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Social Media is about sharing and so are relationships. Social Media is the perfect way to engage with customers and forge relationships beyond a bank account number. Do you know what else relationships are about? TRUST. And every bank, large or small wants to be trusted. So get out there and give customers a reason to trust you by getting to know you better.

Below are 10 more reasons why a community bank needs to start using Social Media:

#10 ENGAGEMENT – Social Media is a great way to talk with your customer…but first listen, gain feedback and then converse. It is amazing what your customers might tell you…such as exactly what they are looking for from a bank.

Don't under-estimate how you can help a potential customer.

#9 HELP AND ASSIST – Blogs are a great way to share information and educate an audience or potential customer. Offer up your expertise on how to apply for a loan or refinance a mortgage. Easily explain steps needed to apply for a small business loan or something as simple as offering tips on how to balance a checkbook.

#8 SUPPORT COMMUNITY – You call yourself a Community Bank, then start acting like one. Get involved with individuals one-on-one with real conversations. These are your neighbors, customers and hopefully soon your friend on Facebook.

#7 REINFORCE YOUR BRAND PROMISE – You are a Community Bank serving customers both as individuals and small businesses. Social Media is a great equalizer for small businesses. Validate Social Media as a viable medium by demonstrating support for small business owners and engage with your community.

#6 WANT MORE CUSTOMERS? – When was the last time you used the Yellow Pages to research a bank? Are you looking to attract young families just starting out? Do you want to help them buy their first car, house or boat? Social Media is a great channel to connect with young adults.

#5 CUSTOMER SERVICE – This means being available for your customer, so why not expand the ways they can reach you? Believe me if you customer has a complaint, they will not hesitate to share their thoughts via Social Media. Be available and monitor what people are saying about your bank.

#4 PUBLIC RELATIONS – Social Media is another form of public relations. Share ways that you are involved in the community, from sponsoring a Little League team to food and clothing drives to baking a cake for a customer’s birthday. Be proud of all your local involvement, no matter how big or small.

#3 – THREE IMPORTANT LETTERS…SEO – Search Engine Optimization. Yes, Social Media can help you with dominating search, especially locally. Not only will you see an increase in your website traffic, you’ll also see your site climbing to higher positions in search results on Google, Yahoo and Bing.

All banks have ATM's, differentiate yourself and post on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

#2 SEPARATE YOURSELF FROM THE PACK –
If you aren’t using Social Media your competitor might be, so beat them to the punch. Set up a Facebook page, Twitter account, LinkedIn profile now and start connecting with current and future customers today!

#1 HUMANIZE THE BANK EXPERIENCE –
All banks have ATMs, but now you can leverage technology to connect with your customers and neighbors. Maybe you thought Social Media is a trend and might go away. It is far from a trend and is growing more popular by the minute. So get on-board.

Do you have a social relationship with your bank? Share your thoughts on community banks and social media.