Beacon Federal Credit Union

Serving its members since 1949, Beacon Federal Credit Union evolved into a full-service, Texas-based financial institution and needed a site to show it. Honoring its history, credit union redesigned its site to stay current and better compete in the banking industry. Providing a more modern experience and valuable features, the new website uses a responsive, ADA-conformant theme-based design that lives up to the Beacon FCU’s tagline, “We’re looking out for you.”

Improving the navigation and strategy

The new, intuitive site architecture includes a simple menu that makes it easy for users find what they are looking for. Guiding visitors further into the site and along the consumer journey, top level categories introduce individual pages that offer more in-depth information about specific products and important topics. This allows the credit union to deliver content that helps consumers understand who Beacon FCU is as a brand and the benefits of its financial solutions. Built-in placements for promotions and other contextual content further support the credit union’s messaging goals.

Attracting and engaging website visitors

Beacon FCU wanted to use the website as a virtual branch to support current member needs while generating new memberships. The on-site SEO strategy, a friendly and fresh appearance, along with easy-to-read, refreshed website content devoid of technical financial terms helps the credit union attract and appeal to its target audiences, including younger generations. The site also uses lifestyle photography and engaging visuals to help connect with consumers, communicate product value, and establish relevance.

Designing for flexibility and accessibility

Leveraging a responsive theme styling, the site uses structured page layouts with semi-customizable components such as rotating banners, rates bands, promotional boxes, SEO fields, forms, media galleries and more. Beacon FCU’s colors, fonts and other visual identifiers were applied to these out-of-the-box elements to create a unique, branded design. With a variety of page types, from product pages and landing pages to a blog, the site supports the credit union’s need for both flexibility and control. Ensuring accessibility to all audiences, including those with disabilities, the site is also conformant to WCAG 2.1 level AA standards.

Developing better technology and features

Built on the Umbraco CMS, the user-friendly dashboard and features make it easy for administrators to manage and maintain site content. The open-source .NET CMS also allows for seamless integration with third parties including online banking, as well as loan application and account opening vendors. Additionally, the site includes a custom, central rates management tool that provides for simple sitewide updates and helping the credit union stay compliant.

Introducing members to the new website

To ensure a seamless transition to the new website, Beacon FCU took measures to inform members about the forthcoming enhancements and introduce them to the new site. Prior to launch, members were sent a printed postcard via direct mail to generate awareness and excitement. Upon visiting the website for the first time post launch, visitors were greeted by a custom video website tour that highlighted new features while helping users find their favorites, like online banking.