? Installs of your App? Responses to your Facebook event?

3) Drive sales of your product or service – the final series of questions revolve around what action you want from your potential customers: Do you want clicks to your site? More conversions on your site? Engagement of your app? Do you want people to redeem your special offer?

From there you’ll head to the “Creative Tools” section where you’ll find photos, images or even upload your own. Also, there are creative tips that again help you focus on the point of the ad.

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There are four areas to think about: People, Place, Things and News

People – do you want your ad to focus on your employees, testimonials or tips and resources your business might provide for others?

Place – do you want to push product information, promotions or even have an ad that focuses on the personality of the neighborhood where your business is located?

Things – do you want the ad to focus on the value of your products and services, their functionality or how about highlighting your feature product? You know, the one thing why you started your business in the first place.

News – this is where you can focus on giving a call to action, highlighting special events and sales.

While I’m saddened that we’ve reached this point of accepting the fact that to get your credit union noticed on Facebook that you’re just going to have to pay – the Story Packs work really well!

Michael Ogden

Michael Ogden

Michael has been in the social media business for more than a decade inside the credit union, technology, financial and food industries. He’s the founder of For3, LLC, which ... Web: www.for3forgood.com Details