Summer is prime season for credit unions to grow loan portfolios with recreational loans for boats, RVs, ATVs, and motorcycles. Demand for these “toys” typically rises as members seek affordable ways to enjoy local adventures, especially with more families choosing staycations over expensive travel. For credit unions, this represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity—if the campaign is built on strategies that reach members effectively.
What's The Point?
Toy loans can increase member engagement and loan growth, but they require marketing strategies that ensure broad, fair reach.
How Do You Effectively Advertise Toy Loans?
Marketing recreational loans demands a multi-channel approach tailored to how and where members research and plan their summer purchases:
- Digital Targeting – Reach in-market prospects searching for financing options related to boats, RVs, ATVs, and motorcycles through a strategic blend of SEM, geo-targeted video, display advertising, social media, and event-focused out-of-home placements. These integrated campaigns have consistently improved conversion rates, boosted website traffic, and helped drive year-over-year growth in approved applications and funded loans and strong call to action.
- Website Landing Pages – Develop clear, user-friendly landing pages highlighting promotional rates and pre-qualification details to simplify the application process. Landing page should have a strong CTA at the top of the page.
- Social Media – Share content that aligns with members’ seasonal interests, highlighting the benefits of toy loans with visuals of boating trips or RV adventures.
- Content That Speaks to Members’ Needs – Publish information that members are seeking, such as cost comparisons, cost calculators, ownership benefits, and tips for planning summer outings with their new purchases.
Whether it’s launching a new product, promoting a local event, or dialing up your digital presence, we ensure every penny spent on digital marketing is backed by performance-driven planning, and guided by over 25 years of expertise.
Thinking Outside the Box
Successful toy loan marketing goes beyond standard ads by focusing on where and how members engage with summer recreation:
- Understanding the Audience – Identify members’ summer plans and research habits, and analyze key demographics like age, income, family status, and membership. This helps tailor messaging to connect with the right members and their specific needs.
- Event Marketing – Presence at local boat and RV shows connects with prospects who are already considering a purchase.
- Regional Media – Advertising in local boating or summer magazines helps reinforce messaging with audiences who are active in these hobbies.
- Tailored Content – Provide information that addresses members’ questions about financing, maintenance, and budgeting for their new toys.
Is It Too Targeted? Keeping Reach Broad Enough
A balanced approach uses cross-channel marketing to combine paid search, video ads, display, social media, and out-of-home tactics. This strategy expands reach, increases awareness, and drives action while ensuring campaigns meet fair lending requirements.
Why Members Will Say Yes to Toy Loans This Summer
- Staycations Create Demand – Rising travel costs mean more families are looking for recreational options close to home.
- Avoiding Summer Boredom – Toy loans enable members to create memorable experiences without major vacation expenses.
- Early Promotions Drive Action – Advertising competitive rates and encouraging pre-qualification before peak season positions your credit union as the first choice for financing.
In-House Experience
Our team at Marshall Advertising has implemented data-informed strategies for credit unions to increase loan originations on recreational vehicles by combining SEM, geo-targeted video, display advertising, social media, and event-focused out-of-home placements. These integrated campaigns have consistently improved conversion rates, boosted website traffic, and helped drive year-over-year growth in approved applications and funded loans.
Bottom line: Toy loans present a timely opportunity for credit unions to support members’ summer plans while strengthening lending portfolios. Campaigns that combine strategic targeting, effective content, and cross-channel execution—delivered with an understanding of compliance requirements—are best positioned to achieve meaningful results.
