Financial brands often face challenges in digital growth due to a lack of awareness about the problems within their websites. Many don't realize they have issues that hinder their digital performance, while others acknowledge these problems but do not feel the urgency to address them. Additionally, some brands feel stuck and unable to make progress, often due to limitations with their tech stack or internal alignment.Unaddressed, these issues can lead to lost opportunities, frustrated customers, and a decline in digital effectiveness. By engaging in website secret shopping studies, financial brands can gain a deep understanding of digital pain points and stop losing millions in loans and deposits.Join us as we discuss:-Financial brands' conversion and lead issues. (6:40)-Website design and user experience. (12:25)-Digital secret shopping studies for financial brands. (20:09)You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banking-on-digital-growth/id1498837117), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DS40kGDVBSIodUfGTbvWI), or here (https://www.digitalgrowth.com/podcast).  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Many financial brands are navigating the digital landscape with blind spots, as our research indicates that a staggering 85-90% of financial brands have never conducted a website secret shopping study, leaving them in the dark about user experience.Imagine spending countless resources on designing and maintaining a digital platform, only to find out it doesn't resonate with your target audience or fails to convert visitors into account holders.By evaluating your website through the eyes of prospective account holders, financial brands can uncover invaluable insights into user experience, identifying pain points and areas for optimization that were previously invisible. This process does not require a complete overhaul of your website but focuses on strategic micro-optimizations that can lead to significant improvements in customer conversion and satisfaction.Join us as we discuss: -Website secret shopping and for financial brands. (1:45)-Website optimization and user experience. (18:10)-Use cases and practical examples of website secret shopping. (27:33)You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banking-on-digital-growth/id1498837117), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DS40kGDVBSIodUfGTbvWI), or here (https://www.digitalgrowth.com/podcast).  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The financial landscape is increasingly being influenced by factors such as technology and global economic shifts. Leaders must adapt to these changes to avoid falling behind, especially as traditional models of operation are disrupted.Dan Sullivan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dansullivansc/), founder of Strategic Coach (https://www.strategiccoach.com/), joins the show to introduce a framework for understanding these challenges and opportunities for growth. By leveraging insights from his new book, "The Great MELTdown," leaders can identify and act on untapped opportunities for growth. Emphasizing innovation in money, energy, labor, and transportation (MELT factors), financial brands can support entrepreneurs, driving economic expansion and securing their future in the evolving financial ecosystem.Join us as we discuss:-US foreign policy and economic shifts. (8:31)-Entrepreneurial mindset and reducing constraints in business. (21:22)-The impact of technology on business and finance. (27:16)You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banking-on-digital-growth/id1498837117), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DS40kGDVBSIodUfGTbvWI), or here (https://www.digitalgrowth.com/podcast).  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We're seeing a clear split between those who've grown up with the internet at their fingertips and those for whom digital tech is a learned skill. This divide is particularly noticeable in areas like social media and finance, where traditional approaches clash with digital expectations, leading to a disconnect in communication and service usage.To bridge this gap, it's essential to explore the roots of these differences. Understanding the evolution of technology and its impact on various generations can guide us in developing strategies that resonate across age groups.Join us as we discuss:-Digital banking for Gen Z and millennials (6:38)-Financial brand leadership and digital natives (13:09)-Financial brands' social media presence and marketing strategies (19:48)You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banking-on-digital-growth/id1498837117), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DS40kGDVBSIodUfGTbvWI), or here (https://www.digitalgrowth.com/podcast).  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Financial brands face a critical issue with account holder retention, struggling to maintain the accounts they work hard to acquire, if they are even aware they have a problem. Banks and credit unions invest heavily in acquisition efforts, only to see their gains erode due to poor retention practices.Kelly Chambers (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyrobertchambers/), content strategist and writer, believes that by prioritizing personalized, relevant content and services, financial brands can transform into trusted experts, fostering a sense of loyalty and satisfaction among their customers. This shift towards valuing retention as much as acquisition, coupled with a continuous adaptation to customer feedback, is crucial for cultivating long-term relationships and achieving sustainable growth.Join us as we discuss:-Financial brand expectations and retention strategies (4:55)-Financial brand gaps in digital consumer journeys (19:06)-Optimizing account holder retention strategies through data-driven insights (31:14)You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banking-on-digital-growth/id1498837117), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DS40kGDVBSIodUfGTbvWI), or here (https://www.digitalgrowth.com/podcast).  