Competing with the Big Banks

How T3 Levels the Playing Field for Community Banks

Throughout my career working with and inside community banks, one challenge was always clear—we couldn’t go head-to-head with the big banks. They had deeper pockets for marketing, more advanced technology, a wider range of products, and the ability to lure customers with big, flashy offers. Meanwhile, we leaned on “friendly local bankers” and “local decision-making”—great selling points, but not enough to truly compete in today’s market.

It became evident to me that if we wanted to not just compete but win, we needed a smarter approach. We had to find a way to reach the right households with compelling, competitive offers and keep our best customers engaged so they wouldn’t be tempted to move their deposits elsewhere.

Now, with my own marketing company, I finally had the opportunity to build that solution. But I didn’t have to start from scratch. Years ago, I came across a similar program that had real potential. I took those foundational ideas and modernized them—adapting the strategy to fit today’s customer expectations, digital landscape, and competitive banking environment.

That’s how T3 was born—a data-driven, turnkey marketing solution designed to help community banks thrive.

Introducing T3: A Smarter Way to Drive Growth

In today’s competitive banking landscape, achieving sustainable growth requires innovative strategies that not only attract new customers but also deepen relationships with existing ones. T3 is that solution. Designed to drive account and balance acquisition, it takes a comprehensive approach that is Turnkey, Tailored, and Targeted (T3).

Turnkey Solutions for Seamless Implementation

T3 simplifies the complex process of customer acquisition with a turnkey marketing strategy. We start with an in-depth product review and competitive analysis to uncover the best opportunities for your bank. From there, we handle everything—creative development, list-building, and execution—so your team can stay focused on what they do best: serving customers.

Tailored Campaigns Aligned with Your Goals

No two banks are alike, which is why T3 is tailored to fit your institution’s unique objectives. We integrate your brand identity into every campaign, ensuring consistency and trust with your audience. Whether promoting free checking, high-yield savings, or premium deposit accounts, each offer is crafted to resonate with your ideal customers.

Targeted Strategies for Maximum Impact

Precision is key. T3’s targeted approach ensures your marketing dollars are spent effectively by identifying the right prospects. Using data-driven segmentation, we match your existing customers with high-potential households in your market. Whether cross-selling to current customers or acquiring new ones, every message is optimized for relevance and results.

Proven Results in Customer Acquisition and Deposit Growth

T3 is built on strategies that deliver real, measurable results:

A material lift in new accounts and household acquisitions per campaign

⚡ Higher-than-average deposit balances per new account

⚡ Return on marketing investment (ROMI) exceeding 200%


Accelerate New Household Acquisition

T3 removes the guesswork from customer acquisition. With ready-to-deploy creative assets and smart targeting, you can quickly attract new households in your market. By focusing on branch-specific areas (3-5 miles), we maximize your marketing reach and effectiveness.

Enhance Cross-Selling to Existing Customers

Keeping your best customers engaged is just as important as acquiring new ones. T3 ensures your most valuable customers receive personalized, relevant offers based on factors like age, income, and liquidity. Delivered through the right channels—direct mail and digital—these targeted messages strengthen relationships and increase customer lifetime value.

Experience the T3 Advantage

By integrating T3 into your bank’s marketing strategy, you gain a proven, data-driven approach to growth. Our turnkey execution ensures seamless implementation, tailored campaigns align with your goals, and targeted strategies maximize impact.

With T3, community banks no longer have to compete on an uneven playing field. You can reach the right customers, with the right message, at the right time—driving growth, retention, and profitability.

Let’s talk about how T3 can work for you. Message me on LinkedIn, email me at ldonaldson@getuscurrent.com, and we’ll get right back to you to set up a consultation.