Bank Marketing Show

What happens when a 120-year-old community bank decides to take a bold leap forward? Randy Dorn, President of My Kind of Bank (formerly First National Bank of Henning), joins Chris and Dan to share the story behind their rebrand — from internal debates to a powerful cultural transformation that united staff and energized customers. Randy reveals how a name change became more than a marketing move — it became a statement of purpose. This episode dives deep into how community banks can modernize without losing their soul, and how to turn a rebrand into a growth engine that drives engagement, loyalty, and pride. Main Topics Covered: • Why "doing nothing" is riskier than rebranding • How My Kind of Bank turned a marketing idea into a brand identity • The internal culture shift that made the brand stick • Turning employees into local heroes (and why it works better than celebrity ads) • Using digital marketing, SEO audits, and referral programs to turn a new brand into measurable growth • How to approach board conversations about risk, tradition, and change   Resources & Links Mentioned: • Randy's email: randy.dorn@mykindofbank.com • My Kind of Bank: mykindofbank.com • Website: bankmarketingshow.com • Sign up for our newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com • Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com

Compliance and marketing don't have to be enemies, especially in the age of AI. In this episode, Charles LeFevre, Director of Compliance Operations at Kadince (and self-proclaimed "Taylor Swift of Compliance"), joins us to break down how these two sides can work together to move faster, stay compliant, and even have a little fun doing it. You'll hear how AI is reshaping the marketer–compliance relationship, and where there are opportunities for smarter collaboration, fewer bottlenecks, and better outcomes for everyone. In this episode: Why "best practices" can actually kill creativity How to build realistic AI usage policies that empower your team The right balance between guardrails and innovation when using AI How smaller banks can use AI to leap ahead of big institutions Charles's three-lines-of-defense model for marketing + compliance collaboration Links & Resources: Charles's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talktochuck/  🌐 bankmarketingshow.com 📰 Sign up for our newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com 📩 Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com  

If your 2026 plan looks like 2025's...you may not be adapting to all the technology- and user behavior-driven changes that have happened this year. In this episode, Chris and Dan chat about all these changes, and lay out a simple checklist to use as your 2026 strategy comes together - including adjusting budgets, getting found with GEO and SEO, and speaking directly to customer problems. Key topics: - Why you should audit your digital visibility as the first input to your strategic plan - How allocating budget should be different than last year - Building initiatives around specific customer problems/niches   Links and resources: - Website: bankmarketingshow.com - Newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com - Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com

Is SEO really dead—or is AI search just the new shiny object? In this episode, Chris and Dan break down the buzz around Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and what it actually means for community banks. (spoiler: SEO isn't going anywhere, but banks that act now have a huge opportunity to get ahead while everyone else is still watching from the sidelines)  What we cover in this episode:   Why "SEO is dead" headlines are misleading—and what's really happening   How SEO and GEO overlap and where they differ  Why customer reviews and human "proof" matter more than ever in AI search   How to structure your content for conversational, AI-driven results   Quick, practical steps any community bank can start on today   Why now is the easiest time to outrun your competition in search   Links & Resources:   Website: bankmarketingshow.com   Sign up for our newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com   Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com 

There's lots of hype in the marketplace about how AI is taking over – and while the promise is that AI can help personalize customer experiences at scale, community banks are worried that it will actually make customer service feel more generic and less personal. This week, Chris and Dan talk with Sharveen Kumar, former NVIDIA-backed founder and ex-marketing leader at Amex, about the opportunity for banks to use AI to gain more personal touch with AI. By using AI in the right ways, it takes the mundane, repeatable tasks off your plate and actually creates more opportunities for you to do what you do best: build customer relationships. Main Topics Covered ·         Personalization is the differentiator: banks have rare, long-term 1:1 relationships—most banks focus on protecting and scaling that edge.  ·         Start with data, not tools: CRM usage, clean legacy data, and connected sources are the foundation for any AI win. ·         Beware shiny objects: many enterprise AI POCs fail; map processes and decide where AI should (and shouldn't) play.  ·         Where AI actually helps: automate the 30–40% "one-liner" service requests so teams can focus on deeper conversations.  ·         Practical workflow moves: capture conversation notes, let AI surface opportunities, and free humans for high-value outreach.  ·         Tiered experiences without losing the human touch: segment service levels thoughtfully, then invest saved time into relationship banking.  Books Mentioned ·         On the Road — Jack Kerouac  ·         Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art — James Nestor  Guest Bio Sharveen is a former NVIDIA-backed AI startup founder, now pioneering multi-agent solutions for finance and technology enterprises. He previously led marketing at global powerhouses including Singapore Airlines, American Express, LinkedIn, and The Trade Desk. Beyond building companies, Sharveen invests in emerging ventures and mentors the next generation of professionals. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharveenkumarl/ Links & Resources Website: bankmarketingshow.com  Sign up for our newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com  Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com   

