Are you familiar with Wells Fargo? This is a bank based in San Francisco in California that has the mandate to offer one of the best experiences on the Web to its customers and to be where its customers. It was among others the first U.S. bank to establish a blog and be present on Second Life and MySpace, social networks offering a 3D world in which there are Internet users worldwide.
Wells Fargo has won several prizes awarded for its efforts to transform visitors into real contributors on their website. Of all the means in place to achieve this, I am of the opinion that the following features of their website should be highlighted to inspire our financial institutions:
1 – Online Tour
This is an interactive presentation that shows the full range of financial services. No more endless readings, places of entertainment! To see a preview, click here.
2 – Blogs
Wells Fargo offers a number of blogs to allow customers to ask questions or make comments, to better understand the history of Wells Fargo, for information on student loans and have the inside scoop on what’s Cooking in the direction of products at the bank. I support this kind of initiative because blogs are a great way to establish an ongoing dialogue between customers and the company, which will contribute to their loyalty.
3 – Presence on social networks (MySpace and Second Life)
Customers can find Cassie Hill in an interactive game on MySpace, explore and have fun. They can read his blog, learn to manage their money, advertise events and provide feedback. To see a preview, click here.
In Second Life, it provides an opportunity for players to buy their first land and build their house. That’s not all! You can negotiate your mortgage virtual, having a checking account virtual credit cards virtual or get a job with Wells Fargo, once again, virtually. To view the promotional video, I advise you to consult the ticket Michelle White by clicking here.
4 – Podcasts
Interested parties can listen to some information which may affect their portfolios. Among other things, they can know what happens to Wall Street, hear expert analysis of exchange markets and a series of podcasts aimed at small businesses. It’s a great way for them to gain credibility by disseminating this kind of quality information. To hear one of these podcasts, click here.
5 – Vsafe
There is even a new service that allows customers to securely store important documents online (passport, marriage contract or insurance, will, etc.).
6 – Hands on Banking
This is an entertaining and educational for children that enable them to improve their knowledge of budgeting, the importance of saving, maintaining credit, etc.. Obviously, it ensures there is no publicity done. To view this program, click here.
As you know, many banks remain cautious and still do not use 2.0 technologies, but the case of Wells Fargo proves that when we compare ourselves, we are lagging behind on many things!