Pokémon. It's 2016 and you've still gotta catch 'em all. The Pokémon Go craze is in full force. But what does this have to do with credit unions? If you can jump on board the craze it's an easy way to create brand awareness. Credit unions, and other businesses for that matter, are always looking for ways to be heard. Here's your chance.

Pokémon Go is unique in the fact that it forces users to walk around in order to advance within the game. Right now people are flocking to Pokégyms and Pokéstops, which are simply different places around town. Literally, public parks are full of people with phones in their hands, eyes glued to the screen, swiping back and forth throwing pokéballs. These people are current members or potential members.

Vibrant Credit Union is leveraging the Pokémon craze to create brand awareness and get involved in the community by bringing our one of a kind ice cream truck to local Pokémon hotspots. Typically, the converted 1974 VW cruises around town handing out free ice cream to community members at local business and community events. Lately, it's been spotted at Pokestops and Pokegyms. People show up for Pokémon and leave with ice cream!

Vibrant uses Facebook to spread the word on where the ice cream truck will be. First, we find out where the hotspots are with a social media search. People love to talk and share about their experience, which makes it easy to find the favorite local spots. Next we boost the post to Facebook users who are interested in Pokémon. This promotes the post to an already engaged crowd. People see the post and show up to get their Pokémon, check out the Vibrant ice cream truck and enjoy a sweet treat.

pokemon go and credit unions vibrant cu Through this unique approach, we've had an increase in interaction and created some real brand awareness to a whole different crowd. With a memorable enough interaction Pokémon users will think of Vibrant next time they're at that Pokéstop or Pokégym.

Of course, not every credit union has an ice cream truck. It's all about finding what works best in each specific situation. Vibrant's ice cream truck made its debut last year, handing out more than 50,000 pieces of free ice cream to the community. Our marketing team uses the truck as a tool to meet new faces and get out in front of the public. It's basically a walking billboard. The ice cream and colorful VW help banking, which is typically a stuffy topic, seem a little more lighthearted and fun.

Vibrant is always proving that banking doesn't have to be boring. This creative marketing strategy is an easy way to get in front of people and start some conversations. We're constantly looking for new and fun ways to create an experience with the community. Combining our ice cream truck with Pokémon Go is a great opportunity to do just that.

Danielle Blocker is marketing coordinator for Vibrant Credit Union. She can be reached at 309-796-4087 or dblocker@vibrantcreditunion.org.

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Vibrant Leverages the Pok&eacute;mon Craze

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