EP 93: Use AI to Build a 90-Day Content Calendar (in Real Time) In this second hands-on demo (see Ep 89: AI Starter Kit for the first one), Dan shares his screen to walk through a real example: how a custom GPT can take just three real customer questions and instantly generate 90 days of social posts, blog topics, and image suggestions—all formatted and ready to use.   If you've been using ChatGPT or another LLM, but haven't started building repeatable processes yet, this episode will get you started. Here, we talk about content creation - but there's so much more you can do with custom GPTs. ***Haven't subscribed to our YouTube channel yet?  This is a great episode to watch there!*** What We Cover: -        Why good prompts still matter (even with automation) -        How to build a reusable, branded custom GPT - Generating a full 90-day content calendar from 3 questions -        Downloadable CSVs, stock images, and blog ideas—all prepped for execution -        Tips for keeping your content local, human, and brand-consistent -        Bonus: how to turn this into a repeatable quarterly process Want access to the exact GPT we used in this episode? Email us at contact@bankmarketingshow.com with subject line "Content Calendar GPT" and we'll send you the link. Links & Resources: ·       Website: bankmarketingshow.com  ·       Sign up for the companion newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com  ·       Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com

AI isn't just for the big players—it might be your small bank's biggest advantage. In this episode, Chris and Dan interview Justin Stayrook, Chief Growth Officer at EYEMAGINE, about how AI is transforming operations for lean marketing teams in community banks and credit unions. From cutting project timelines to boosting output without increasing staff, Justin shares why now is the time to act. What we cover: ·         Why AI adoption is moving faster than any technology shift before it ·         How small marketing teams can outperform larger competitors with AI tools ·         Quality vs. speed: why AI can actually improve both ·         The "AI as an operating system" approach to business processes ·         Why your agency partners should have a clear AI plan—and how to start that conversation ·         Real examples of community financial institutions using AI to lead innovation About Justin Justin Stayrook is a growth-focused executive and AI strategist who helps companies scale profitably in the age of GenAI. With a track record of driving transformation from early-stage ventures to large enterprises, Justin blends deep experience in private equity, customer experience, and digital commerce. As Chief Growth Officer at EYEMAGINE and founder of Joint Journeys, he advises firms on how to modernize their go-to-market strategy, optimize operations, and compete with intelligence. His leadership has shaped partnerships and earned him recognition for innovation and revenue growth. Links & Resources: Justin's Email: justin@eyemaginetech.com Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinstayrook/  Book: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz Website: bankmarketingshow.com Sign up for our newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com   

Can your employees become your most powerful marketing tool? In this episode, we sit down with Autumn Jose, AVP and Brand Marketing Coordinator of Civista Bank to talk about how she turned a simple idea into a thriving employee advocacy program—and what it takes to grow a brand from the inside out. Autumn shares how she created Civista's "Social Stars" initiative to drive social media engagement for the brand, what worked (and didn't), and how banks of any size can replicate it. What we cover in this episode: ·       Why traditional marketing no longer cuts it—and what's replaced it ·       The origin story of Civista Bank's "Social Stars" program ·       How to empower employees to become brand ambassadors on social media ·       Tools and processes to keep compliance teams happy ·       The surprising ROI and engagement metrics they've seen ·       Tips for scaling employee advocacy across branch locations This is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow their bank's social media engagement.   Links & Resources: Autumn's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumnjose/ Favorite Book: Be Where Your Feet Are, by Scott O'Neil https://www.amazon.com/Where-Your-Feet-Are-Principles/dp/1250769876     Website: bankmarketingshow.com Sign up for our newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com  

