3 min read
Crystal Steinbach: August 20, 2025
What You Need to Know in 2025 The goalposts have moved. Artificial intelligence (AI) is now reshaping search rules. Recently, Google introduced updates that change how financial institutions are displayed in search results, how traffic is monitored,...
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1 min read
Crystal Steinbach: August 20, 2025
To compete in search, now AI-powered, financial institutions must take action. Follow this 4-part playbook for staying visible, relevant, and trusted...
1 min read
Kathryn Mahr Dollar: August 11, 2025
Curious about what’s truly driving results in digital paid media right now? We’ve gathered our latest insights and observations to reveal 5 trends...
2 min read
Brooke Von Ehwegen: August 08, 2025
Plus, follow these three pro tips for maximizing Canva’s capabilities at your FI. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, visual content is...
2 min read
Heather Stahl: July 21, 2025
Social media marketing has become increasingly popular with today’s mortgage lenders. It provides a platform for reaching a wider audience and can...
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6 min read
Ryan Pleggenkuhle: July 18, 2025
Celebrating 50 Years of SMART and BOLD Financial Marketing. On June 1, 2025, Mills Marketing officially turned 50! To commemorate our milestone...
2 min read
Rhonda Handy: March 28, 2025
Over the years, digital advertising has grown and so have compliance challenges. Many regulations have not been modernized to reflect the digital...
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3 min read
Crystal Steinbach: November 19, 2024
Updated March 17, 2025 As AI becomes more integrated into Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs), we’re seeing a shift in the traditional search model,...
3 min read
Crystal Steinbach: November 01, 2024
Take a moment and think about one of your branches. As you approach, you notice clear branding, a tidy parking lot, and sparkling windows. You walk...
2 min read
Ryan Pleggenkuhle: November 01, 2024
Six members of the Mills team had the opportunity to share their expertise at three conferences in September, engaging with a variety of audiences in...
2 min read
Ryan Pleggenkuhle: July 29, 2024
Gamification | Data-Driven Customer Growth Strategies | Innovative Thinking It’s been a hot, adventure-filled summer at Mills! In June, we celebrated...
3 min read
Rhonda Handy: July 01, 2024
The Rise of Trademark Scams: What to Know and Watch For Scams Target Businesses (with and without a trademark application) Trademark scams have been...
3 min read
Ryan Pleggenkuhle: May 30, 2024
Generative AI Emerges as Major Theme at #IBAMega This Year. Earlier this month, Derek Baker and I had the opportunity to attend and present at the...
4 min read
Ryan Pleggenkuhle: May 30, 2024
Exploring the potential benefits of adding international payment services to your repertoire. It’s no secret. Major consolidation has been an ongoing...
1 min read
Rhonda Handy: April 16, 2024
The last time the FDIC had updated regulations regarding the official FDIC sign and advertising statement was in 2006. However, the banking industry...
3 min read
Ryan Pleggenkuhle: April 16, 2024
Follow these 4 tips to avoid this tricky AI-enhanced scam. Are you familiar with the term “deepfake”? No, it’s not some schoolyard football play...
1 min read
Ryan Pleggenkuhle: April 03, 2024
Our own Derek Baker was recently interviewed for an article featured in Independent Banker magazine. In his interview, he shared valuable insights on...
2 min read
Becki Drahota: February 27, 2024
Here are some key insights on the state of the financial industry. Hi everyone! Just got back from attending the Acquire or Be Acquired Conference...
1 min read
Mayra Gonzalez: February 09, 2024
Google and Yahoo Roll Out New Authentication Measures and Spam Prevention Updates, Effective February 2024: Your Essential Guide.: Here's what you...
2 min read
Ryan Pleggenkuhle: January 23, 2024
You may know them. You may even love them (we do, too). We’re pleased to announce the promotions of two key leaders at Mills — Kris Mattoon and Derek...
2 min read
Crystal Steinbach: December 14, 2023
Ever wondered what goes into making a financial institution's website not just good but exceptional? Well, let's talk about laying a solid foundation...
3 min read
Ryan Pleggenkuhle: December 13, 2023
Connect with consumers in new ways with these generative AI audio and visual tools. "To me, the future is that we are all using these tools, and...
