Standing out in the crowded and competitive banking industry is difficult for even the largest national bank chains. Dieterich Bank, a hometown bank with branches across Central and Southern Illinois, offered new and prospective customers one of the market’s best rates on high-interest checking and unbeatable perks, like ATM refunds and shopping discounts, to go along with it. But that wasn’t enough to grab their target’s attention.
Dieterich Bank made the bold choice to let their guard down and have some fun with their new campaign. They wanted to be relatable to their customers while building product awareness for their Extreme Green Checking account. With the “High-Interest Looks Good on You” concept, the goal was to creatively spotlight how customers can earn money back to spend on anything they want and enjoy a line-up of exclusive benefits they can’t find anywhere else locally.
Pulling off the concept required a high level of production to ensure the message translated across all media platforms, including streaming video, in-bank promotions, and print ads. No detail was overlooked, including the custom-designed 4.0% APY dress that became an instantly recognizable brand element in all of Dieterich Bank’s key markets. Bringing it all together was a trio of talented actors who captured the energy and authenticity of the bank’s unique personality.
While Dieterich Bank was already well established in its original Central Illinois markets, the Extreme Green campaign built brand recognition for the bank as it expanded across the St. Louis Metro region. Their new audience latched onto the bank’s fun – yet compelling – message, resulting in an increase in deposits across Dieterich Bank’s service area.
In 2024, Zeal, Dieterich Bank, and our producing partner Storyteller Studies received a GOLD Telly Award for Excellence in Fintech & Financial Services, as well as a Communicator Award of Distinction from the Academy of Interactive & Visual Art for the campaign.
As Nikki Bloemer of Dieterich Bank shared, “Being creative in bank marketing is so much fun! Thanks to everyone who helped make this a success!”