The Power of Connection with Neil Stevens Connection – with your team, your bank, your customers, and your own self - is the key to great leadership and to creating a truly engaged team. It starts at the top. Your bank's leadership needs to feel confident in and connected with the values, vision, and mission of your institution. When this happens, and you hire people whose personal visions are already aligned with yours, you start building a great company culture, too. In this episode, Dan Novalis, Chris Bates, and Neil Stevens discuss what goes into connected teams. Neil shares his LEAD methodology for creating stronger connections: Love, Equip, Affirm, and Develop others. Being a better and connected leader starts with prioritizing yourself and your emotional and mental health. When you treat yourself right, you can encourage a better performance from your team. Topics Include:   ●     Why connection is so important for bankers ●     How to develop a company culture that makes sense for your organization ●     Why you need strong leadership to lead your company culture ●     Why leaders need to prioritize themselves and their emotional/mental health ●     How to encourage better performance in your team   Neil Stevens is an accomplished banker, speaker, community leader, brand strategist, and fitness enthusiast. As President & CEO of Oconee State Bank in Watkinsville, Georgia, his visionary perspective inspires growth, drives direction, and helps clear obstacles for team members to achieve their personal and professional goals. Happiest when surrounded by his family, Neil's passion is to create a positive impact on others through servant leadership.   Resources Mentioned: ●     Website: https://www.oconeestatebank.com/ ●     The Remarkable Foundation: https://www.oconeestatebank.com/the-remarkable-foundation ●     Make Your Remarkable Podcast: https://www.oconeestatebank.com/business/makeyourremarkable ●     Book: Love Works by Joel Manby: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Works-Timeless-Principles-Effective/dp/0310359740/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1689791648&sr=8-1  ●     Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins https://www.amazon.com/Good-to-Great-Jim-Collins-audiobook/dp/B003VXI5MS ●     Book: The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath https://www.amazon.com/The-Power-of-Moments-audiobook/dp/B074TZFTDG/ ●     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-stevens-8a5b0514/ ●     Email: nstevens@oconeestatebank.com          

Feeling stuck when it comes to using AI in your bank's marketing? You're not alone. In this episode, Dan and Chris walk through five simple and safe ways to start using Gen AI—without tripping compliance alarms or sacrificing your brand voice. In this episode, we don't just talk about it—we do it. You'll see real prompts, live demos, and practical tips you can implement today. -          Drafting Blog Posts - without the blank-page anxiety -          Creating Social Media Posts – from those blogs -          Doing Competitor Research – in seconds -          Using Meeting Transcripts to extract action items, ideas, and plans (so you don't have to take notes) -          Generating Images – for social media and blog posts, that don't look AI-generated -          Why prompting skills matter more than ever (and how to build them)  Links & Resources: -          Website: https://bankmarketingshow.com -          Sign up for our newsletter: https://bankmarketingminute.com -          For a copy of the exact prompts we used in this episode, email us at: contact@bankmarketingshow.com  

In this episode, Dan and Chris explore how AI is reshaping the bank marketing world— and what marketing professionals need to do to stay ahead. From prompting effectively  in ChatGPT to building efficient workflows and bringing human insight to the table, this  episode outlines the skills that will define the next generation of marketing leaders.  You'll hear how to shift from tactical task execution to strategic input, and how banks  can stand out in a sea of generic AI content by focusing on what makes them truly  different. Key Topics Covered:  Why AI won't replace marketers—but it will replace generic marketing  The shift from doing to guiding: what the new marketing role looks like  How to "prompt like a pro" and avoid generic, average results  Turning your frontline staff and community events into rich AI inputs  The power of systems thinking and creating reusable prompt workflows  How brand voice, customer stories, and strategic judgment remain essential  The emerging opportunity to differentiate as others automate generically Resources Mentioned:  Bank Marketing Show website: https://bankmarketingshow.com  Subscribe to the Bank Marketing Minute for deeper dives after each episode  YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bankmarketingshow Call to Action: Want help developing your AI workflows or improving how your team uses tools like  ChatGPT? Reach out to Dan or Chris through https://bankmarketingshow.com — we're here to help.

Ep 87 – Essential Website Strategy Insights with Brent Feldman Many community banks don't hesitate to invest hundreds of thousands, or even millions, in a new brick and mortar branch—but balk at the cost of a new website. In this episode, we dive into why that mindset needs to change—and what a modern bank website should actually do. Brent Feldman, CEO of Matchbox Design Group, joins us to unpack what makes a website work for banks, how to shift your team's mindset, and the most common traps banks fall into when building or rebuilding their sites. Topics we cover: ·         Why your website is more important than any physical branch ·         The mindset banks need before starting a web project ·         Common content mistakes (and how to fix them) ·         Why residential lending ≠ mortgages ·         WordPress vs. core CMS platforms ·         Creating a digital branch that actually reflects your brand Brent Feldman is the CEO of Matchbox Design Group, a website and marketing company focused on banks and credit unions based in St. Louis, Missouri. Brent leads digital strategy initiatives for the organization and is also the host of the Mix & Matchbox Podcast. Links & Resources: ·         Brent Feldman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentfeldman ·         Matchbox Design Group: https://www.matchboxdesigngroup.com ·         Brent's Podcast: Mix & Matchbox – featuring a banking series - https://matchboxdesigngroup.com/about/mix-matchbox-podcast-digital-marketing/ ·         Recommended Book: Smart Brevity by Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, and Roy Schwartz Learn more: Website: bankmarketingshow.com Sign up for our newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com  

