8 Must-Haves for Your Credit Union's Website

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In the digital world we live in, a credit union’s website has never been more important. More often than not, your site is the potential member’s first significant impression of your brand, and it can leave a lasting impact.

Website design can be a tricky business. Having a well thought out website is essential for a good user experience and can be the tipping point for creating lifelong members.

If your credit union is considering a website rebuild, here are 8 key items that are must-haves:

1. Security – With weekly news reports of data breaches from large retailers, secure personal information is at the forefront of every member’s mind. It’s important to let your members know that your site is secure, and when they login, they can be assured that their personal information will be safe.
2. Good visual design – After establishing the digital security of your site, the next step is to look at web design. Good graphic design and a logical and intuitive layout will entice your members to come back time and time again. Your website is all about ease for the member. If the website lacks in visual design, or elements of the site are hard to find, members will become frustrated and will disengage.
3. Search bar – Every great website has an easy-to-find search bar that allows the member to search the site quickly for exactly what they are looking for. For most users, the search bar is a faster way to find what they need.
4. Social media links – If your credit union has social media profiles, make sure those links are up front and visible on your website. Social media users tend to “like” or “follow” the organizations they frequent – giving them easy access to information. Furthermore, more back links to your website will help to improve search engine optimization.
5. Easy to find contact information – While your website should be able to answer most of your member’s questions, sometimes members visiting your site will need to speak directly to a member services rep. If this is the case, contact information that includes phone numbers, addresses and email addresses should be in a location that members can locate in one click.
6. Education – Financial information can get very technical, especially when it comes to the terminology. A financial education resource center that provides information about your products and services will help your members navigate the financial landscape.
7. Links – Throughout a website, there should be links to other pages that are relevant to the content on the current page. Additionally, there should be links to outside sources that are relevant, creditable and help enhance the member experience.
8. News section – Providing your members with the top news stories in the credit union community will help keep them informed as well as show them that your credit union is keeping up-to-date with the latest news. The most important thing to remember is to update the section often and be sure that all of the news is accurate.

Hopefully these tips have you thinking of a fresh and innovative website design for your credit union. Overall your website needs to be simple, user-friendly and informative for the user as well as visually appealing.

These small changes can make a big impact on the member’s opinion of your organization and can enhance your reputation. Remember, in the digital age, your persona can be your first, and last, impression. Be sure to make it count.

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