In this episode, Meredith Olmstead and Sophie Bawany tackle common myths about using Instagram for banks and credit unions. From replying to comments to using hashtags wisely, they share what actually works to boost engagement without burning out your team.

Key Takeaways:

• Replying Still Matters: Responding to comments and direct messages can increase reach by up to 35 percent. Even quick replies help build trust and loyalty.
• Focus on Quality Over Quantity: Posting two or three strong, shareable posts each week works better than daily filler content. Captions over 150 words are also seeing higher saves.
• Small Can Win: Micro-influencers and smaller, engaged followings can deliver better results than huge but passive audiences. Relevance beats reach every time.

In this new episode of the FI GROW podcast, Meredith Olmstead and Ida Burr break down what’s changing in digital ads for credit unions and community banks; from seasonality shifts to personal loan trends and the real numbers you need to hit for optimized conversions. Tune in for practical strategies to spend smarter and stay competitive.

Key Takeaways:

• Seasonality is Out the Window: Consumer behavior has shifted, follow the data, not the old calendar.
• Conversions Drive Optimization: No matter your budget, you need 10–20 conversions per campaign to feed the algorithms.
• Use All the Tools: Layer PPC, OTT/CTV, and native ads for more touchpoints; they work together to lower overall costs.

In this episode, Meredith Olmstead and Kristin Mock break down how credit unions and community banks can advocate for bigger, smarter marketing budgets. From connecting marketing efforts to core data to shifting the mindset from "expense" to "investment," they share actionable tips to align your budget with real growth goals.

Key Takeaways:

• Data Changes the Conversation: Connecting your core and marketing systems can prove that marketing drives revenue, not just impressions.
• Budget Shouldn’t Be Just Marketing’s Job: Your website and digital assets support sales, service, and operations—so their budgets should too.
• Think Digital = Your Most Important Branch: It’s time to treat your digital presence like the branch it truly is—an asset that deserves serious investment.