Financial education isn't just about blogging — it's one of the most powerful tools a community bank can use to connect with its audience, build trust, and drive long-term growth. And, it's one that many customers are requesting – information and education from an institution they already trust.  In this episode, Dan and Chris unpack the real "why" behind financial education and dive deep into practical ways banks can use it to boost engagement and loyalty. We discuss: *Why financial education works better than promotional fluff *Real-world delivery formats: blogs, workshops, bite-size videos, and more *How to tailor your content for local relevance (and stand out from national  competitors) *The ROI of financial education—even when results take time Resources mentioned: - Bankmarketingshow.com - For more on this topic, check out our newsletter at bankmarketingminute.com - 90-Day Checklist – email us at contact@bankmarketingshow.com 

Turning Stories Into Strategy: Humanizing Your Brand Think you need a massive ad budget to stand out? Think again. This episode is all about how community banks can turn everyday staff and customer stories into powerful, memorable marketing—while keeping spend to a minimum. If your team's struggling with content ideas, this is your playbook. In this episode, Chris and Dan cover: Why stories beat stock photos every time How to encourage employees to share small, real moments Turning everyday experiences into community trust Mixing personal + professional for maximum impact Campaign ideas that make your bank feel more human How to systematize story collection for social media gold Links & Resources: Website: bankmarketingshow.com Newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com Contact: contact@bankmarketingshow.com 

Forget billboards and banner ads — this episode is all about unexpected, low-cost, high-impact marketing moves that big banks simply can't pull off. Chris and Dan share real-life guerrilla marketing campaigns from community banks that sparked attention, built goodwill, and drove serious local engagement. In this episode: What guerrilla marketing is (and why it works for banks) How surprise and delight builds brand loyalty Real examples: food trucks, cookbooks, classroom giveaways & more Ways to turn offline buzz into social media momentum Compliance watch-outs and how to stay inclusive Tips for measuring success and repeating what works Links & Resources: Website: bankmarketingshow.com Sign up for our newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com  

Podcasting isn't just for influencers anymore—banks are getting in the game. In this episode, Chris and Dan sit down with Caleb Stevens, VP of Marketing at SouthState Bank's Capital Markets Division and host of the Community Bank Podcast. From demand generation to practical AI use, Caleb breaks down how banks can modernize without losing sight of what really matters. In this episode, we cover: -       The rise of podcasting as a bank marketing tool -       How digital lead gen is changing—and how demand creation is in -       How to use AI in practical, low-risk ways inside your bank -       Caleb's "3Ms framework": Message, Methods, and Metrics -       Real-world examples of alignment between marketing and lending teams that actually drove results -       Why the simplest marketing ideas might be your most powerful About Caleb: Caleb serves as the VP of Marketing for SouthState Bank's Capital Markets Division, serving over 1,000 community banks across the nation through a variety of banking products and services.  He is also the host of The Community Bank Podcast and the co-author of the book Collegiate: 7 Big Ideas to Make College Awesome. He lives in Athens, Georgia with his wife Grace and two young sons. Links & Resources: -          SouthState Bank podcast: https://southstatecorrespondent.com/podcasts/  -          Community Bank Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-bank-podcast/id1513967803  -          Contact Caleb: caleb.stevens@southstatebank.com -          Favorite Book: Remarkable - David Salyers & Dr. Randy Ross -          Resource for brand messaging: https://storybrand.com/  -          LEAD - Neil Stevens: https://www.oconeestatebank.com/business/make-your-remarkable-podcast -          Website: bankmarketingshow.com -          Sign up for our newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com -          Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com  

How do you grow your bank's social media presence without relying on your bank's own profiles?  Most banks don't - but in this episode, Chris and Dan explore a different strategy: using your own staff as influencers and brand ambassadors. You'll learn why employee-led content consistently outperforms corporate posts—and how to turn your team into your most powerful marketing channel.  Here's what we cover: -    Why your employees' social media reach outperforms bank official pages -    Creating a culture of brand ambassadorship, not just marketing -    Balancing compliance with creativity in employee posts -    How to run a successful internal workshop to train social media ambassadors -    The secret to making these programs sustainable over time -    Why storytelling (not promotion) should be at the heart of your content Links & Resources: -          Website: bankmarketingshow.com -          Sign up for our LinkedIn newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com -          Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com