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When you think of the term "discipline," what comes to mind? Is it a constraint or a catalyst for growth? Particularly in challenging times, discipline might be the key for financial brand leaders to elevate themselves, their teams, and their organizations.In this episode of the #BehindTheCover series, we Audrey Cannata (https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-cannata-6784191a1/) and I explore "Discipline is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control (https://www.amazon.com/Discipline-Destiny-Power-Self-Control-Virtues-ebook/dp/B09PB1SB72)" by Ryan Holiday, a recommended read for leaders aiming to unlock growth and freedom, not only for themselves but also for those they serve in their financial journeys. Join us as we uncover the pivotal role of discipline in navigating both personal and professional spheres.Join us as we discuss:-Self-control and fulfillment in a distracted world (2:12)-Discipline, attention, and financial freedom (16:43)-Community, accountability, and personal growth (40:29)You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banking-on-digital-growth/id1498837117), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DS40kGDVBSIodUfGTbvWI), or here (https://www.digitalgrowth.com/podcast).  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Storytelling goes beyond just entertainment; it can truly change people. This power isn't just for leadership and personal growth but also helps motivate teams and bring about change in organizations.Joe Byerly (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-byerly-bb67a377/), an active-duty Army lieutenant colonel and the mind behind "From the Green Notebook (https://fromthegreennotebook.com/)," discusses how understanding and leveraging the art of storytelling can lead to exponential personal and organizational growth.This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to enhance their storytelling skills, understand their personal narrative better, and use it to lead with authenticity and impact. Whether you're leading a team, building your career, or just love a good story, there's something in this episode for you.Join us as we discuss:-Leadership, self-development, and the power of storytelling (7:15)-Bridging logic and emotion in institutional change (17:24)-Prioritizing learning and growth for leaders (42:59)You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banking-on-digital-growth/id1498837117), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DS40kGDVBSIodUfGTbvWI), or here (https://www.digitalgrowth.com/podcast).  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Facing the challenge of a race, whether in athletics or in the competitive financial industry, requires more than just showing up. Without a solid strategy, you're merely running without direction, risking not achieving your full potential in both physical races and financial growth.Just as athletes wouldn't dream of tackling a marathon without comprehensive training, financial institutions that leap into market battles without a strategic plan are setting themselves up for failure.Bryn Conway (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryn-c-conway-cude-37948b8/), principal at BC Consulting (https://strategiesbeyondcreative.com/) joins the show to help guide you through developing a winning strategy to elevate your financial brand. We'll delve into the importance of aligning your actions with a thoughtful plan, examining the latest growth opportunities, and how to adapt in a transforming market. Join us to discover how to not just run, but to race ahead effectively and efficiently in the financial industry.Join us as we discuss:-Bridging the logical and emotional sides of marketing (10:28)-Empowering women through financial coaching and education (17:19)-Creating a safe space for employees to share their experiences (22:15)You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banking-on-digital-growth/id1498837117), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DS40kGDVBSIodUfGTbvWI), or here (https://www.digitalgrowth.com/podcast).  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Financial well-being is often compromised due to a lack of personalized guidance and accountability, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and underserved by traditional banking models. The gap between financial institutions and the personal financial health of individuals widens as services remain transactional rather than transformational, ignoring the emotional and practical needs of consumers.This episode with Shannon McLay (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-mclay-8b24539/), founder and CEO of The Financial Gym (https://financialgym.com/) addresses these challenges, showcasing how integrating financial coaching into banking can bridge this gap. Shannon's journey from traditional finance to founding The Financial Gym highlights the power of empathetic, tailored financial advice in transforming lives, offering a blueprint for banks, credit unions, and FinTechs to follow.Join us as we discuss:-Financial coaching in banking and FinTech (2:43)-Financial coaching vs. financial advisor roles (17:13)-Financial wellness, employee confidence, and coaching (21:16)You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banking-on-digital-growth/id1498837117), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DS40kGDVBSIodUfGTbvWI), or here (https://www.digitalgrowth.com/podcast).  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of the Practical Perspectives series, we uncover the challenges faced by a credit union during its online account opening process, where major friction points led to a staggering 60% of users abandoning their applications. The complexity and frustration of the process were pinpointed as the primary issues. We explore the effectiveness of website secret shopping studies and benchmarking against competitors in identifying gaps in the consumer journey, pinpointing where friction occurs, and optimizing the process. These strategies are crucial for preventing the loss of millions in loans and deposits by making the application process more user-friendly and efficient.Join us as we discuss:-Improving online banking application experience (7:19)-The onboarding process and its impact on revenue (14:48)-Optimizing financial services through communication and technology (30:16)You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banking-on-digital-growth/id1498837117), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DS40kGDVBSIodUfGTbvWI), or here (https://www.digitalgrowth.com/podcast).  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.