Banking & Financial Services
Agency Capabilities Summary
The Morris Difference
We know—really know—financial institutions.
Bank, credit union, or financial advisor? We know the difference. We understand FINRA, the importance of being a fiduciary, and why every ad needs an Equal Housing Lender logo. We acknowledge what millennials and "legacy" customers want. We know how to ensure technology serves the needs of the credit union, not the other way around. We can identify when brick and mortar is essential, and when an app is better. We are skilled in crafting compelling marketing messages that help Generation Z understand why having a credit union account is better than just their Venmo. We could list more, but you get the idea.
We’re a nimble ski boat, not an aircraft carrier.
We respond quickly when markets and objectives change, and we need to pivot our marketing strategy. There's no weird game of telephone here. We can move mountains in short periods of time if needed. Try working with a 200-person agency where the barrier of reaching your team is three account executives deep, and you may not have the same experience. Plus, we’re fun and easy to work with, which counts, too.
We spend your money as if it were our own.
No prima donnas. No bloated budgets. No ego. Just the truth and great ideas that make a difference.
For modern financial institutions at large, the struggle to connect with a new generation of customers is all too real.
How do you grow in the digital age, when 70% of your buying decisions are made before potential customers contact you? According to a study by Viacom Media, the financial services industry runs the highest risk of disruption.
- 53% said they didn’t think their bank offered anything different than a competing bank.
- 71% said they would rather visit the dentist than hear what banks had to say.
- 73% would rather use, Venmo, PayPal, Amazon, Google, Apple, or Square than use their own nationwide bank.
We have collaborated with several community banks and financial services companies to strengthen their brand, re-examine positioning, and sharpen messaging, resulting in measurable gains like increased engagement, more assets under management, and an increase in customers.
Our Capabilities
MG works with clients across a broad spectrum of industries, including education, healthcare, financial, banking, real estate, technology, and legal. We have extensive experience in creating successful marketing campaigns for various industries. Working in partnership with you, we build high-quality marketing programs that are custom-tailored to your goals and objectives.
For more information on our services, and for examples of our work, check out our online portfolio.
- Industry Research
- Situational Analysis
- Campaign Planning
- Campaign Launch
- Campaign Execution
- Evaluation and Evolution
- Brand Identity Development
- Messaging Strategy
- B2B and B2C
- Traditional Media
- Paid Digital Advertising
- Media and Sales Kits
- Market Research and Analysis
- Media Placement
- Social Media Marketing
- Website Design
- Website Development
- Site Testing and Launch
- Database Application Programming
- Turn-key Website Hosting
- E-Commerce and Multimedia
- Website Auditing
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
- Data-Driven Marketing Decisions
- Daily/Weekly Monitoring
- Campaign Optimization
- Data Evaluation
- Comprehensive Reports
- Brand Design
- Corporate Identity Collateral
- Signage and Way-finding
- Product Packaging
- Digital Media
- Print Design
- Display Ads
- Social Media Kit
- Public Relations Kit
- Training Videos
- Bio Headshots
- Client Testimonials
- Lifestyle Photography
- Broadcast
- Documentary
- Corporate
- Product Shots
- CRM & CMS Management
- Social Media Management
- Email Marketing
- Landing Pages
- Copywriting
- Blogging
- Content Offers
- Marketing Automation
Banking & Financial Portfolio
Sevier County Bank • Southern Community Bank • First National Bank of Kentucky
United Cumberland Bank • Mountain Commerce Bank • First Peoples Bank
Coulter & Justus Wealth Advisors
Sevier County Bank
The Challenge
Sevier County Bank, the oldest continuously operating business in Sevier County, came to Morris Group looking for a strong marketing message to distribute throughout the community and in various branded materials. After a period of reorganization, the bank was looking for a marketing campaign that demonstrated their resilience and strong community foundation.
Our Solution
Morris developed various elements using Sevier County Bank’s existing brand identity, including a refreshed look for their debit cards, brochures, lobby signs and posters, and additional print materials. The Morris team also helped Sevier County Bank launch a marketing campaign that served as a powerful ode to the community for their support over the years. Through various elements including print ads, billboards, and television, “The Story of Us” marketing campaign was launched.
