By Mitchell Goss
In this world of cloud-based networking, where systems talk to other systems, there is no shortage of creative ways to provide information faster than ever before. This is obviously nothing new – and as we move into a world of connected homes, cars and beyond, suddenly we have instant access to everything, anywhere.
Cloud-based digital displays, commonly referred to as digital signage, are no exception. It is commonplace now to see displays providing real-time transportation schedules in an airport, current pricing from a point-of-sale system in a fast-food restaurant, or the day’s yoga class schedules in a health club. Union Savings Bank and their marketing agency, The Pita Group, however, had a new and fun! idea to leverage the communication power of digital signage already installed throughout their branch offices.
In an effort to engage and incentivize audiences, particularly their younger members, a mobile checking game was developed for both smartphones and tablets. The game challenges players to create as many rows, columns or diagonals of three matching coins as possible within one minute. Players who line up a minimum of one row win $30 when they open a new checking account at Union Savings Bank. In addition, for each day an individual plays the game, he or she earns another entry into a weekly drawing to win an Apple iPad. Check out the video on the bank’s website, www.unionsavings.com.
It was clear from the start that the campaign was going to be wildly successful, and additional creative ways to promote the game began to rise. One solution to build on the excitement (and competitive fun) was to incorporate the real-time leaderboard posting on the in-branch digital displays. This same game information, available on mobile platforms and social media networks, was now front and center for every customer who walked into any of Union Savings Bank’s nearly 30 offices. Displays in every office accessed the game’s real-time data and then posted the day’s leaders, as one would expect from any online game. This helped to not only draw attention to the checking game, but also to the displays in general – which promote other bank products and messaging – because the timely information captured customers’ attention with the live scoring.
While we see interesting usages of our system throughout banking and other industries, this unique application of web-based signage was exceptionally fun. We had the opportunity to participate in a great marketing plan, which truly exemplified how to resonate with customers in this fast-paced digital era.
Mitchell Goss is the co-founder and vice president of sales and operations of Zero-In. He studied accounting and information systems at Lehigh University. Mitch is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), formerly with KPMG Accounting & Consulting. He has 15-plus years of financial services experience and is a NY State Entrepreneur of the Year recipient. To learn how digital signage can help your bank engage customers, contact Mitch at mgoss@zero-in.com or (888) 260-7291 x125.