Results

32%

Increased CTR to Application

$3M

LIFT IN REVENUE

17%

Increased Time-on-site

A rebuilt, fully accessible website lifted lead‑form clicks by 32 percent and added about $3 million in monthly revenue within half a year.

Focus

Challenge

VACU’s website was built on a fragile content management system (CMS) that hindered updates and posed significant accessibility issues. The marketing team was reluctant to make changes due to the risk of breaking the site, and the platform’s limitations prevented compliance with ADA and WCAG standards. This not only restricted the site’s functionality but also exposed VACU to potential legal challenges.

Solution

COLAB initiated a comprehensive redesign by migrating VACU’s website to a Drupal-based CMS, enhancing stability and flexibility. Accessibility was a primary focus: adjustments were made to color contrast and typography, and alt text was added to images to support screen readers. The redesign also included the integration of essential member tools such as calculators, a branch and ATM locator, and online appointment scheduling. A modular style guide was developed, enabling the marketing team to create and manage content without developer assistance.

A user entering credit card information on a laptop

A Website Lacking Accessibility and Flexibility

In the face of potential legal action, VACU needed a website that complied with ADA and WCAG standards. But in addition to failing to support users with disabilities, VACU’s website couldn’t adequately support its members or prospective customers. The site lacked the resources to replicate an in-person visit to a branch, and it was visually disconnected from the credit union’s brand standards. Plus, as the result of an older, cumbersome CMS, the marketing team was afraid to implement site improvements — like adding new sections, updating menus, etc. — due to the risk of “breaking” the site.

Already having worked with VACU to update their website with functionality improvements, COLAB first worked to resolve the credit union’s accessibility issues. Upon recognizing the work required to bring the site to compliance, we needed to eliminate an unwieldy CMS that had handcuffed their marketing team.

A Rebuilt and Redesigned Digital Business

The new VACU home page

After an initial scan for accessibility issues, VACU’s website framework proved too fragile to design a more equitable experience. Instead, we migrated their site to a Drupal-based CMS with few changes to the front-end experience outside of resolving its accessibility needs. We adjusted color contrast and font sizes to satisfy accessibility requirements, as well as adding alt tags to accommodate screen readers. More complex site features, such as rates management systems, were migrated to the new platform.

Once VACU’s site became accessible, the credit union could take advantage of Drupal’s capabilities to expand their digital reach. We incorporated mobile enhancements as well as apps that allow members to access calculators, search for branch and ATM locations, and schedule appointments. From there, the engagement progressed to a comprehensive redesign that included a dynamic new style guide that streamlined digital development.

In the past, VACU had worked with multiple vendors to create site features and a standalone app, resulting in a site design that did not align with VACU’s products. We created a cohesive experience while rearchitecting the site and determining user flows in order to respond to audience needs.

With added features that focus on financial education, VACU’s site can now better serve its members. Plus, with the flexibility to implement site improvements, the credit union can better respond to their members’ needs as well.

$3M Increase in Revenue in 6 Months

Since launching in 2019, the redesigned VACU has produced 32% year-over-year increase in click-through rates to lead forms. Six months after the site launched, the credit union also saw a $3 million per month increase in revenue. The site delivered 12% more CTR to lead forms and time-on-site metrics increased by 17%.

Now delivering an equitable digital experience, VACU has a site that creates a stronger connection with all its users. Plus, with a marketing team that’s empowered to create new features quickly and seamlessly, the credit union is better equipped to meet its business goals.

We are really happy with the final product and are excited for members and non-members to begin using it.

Caitlin Fox
VACU’s Digital Marketing Manager
A COLAB employee working at a desk

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