We've met a lot of bank and credit union marketing teams – and we've noticed some commonalities among those that see more success in their efforts.  In this episode, we talk about the role of a marketing director (or VP, or manager, or any lead marketer at a bank) – and the things we see in our work that are most impactful to personal career growth and organizational success (which are highly correlated!). This episode covers a lot of ground – the essential traits that define top-performing marketing professionals, the importance of building strong internal relationships, and ways the most successful leaders maintain focus on their plans and avoid being distracted by shiny objects (of which there are many in tech and digital marketing today!). Topics Include: ·         Building Trust and Resonating with Customers ·         Staying Informed and Competitive ·         Avoiding Pitfalls and Aligning with Bank Goals ·         Attending Industry Conferences and Seeking Diverse Inspirations ·         Budget Management and Strategic Planning ·         Managing Internal Relationships Resources Mentioned: ·         contact@bankmarketingshow.com ·         Bank Marketing Minute Newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com ·         Website: The Bank Marketing Show: bankmarketingshow.com    

Many community banks are missing out on valuable marketing opportunities. Statistics show that many community banks aren't currently utilizing cookies, which used to put them at a disadvantage. However, with cookies being increasingly phased out, updating your website pop-ups and refining your other marketing strategies is crucial. While some data will be lost in a cookieless environment, there are ways to continue engaging with customers.  In this episode, Chris Bates, Dan Novalis, and Hollie Brown explore what a cookieless future means for community banks. Email marketing is one effective strategy that doesn't rely on cookies, and by using techniques like lookalike marketing, community banks can keep reaching the right audience. They also share other smart strategies to meet your customers. Chris, Dan, and Hollie look at how fintech companies are stepping up to meet these challenges and how community banks can model their marketing strategies after them. They also share easy-to-follow tips on how community banks can use customer data more wisely and show real returns on their marketing efforts. Topics Include:  What can we do about a cookieless future Why older generations are less likely to accept cookies and information How to collect more information from your website visitors A comparison between Fintech companies and community banks How a cookieless future will affect the marketing landscape  About Hollie Hollie Brown is Vice President of Marketing for Coastal Community Bank. Coastal provides personal and business banking services for Puget Sound, WA customers, and Banking as a Service (BaaS) for fintech partners. At Coastal, Hollie leads marketing strategy, brand and corporation communication, public relations, and digital marketing. Hollie earned a BA in Journalism from Western Washington University, an Executive Development Professional certificate from the Washington Bankers Association, a certificate in Bank Marketing from the American Bankers Association, and she is a Certified Financial Management Professional from the American Bankers Association. She is currently enrolled in Pacific Coast Banking School. Before joining Coastal, she was the Regional Marketing Manager for Moss Adams LLP in Seattle and the Vice President and Director of Marketing for Peoples Bank in Bellingham, WA. Resources Mentioned: Episode 58 -  Producing Content that Actually Engages with Hollie Brown Website: https://www.coastalbank.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holliejoybrown/  Website: https://bankmarketingshow.com/     contact@bankmarketingshow.com Bank Marketing Minute Newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com

Regardless of your asset size and marketing bandwidth, budgeting is a challenge.  Marketers never have as much as they would like, and those setting the budgets might see it as an expense (hint: it's not!  It's an investment!).  In this episode Chris and Dan discuss the crucial strategies for effective bank marketing budgeting. They emphasize the importance of digital marketing, the evolving role of bank marketers, and the significance of holding a portion of the budget for unplanned opportunities.  Key insights are drawn from the American Bankers Association (ABA) article on marketing budget trends, highlighting the shift towards digital spending and the continued relevance of direct mail. The discussion provides practical advice on budget allocation, leveraging agency support, and navigating emerging marketing channels. Topics Include:  Marketing Budgeting Insights Digital vs Traditional Marketing Effective Digital Ad & Direct Mail Strategies The Evolving Role of Bank Marketers Resources Mentioned: Reference article: https://bankingjournal.aba.com/2025/01/bank-marketing-budget-and-staffing-considerations-for-2025/ contact@bankmarketingshow.com Bank Marketing Minute Newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com Website: The Bank Marketing Show: bankmarketingshow.com