Member expectations are changing. It’s no longer enough to offer extensive counter services, advice, and a smile when they come through the door – your Credit Union needs to have an online presence, and especially when it comes to younger members and potential members, that presence is expected to be slick, responsive, and progressive.

When members and non-members are visiting your website, what do they see? Is it enough to get them to stick around? One Google study found that someone makes a decision on whether or not to stay on your site within 17-50 milliseconds – less than half the time it takes to blink.  

The issue with older websites

Designed solely for a desktop browsing experience, non-responsive websites are incredibly difficult to use when someone visits on a mobile or tablet device. The majority of people will switch off from a site presented like this straight away, but for those who stay, accessing information about your products and services will be incredibly difficult, and filling out forms nearly impossible.

These websites are dated, difficult to use, and overall unappealing, which reflects on your Credit Union. Why would a potential member want to join a financial institution that appears backward? If your website isn’t modernised, you’re likely leaving business on the table.

A modernised website offers your members more

Appearance matters, even when it comes to who you trust with your finances, and a modern, slick design makes your Credit Union more appealing to prospective loan applicants and members. No matter how a user interacts with a responsive website, they’re getting exactly the experience you envisioned for them, tailored perfectly to their screen size.

These websites also match the user experience presented by larger banks and building societies, giving your Credit Union gravitas and building trust. It’s also possible to integrate your online banking platforms and social media, creating an all-encompassing branded experience for users that makes your Credit Union seem much more professional.

Perhaps one of the most popular features introduced by the wave of responsive websites is the interactive loan calculator. The presence of a loan calculator helps your members and prospective members to learn more about the type of loans they could take out – but it also offers your Credit Union an instant lead when they add their details, and a fast and easy way to keep users updated of your interest rates and loan terms.

What makes a good website supplier?

The market for website design and supply is currently saturated, and it can be difficult to choose a partner that’s suitable – your Credit Union needs a lot more security than a standard brochure website can offer. It’s important to make sure every page on your site has a secure (https://) connection, and that the partner you choose for your website has policies and practices in place to ensure your service is compliant with legal requirements and guidelines.

When it comes to managing the content on your site, consider the skill level of your own team, and make sure you go with a partner who you can contact if you need any support. All too often, generic web design companies design your site without considering the specific needs and resources your Credit Union has. Having a team you can fall back on can make all the difference. 

A well-designed, reactive, responsive brochure website can make all the difference. Why not find out more about what upgrading with Wellington IT did for the team at Letterkenny Credit Union?