Top 5 Ways to Market Your OBB Site

When an organization agrees to be an Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB) it has agreed to be committed to helping low- and moderate-income individuals get to the resources they so desperately need. A common problem among most OBB sites is that they just don't know how to get the word out about the OBB. Once an organization becomes an OBB site it can be difficult finding ways to attract clients. That is why marketing is crucial when launching a site. Here are 5 easy tips to marketing the OBB so that a site can get the most out of the program.

5. Team up with the locals.

Go to local libraries, schools, food pantries, agencies and ask if they would be wiling to hand out OBB marketing materials or hang up posters. All marketing materials can be ordered here on the OBB website under "Free Marketing Materials."

4. Set up a table at a local event.

If there is a big event happening in your community and there are local organizations hosting tables, ask if there can be an OBB table. You can either set up the table yourself or call your region's Community Organizer to come to the event and hand out reference cards to your location. Maybe the OBB Mobile Van could even make an appearance...

3. Invite your Community Organizer and Regional Coordinator to a community meeting.

A lot of times people aren't even aware of what the OBB is much less that you offer it at your location. So invite your Community Organizer and maybe even your Regional Coordinator to come out and give a presentation on the OBB.

2. Contact your local media sources.

Whether it's on the radio, TV or online, people are always turning to various media outlets to find out what's going on around them. No matter what it is your organization is doing, building a relationship with your local media sources is a must! You could write your own Public Service Announcement and send it to the local radio station or write a press release and send it to the local newspaper. You could even contact your local government and see if you can put something up on your city's website.

1. Talk to the people you already serve.

Your organization's website, newsletter and email bulletin are all great places to promote your OBB site. If you start publicizing to those that you already serve, they will spread the word.

Also, many of your existing clients may already be receiving food assistance (SNAP) but may not not that they could be eligible for other programs such as RX Extra Help, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or that they could file their taxes for free. Letting them know about the full extent of what the OBB can do for them can really help the clients you already serve within your organization.

So if you aren't generating as many clients as you had hoped, it's time for you to act and begin marketing your OBB. We've given you all of the training to be a great OBB site, now it's time you let people know you are here to help.