Tips to Help Community Banks Compete in a Digital-Lending World

Posted by Colleen Cormier on November 14th, 2021

In the past, community banks have been able to rely on loans from other entities for their lending. However, with digital lending coming into play, this is not as easy. To compete with larger banks and credit unions, they will need a new strategy. Below are some tips on how to do that!

Redefine Lending

Some people think of lending as a straightforward transaction, but it has become so much more in the modern world. There are many ways that companies can provide loans without being banks, and they don\'t need any paperwork. Big tech or small startups could help customers get their credit up-to-speed quickly with just one form signing on to be considered for future transactions if needed again.

The traditional definition of \"lender\" may have blurred over time due to its similarities across industries; however, differentiating factors exist between what this term initially meant versus how we use/understand today.

Keep Up With New Technology

Technology is changing the way we do business, and it\'s essential to keep up with new trends. If you\'re not using technology, your competitors will be! For example, technology can improve efficiency in lending so that lenders have more time for other aspects of their company- like customer service or marketing strategy development.

Segment the Audience Using Technology

To win business, upstart companies target active and engaging customers with personalized messages, unlike traditional banks, who focus on branch visits for profit margins rather than customer service satisfaction. Community banks must improve how they target profitable customer segments; it\'s time for them to take on an active role if they want any hope of success.

Provide Value

In a world where everything is digitized, going to the bank can be as easy and seamless. As a result, traditional banks may have been phased out in some areas. However, they still offer an essential service for customers who want personal attention from someone on-site or nearby during their business hours. While many people prefer this type of interaction because it feels more personable, others prefer online banking. However, what matters is to provide excellent value to customers.

The Bottom Line

The digital-lending world is changing, and so are the community banks that compete in it. But, with some guidance, these small institutions can keep up with big names in banking by embracing new strategies to stay competitive.

About Author

On The Mark Strategies is a team of trailblazers guiding financial institutions in the areas of speaking, branding, strategic planning and marketing services. Technically, they are a consulting firm, but their clients prefer to think of them as trail guides. Their experience as former credit union employees, combined with the customized programs they create in-house, enable them to lead financial institutions through the great unknown. On The Mark Strategies stands ready to guide financial institutions looking to chart a new course or navigating their current path.