Wider variety of syndicated ads, both print and broadcast, now available.

Syndicated ads. That's a popular phrase these days at small banks trying to develop professional-looking print ads on a limited budget. Within the last few years, several vendors have offered new syndicated services to community banks. Usually the vendors offer to license ads exclusively to a bank in a single market area--after the institution has customized the ad with the bank's name and logo.

The syndicated offerings continue to expand into other types of advertising. Below are three of the latest offerings.

AdPro of Comelius, N.C., says that it updates its collection of bank advertising materials weekly. It also offers more than just print acts. It provides websites, billboards, direct mail, newsletters and brochures as well.

For a monthly fee, banks have unlimited usage of the company's database consisting of hundreds of types of advertising materials. Banks can choose the acts they want by reviewing thumbnails.

Ads can be coordinated to provide "a complete customer acquisition and customer retention strategy," according to the company, www.bankadpro.com

PSB of Lake Forest, Calif., provides syndicated ads for broadcast by community banks--including both television and radio ads. The company says it can customize its "pre-produced" ads ar create new ones. "Custom advertisements include writing, producing, directing and editing based on the client's specific needs," the company says.

Texas Star Bank (assets: $144 million) in Van Alstyne, Texas, recently used the company to assist in developing radio advertising promoting the institution's online banking service. According to...