Sb1 launches its new website programmed to adjust site’s visuals and layout to automatically optimize the viewing experience on any device. The re-launch was in response to a member’s survey that requested an improved online experience, and the ever-growing mobile and tablet audience.
“This was not like a typical credit union website “redesign” that are often driven by the credit union’s operational perspectives rather than by the website users’ needs,” said Dave Mayette, CEO of L9.com, the web development company that has worked with Sb1 Federal credit Union for over 7 years. “Therefore, L9 recommended a site that utilized a mobile-focused Responsive Web Design.”
Sites with responsive designs are becoming more commonplace as consumers’ web browsing habits shift toward handheld platforms. According to an On Device Research study in 2012, 25% of U.S. mobile web users are mobile-only, meaning they rarely access the Internet via personal computers. Furthermore, a recent IDC report projects mobile browsing will supplant desktop browsing as the most popular way to reach the Internet by 2015.
For Sb1, mobile users increased from 1.64% to 13.81% over a 36 month period. During the same period, the rate of growth remained statistically consistent, proving site visitors were shifting their banking behaviors toward mobile devices and away from desktops computers. Current mobile users account for 15% of new visits to the website.
“As more and more people connect to the Internet through their various devices, developing websites that offer stunning and congruent visuals across myriad platforms is fast becoming a necessity for brands,” said Diane Childs Heath, V.P. of Marketing of Sb1.
With the spectrum of screen sizes and resolutions widening every day, creating multiple versions of the website that targets each individual device is not only tedious, but costly. Members expect to be able to browse the web on their phones and tablets just as easily as they browse the web on a desktop computer. Responsive web design allows companies to consistently manage the presentation of one website, while accommodating the member’s viewing experience from any device.
In addition to the responsive design, Sb1’s website features a user-friendly interface and categorically showcases the breadth of financial products and services vital to financial health.
About Sb1
Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors since 1977, Sb1 is a not-for-profit credit union owned by its members. Profits are returned to the members in the form of better rates and fewer fees. Sb1 is one of the largest federally insured financial cooperatives in Philadelphia with more than $550 million in assets and 31,000 members. Anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Philadelphia, south of Lehigh Avenue, can utilize Sb1 products and services. For more information please visit sb1fcu.org
About L9
L9.com, LLC is a Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO), formed in 2005 between New England Federal Credit Union, Heritage Family Credit Union, and Level 9 (aka CK Interactive LLC).
Established in 1995, Level 9, LLC is a developer of award winning software and specializes in interactive websites with database, merchandising, and commerce applications and has extensive credit union branding and marketing communications expertise.