WICHITA, KS – Central Star Credit Union has invited its members to get Naked...Checking. The Kansas-based financial institution launched a campaign recently that’s sure to turn a few heads.
With various images of hairless pets and the tagline, “It’s free, so there’s nothing to hide,” Central Star and their marketing partner, Kearley & Company, aimed to promote the credit union’s free checking service in a more untraditional way.
“There’s just so much clutter out there,” said Elisa Rode, President of Kearley & Co., “So we had to think of a more dynamic way to grab people’s attention. We think we hit the mark here.”
The campaign included an interactive mix of social and traditional media. Billboards, t-shirts, web and print ads were utilized in addition to Facebook and YouTube to drive consumers back to the NakedChecking.com website, where they could learn more about the service as well as Central Star Credit Union.
“We wanted to differentiate our new free checking from other financial institutions in our market who offer checking accounts, but with certain restrictions and fees,” said Central Star President Lee Williams, “We chose to use the humor of Naked Checking with the hairless animals, and it’s been great to see the smiles on people’s faces when they see our promotion.”
Central Star also debuted two web-based commercials with the website that are already generating positive response.
“Kearley has worked with credit unions for over 30 years and I can safely say that it’s not everyday that we see credit unions willing to step out of the box like this. It was something we were very happy to work on with Central Star,” said Rode about the campaign.
In addition to promoting Naked Checking, Central Star is also giving back to the Kansas Humane Society with a “Get Naked and Give Back Drive.” For every one item (pet toy, treat, bed, etc.) donated at a Central Star branch, the Credit Union will give $1 to the Humane Society.
Those interested can find out more about Naked Checking at its website, www.nakedchecking.com
About Kearley & Co.
Specializing in strategic marketing, branding and retail design, Kearley & Co. has been helping clients for more than 30 years. Located in Fort Worth, Texas, our creative team works hard every day to innovate and inspire. Our expertise reaches across several industries, but we specialize in financial institutions, particularly credit unions. Learn more at www.kearley.com.
About Central Star Credit Union
Central Star is open to anyone who lives, works or does business in Sedgwick, Butler, Harvey, McPherson, Saline or Sumner counties. You can also join if you or a member of your family is a current or retired employee of Beechcraft Corp. or its subsidiaries and associations. With branches in both Wichita and Haysville, we’ve been serving the financial needs of our members since 1940. And today our members have access to more than 5,000 shared credit union branches in Wichita and around the country! Visit www.centralstar.org or nakedchecking.com for more information.