Blogging For Bankers

Blogging for BankersIntroduction to WSI

January 23, 2009

Eric Cook, Certified Internet Business Consultant

Blogging for Bankers Eric C. Cook, Certified Internet Business Consultant 2

Agenda• Defining “Web 2.0”• What’s a “blog”• Why should bankers care• Examples of banking blogs• Blogging etiquette • Risks of blogging• Blogging ideas• Questions…

Blogging for Bankers Eric C. Cook, Certified Internet Business Consultant 3

What is Web 2.0?

• Web 1.0 = One-way conversation– “Website”

• Web 2.0 = Two-way conversation– Visitor generated content– Feedback and participation– Involve and interact

• “Business 101”

Blogging for Bankers Eric C. Cook, Certified Internet Business Consultant 5

What is a Blog?

• Approx 218 million blogs with 175,000 added every day (Technorati.com)

• Blended term for “web” and “log” = “blog”• Website that supports feedback and is more

conversational• Can be developed for personal or business use• Comments can be moderated or open

Blogging for Bankers Eric C. Cook, Certified Internet Business Consultant 6

Why Should Bankers Care?• Attractive demographic

– More affluent• 50% >$75k HHI

– More educated• 74% college grad

• Connections• Be seen as “real”• Valuable feedback• Communication tool

Blogging for Bankers Eric C. Cook, Certified Internet Business Consultant 7

Examples of Banking Blogs

Blogging for Bankers Eric C. Cook, Certified Internet Business Consultant 8

Blogging Etiquette

1. Be real & engaged

2. Provide value

3. Be accessible

4. Generate conversations

5. Listen to opinions

6. Ask questions

7. Help others (even competition)

8. Put others first

9. Listen to community

10.Leverage talent

Source: MarketingProfs.com

Blogging for Bankers Eric C. Cook, Certified Internet Business Consultant 9

Risks of Blogging

• Compliance (of course)– Trigger terms, record keeping, review,etc…

• Time– To post, monitor and contribute

• Not doing it “right”– Fear of feedback

• Starting, then stopping…

Blogging for Bankers Eric C. Cook, Certified Internet Business Consultant 10

Blogging Ideas

• The Insider: Let them feel like they are getting a “secret”

• Culture: Share what it’s like to be a part of your bank

• Customers: Feature a customer (links)

• Links: Bring in what’s relevant

Source: MarketingProfs.com

Blogging for Bankers Eric C. Cook, Certified Internet Business Consultant 11

Blogging Ideas

• Trends: What’s happening in the industry

• Practical Use: Explain how to use a service or give examples

• Solution: Solve a common problem

• Community: Promote what’s going on around you

Source: MarketingProfs.com

Blogging for Bankers Eric C. Cook, Certified Internet Business Consultant 12

Questions?

Eric CookWSI Internet Consulting

[email protected]

Jeff SimpkinsCommunity Bank Consulting, Inc.

[email protected]