2 min read
Crystal Steinbach: December 13, 2023
There’s a lot of buzz in digital marketing and the tech world about the metaverse, and financial institutions are taking notice. What exactly is the...
6 min read
Ryan Pleggenkuhle: October 18, 2023
The key to Generative AI use — Think “Effective or Ineffective” rather than “Right or Wrong” “This is going to change everything.” These are the...
2 min read
Ryan Pleggenkuhle: October 17, 2023
Meet Kat — Digital Campaign Manager When we reviewed Kat’s résumé and interviewed her, we knew she was the ideal fit for this position, our team, and...
5 min read
Ryan Pleggenkuhle: September 27, 2023
Boston, Massachusetts — home to Fenway Park, Freedom Trail, and some of the best seafood in the country! It’s also home to INBOUND, presented by...
5 min read
Ryan Pleggenkuhle: August 01, 2023
Note: This article features information and perspectives of two subject matter experts in the mortgage industry from Midwest Family Lending (MFL) in...
5 min read
Ryan Pleggenkuhle: May 09, 2023
Note: The focus of this article is on the current state of the banking industry and how today’s economic environment has impacted strategic planning...
4 min read
Crystal Steinbach: May 09, 2023
Digital solutions to help generate deposits and strengthen your brand From platforms to consumer behavior, the way that you promote your financial...
3 min read
Ryan Pleggenkuhle: March 31, 2023
3 Tips to Position Your Bank as Your Community’s Trusted Financial Anchor “Your deposits are safe here.” These are the words of affirmation every...
2 min read
Becki Drahota: March 13, 2023
Each year Bank Director sponsors a number of conferences to inform bank directors and senior leaders on a variety of topics. The Acquire or Be...
3 min read
Ryan Pleggenkuhle: January 27, 2023
Note: The focus of this article is on current trends in branch banking. This article features information and findings from an interview with subject...
2 min read
Rhonda Handy: January 20, 2023
When you think of “banking compliance” or “marketing compliance” you might think, that’s not my job! I don’t need to learn about all the regulatory...
3 min read
Rhonda Handy: January 09, 2023
Before we get started, let’s define digital media. It includes digital display ads, search engine marketing, social media, websites, email marketing,...
2 min read
Becki Drahota: September 14, 2022
Who knew that a line of business which doesn’t have mass market appeal and has a sales cycle that’s measured in years, would be on a lot of financial...
5 min read
Ryan Pleggenkuhle: September 13, 2022
Engaging. Provocative. Compliant. There’s no denying that well-produced video has enormous marketing value, but the process of creating it can be...
3 min read
Becki Drahota: September 07, 2022
Your customers are comparing your mobile banking app experience to shopping on Amazon®. Your CEO wants a digital transformation plan up and rolling....
2 min read
Becki Drahota: September 01, 2022
When it comes to brand value, the financial industry is and has been behind the curve for a while. In fact, compared to all major industries,...
2 min read
Becki Drahota: August 15, 2022
Mega-Banks, major regionals and fintechs know their value proposition. Are you sure you know yours? Problem #1: A lot of financial institutions are...
2 min read
Derek Baker: August 15, 2022
This message may seem out of character, especially to those who know we’re the biggest advocates of data-driven decision-making there is. That said,...
3 min read
Crystal Steinbach: June 07, 2021
Marketing Digitalization: The New Norm in Retail Banking. We all know the COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for digitization in banking, forcing...
2 min read
Becki Drahota: February 23, 2021
I live in Iowa. Just like you, we’re going through COVID, we’ve had political unrest, we’ve experienced demonstrations. And in the midst of all these...
3 min read
Crystal Steinbach: February 23, 2021
Using data to drive communications. When it comes to marketing, instead of spending hundreds of dollars to acquire a new account, consider spending...
2 min read
Derek Baker: February 11, 2021
Today, most markets are overrun with similar product offerings amongst competitors, making it challenging to enter new markets. And digital...
2 min read
Becki Drahota: February 11, 2021
If you don’t know what a Hydro Flask® is, just ask any self-respecting 13-year-old. A Hydro Flask will carry anything. You want tea? Put tea in it....
3 min read
Crystal Steinbach: February 09, 2021
Using data to drive communications. Research has shown that complicated checking accounts are both difficult to sell, and unattractive to consumers....