Scope of Work
marketing campaign strategy and execution • campaign creative • public relations • media buying, management and placement • website project management • video • radio
Southern Community Bank
The Challenge
The Sevier County Bank team joined forces with Morris to develop an extension of their Tennessee-based organization (Sevier County Bank) to serve the Richmond, Virginia banking market. Morris Group was tasked with developing a new brand identity and marketing strategy for their new business venture based in Richmond, Virginia.
Our Solution
Morris wanted the new brand identity to share a connection with its roots in Sevierville while also accurately reflecting a unique brand personality of its own. This was achieved by developing a brand name that shared the same initials — SCB. The Morris team continued to develop the newly established Southern Community Bank brand by utilizing the existing Sevier County Bank brand identity. Morris Group also helped create a variety of marketing pieces including stationery, debit cards, brochures, lobby signs and posters, and additional print materials.
Scope of Work
brand identity development • consulting / project management for website design and development • branded print collateral • public relations • signage creative
First National Bank
Kentucky
The Challenge
First National Bank of Carrolton had a problem, albeit a good one. They were growing, and their name no longer reflected their service area, which had expanded to include a larger footprint in Kentucky. Also, the bank was beginning to change how it did business, by integrating more virtual electronic banking technology instead of brick-and-mortar branches.
Our Solution
The president of FNB reached out to MCG to help with naming, a new corporate identity and collateral, brand standards, and signage. MCG provided consultation to the president and the board and helped the bank roll out a new, fresh, and modern look that has taken them into a bright future. Revenue is up 20% year over year.
Scope of Work
branding • logo design • corporate identity design • branded print collateral design • brochure design • dress code booklet • brand style guide • outdoor, exterior, and interior signage
United Cumberland Bank
The Challenge
United Cumberland Bank is the result of the 2014 merger of the Bank of McCreary County (BOMC) and First Trust and Savings Bank of Oneida (FTSB). This merger brought about new challenges and opportunities for attracting new banking customers and expanding target market reach.
Our Solution
Morris conducted an in-depth evaluation of UCB's marketing strategy and performance which served as the foundation for our analysis and subsequent marketing plan. The plan focused on a growth strategy, suggesting ways in which UCB could build on existing customer relationships.
In the end, Morris Group determined the objective was to raise awareness of the new United Cumberland Bank, position it as superior in value, retain current BOMC and FTSB customers, attract new customers, and expand into new markets.
Scope of Work
brand identity development • corporate collateral • website • advertising campaigns • e-newsletter • radio • postcards • drive-up envelopes
Asset Planning Corporation
Scope of Work
branding • corporate identity stationery • website
Mountain Commerce Bank
Scope of Work
branding • corporate collateral • signage • website • mobile app • advertising • e-newsletter • radio • video • poster creative
First Peoples Bank
Scope of Work
branding • logo development • brand standards guidelines • signage • website • mobile app • advertising
Coulter & Justus Wealth Advisors
Scope of Work
re-branding • logo design • website • print ad creative • e-newsletter • video • public relations
Client Testimonial
In 2019, we had the pleasure of beginning a partnership with Morris Group. The past two years have been extremely exciting and productive as the Morris team has helped revitalize our brand and support our growth strategy.
There has not been an aspect of our marketing effort that the Morris team has not assisted us with including corporate identity, collateral materials, website design, e-newsletters and even television advertising. In year two of our partnership, we created a new brand for a new market entry. We had a different marketing strategy and the Morris team understood how to support those unique business objectives while creating a visually consistent and equally appealing brand and corresponding messaging.
We are proud of the work we have created together and the growth of our organization these past two years speaks to that. Sevier County Bank has grown from an asset size of $290 million to over $450 million today. Recently, it was announced that we will be acquired by another bank with roots in our county, SmartBank. This will take our bank to new levels that will be better for customers and shareholders alike. There is no question that our marketing efforts with MG help set us up for this exciting next chapter.
Amy Presley
Executive Vice President, COO
Sevier County Bank & Southern Community Bank