We’ve been working with credit unions around Ireland for many years now. It has given us a unique insight into how they operate and the challenges they face. The work they do is amazing, as is their success, especially when you consider the communities in which they’re based and the competition they’re up against.
With that in mind, we thought it would be a good opportunity to take a look at some of our favourite credit union campaigns over the years. We’re calling it ‘Our Top 10’. Let us know what you think and if you have any favourites. Now we won’t lie to you; most of the campaigns are ours, but hey, it’s our blog so we’re allowed be a small bit biased 🙂
1. Irish League of Credit Union – The O’Donovan Brothers
Who wouldn’t want the rowing pair from Skibbereen to be associated with their brand? The Irish League of Credit Unions was the first to jump on the ship (or rowing boat as the case might be) to land the talented duo as their Youth Ambassadors. Here’s a short clip showing the naturally funny and down-to-earth pair in full flow.
2. Canice’s Credit Union – If Anyone Can, Canice’s Can
Okay so, this is one of ours but it’s not just shameless self-promotion, we promise. St. Canice’s is one of the largest credit unions in Ireland with over 50,000 members. This campaign followed the merger of several credit unions under the St. Canice’s banner and included a new website and company mascot (Cando). One of the highlights was this specially commissioned video which features well-known landmarks in the wider locality.
3. Capital Credit Union – We Luv Lending
From one large credit union to another, we head to Dublin and Capital Credit Union, formerly known as Dundrum Credit Union. We helped to plan and implement a wide-ranging media campaign to inform their members, and public at large, of their willingness to lending. It was a great campaign, due largely to the good people in Capital Credit Union who were very enthusiastic and open minded. Here’s a quick peek:
4. Desmond Credit Union – We Like Saying Yes
Desmond Credit Union is based in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick and has just celebrated its 45th birthday. We worked with them to overhaul all areas of their marketing strategy and brand design. In so doing, we created the ‘We like saying Yes’ campaign. It was a positive and upbeat approach to lending which can otherwise leave people feeling indifferent – at best – and confused – at worst. Here’s an overview of the campaign:
5. Irish League of Credit Union – Is the Car Really Yours?
Many people turn to PCP (personal contract plan) finance when buying a new car, the risks of which aren’t fully understood by most people. The credit unions have long since been providing responsible and manageable car loans for people looking to get behind the wheel. This clever animation produced by the Irish League of Credit Union sums up the pitfalls of PCP very well, and in less than two minutes – nice work! Have a look.
6. Naas Credit Union – Dublin Zoo/Tayto Park Prize Draw
Prize draws are a good way of generating interest in your product or service. They are usually easy to enter and leave the person with that feeling of anticipation you get when you’ve just bought a lottery ticket – it could be me! Naas Credit Union is currently running a prize draw for members who take out a loan in August 2017. The prize is a family pass worth up to €180 to either Dublin Zoo or Tayto Park. Simple but sweet! Take a gander.
7. Waterford Credit Union – Cop On / We Look After Our own
We have been working with Waterford Credit Union for many years now and produced numerous campaigns for them. One of the first (‘Cop On’) was deliberately provocative. The objective was to get young people to think about their financial situation and Waterford Credit Union in a different way. The subsequent ‘We look after our Own’ idea was born out of the strong community ethos which lies at the heart of everything they do. Read more.
8. Carlow Credit Union – We’re Here For You
Carlow Credit Union has 27,000 members. We’ve been working with them since they started merging with other credit unions in the region. The campaign theme we proposed (We’re Here For You) perfectly captures the personal service they give their members. As a community organisation, Carlow Credit Union is always there for its members. It understands that daily living isn’t easy and that you don’t know what’s around the corner. Learn more.
9. People First Credit Union – We’re Stronger Together
Following on from the Carlow Credit Union campaign was one we did for People First Credit Union (formerly Portlaoise Credit Union) called ‘We’re Stronger Together’. Like their neighbours in Carlow, Portlaoise Credit Union came to us as they were merging with another credit union (Abbeyleix). The ‘stronger together’ theme emphasises the strength in numbers and reiterated the sense of community underpinning the credit union movement. Read more.
10. Credit Union Plus – We’re Local No Matter Where You Are
Credit Union Plus covers Navan town and much of county Meath. It provides a wide range of services to its members, making it quick and easy for people to do business with them. Its current theme (We’re Local No Matter Where You Are) speaks to the fact that the credit union is always nearby, whether it’s a traditional branch (of which there are five) or online banking (which is always accessible – anytime or anywhere). Take a look.
Let us know what you think or if you need any help
That concludes our rundown of Our Top 10 Campaigns for Irish Credit Unions. We hope you enjoyed them and if you’re a credit union in need of some branding or marketing, we would be delighted to help you. Call us on 051 580 969 for a chat, or if you prefer email, our address is info@passionforcreative.com
