BURBANK, Calif.–Ume Credit Union said it added more than 500 followers to its Instagram account through a contest that encouraged members to post pictures via Instagram of the people, places, and things that give their lives meaning.
In all, UMe reported its social media audience shared more than 1,100 photos of loved ones, pets, life events, and more.
To enter, users posted their photo, used the hashtag #MattersToUMe, and followed and tagged UMe on Instagram. The credit union awarded four $250 prizes to the winning entries, which included an amusing father-son moment, a beloved bulldog, and others.
“It was always our goal to engage the community,” said VP of Marketing Anita Hutchinson. “But what impressed us so much was how personal the photos were. Pictures of families spending time together, best friends laughing, weddings, vacations—it was all really moving.”
According to the credit union, in addition to boosting its online profile, the social media contest became a way to make connections that don’t normally exist in a banking relationship. UMe said it is already planning another Instagram contest to coincide with UMe’s 76th anniversary in June.