So much effort, so few dollars. That's a grumble from many credit unions about their Facebook pages, which take continuing effort to keep lively.
Now Berkeley, Calif. technology start-up Shastic has announced its Calcubot, a Facebook widget that puts a loan lead generator on any credit union's Facebook page.
Spokane, Wash.-based, $1.1 billion Numerica Credit Union and the $3.1 billion Kinecta Federal Credit Union in Manhattan Beach, Calif., are among the early adopters of the widget, which is designed to be a loan calculator that also, "on the back end, is a lead generator for the financial institution," said Ariel Gomez, CEO of Shastic.
"Implementation takes a credit union only a few minutes," said Gomez, who pegged the costs for an institution at "under $100 per month."
Integral to Calcubot's design is that it is intended for users to share its calculations with their Facebook friends: "Hey, I'm offered this mortgage. Does it look like a good deal to you?"
Additionally, said Gomez, happy members can install their credit union's branded Calcubot on their personal Facebook pages, "turning them into non-commissioned sales people," said Gomez.
Gomez acknowledged that many widgets – basically tiny applications that perform a defined function – are beginning to show up on Facebook.
But, he said, "the ones I have seen are very promotional. Ours is informational, professional" and, accordingly, he says it suits credit unions with their focus on member education.
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