The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a booming sector in Australia, providing crucial support services for individuals with disabilities. With over 500,000 NDIS participants, there’s a growing demand for quality service providers—but how do you attract and retain NDIS clients?
Whether you’re an NDIS-registered provider, support worker, or business owner, this guide will cover effective strategies to get more NDIS clients, stand out in a competitive market, and grow your business sustainably.
Who Can Provide NDIS Services?
Before you start attracting clients, it’s important to know who can legally provide NDIS services. There are two types of NDIS providers:
- Registered NDIS Providers – Must go through an NDIS registration process to offer services to NDIA-managed participants (those who have their funds managed by the NDIS).
- Non-Registered Providers – Can only work with self-managed or plan-managed participants. Registration is not required, but compliance with NDIS quality standards is essential.
If you’re planning to scale your business and work with all NDIS participants, registering as an NDIS provider can open up more opportunities.
Related: 7 Essential Digital Marketing Strategies for NDIS Providers
How Do You Find NDIS Clients?
Finding NDIS clients requires a mix of marketing, networking, and service excellence. Below are the best strategies to attract new clients.
(1) Optimise Your Online Presence (Website & SEO)
In today’s digital age, most NDIS participants and their families search online for providers. Having a professional website with strong SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is crucial.
What Should Your Website Include?
- A clear description of your services (e.g., support coordination, therapy, personal care).
- Easy contact options (phone, email, and an inquiry form).
- Client testimonials and success stories to build trust.
- A blog with helpful content about NDIS topics (e.g., “How to Use NDIS Funding Effectively”).
SEO Tips to Rank Higher on Google:
- Use NDIS-related keywords, such as “NDIS support worker near me” or “best NDIS therapy services.”
- Create Google My Business and list your services.
- Get online reviews to improve your ranking.
A strong online presence ensures that when potential clients search for NDIS services, they find you instead of your competitors.
(2) List Your Business on NDIS Provider Directories
Many NDIS participants use NDIS provider directories to find services. Some of the most popular directories include:
- AdTuna Health – https://adtunahealth.com.au/join/
- Clickability – https://clickability.com.au
- Kinora – https://www.kinora.com.au
- BudgetNet – https://budgetnet.com.au/add-new-listing
- Disability Support Guide – https://www.disabilitysupportguide.com.au
- My Community Directory – https://www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au
- MyCareSpace – https://mycarespace.com.au/business-directory
- LeapIn – https://www.leapin.com.au/ndis-provider-network-directory/
Adding your business to these platforms increases your visibility and helps clients find your services more easily.
(3) Network with Support Coordinators & Plan Managers
Who Are Support Coordinators & Plan Managers?
- Support Coordinators help NDIS participants find and connect with suitable service providers.
- Plan Managers assist participants in managing their NDIS funding and recommend providers.
How to Build Relationships with Them?
- Attend NDIS networking events and introduce your business.
- Reach out to local NDIS plan managers via LinkedIn or email.
- Offer to present your services to local disability organisations.
By partnering with support coordinators and plan managers, you can get direct referrals to NDIS participants in need of your services.
(4) Use Social Media to Connect with Clients
Social media is a powerful tool to engage with potential NDIS clients and their families. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn can help you showcase your services.
How to Use Social Media for NDIS Marketing?
✔️ Create a Facebook Page – Share client success stories, updates, and helpful NDIS information.
✔️ Join NDIS Support Groups – Many Facebook groups discuss NDIS providers and services.
✔️ Post Educational Content – Create posts like “How to Maximise NDIS Funding” to establish credibility.
✔️ Use Facebook & Google Ads – Target your ideal audience with paid ads.
Social media allows you to engage with potential clients and build trust before they even contact you.
(5) Offer Free Workshops & Information Sessions
Many NDIS participants and families struggle to understand how the system works. Offering free workshops or webinars on topics like:
- “How to Use Your NDIS Plan Effectively”
- “Understanding NDIS Therapy Services”
- “Tips for Choosing the Right NDIS Provider”
These sessions position you as a knowledgeable and trustworthy provider while also attracting potential clients who need your services.
(6) Build Strong Word-of-Mouth Referrals
NDIS participants often rely on recommendations from other families, caregivers, and providers.
How to Get More Word-of-Mouth Referrals?
- Provide exceptional service that clients will recommend.
- Ask happy clients for reviews and testimonials.
- Offer a referral program (e.g., “Refer a friend and get a free consultation”).
- Stay in touch with clients via email or SMS to maintain relationships.
A good reputation spreads quickly in the NDIS community, bringing in more referrals.
(7) Partner with Disability & Community Organisations
Connecting with local disability groups, schools, and community centers can introduce your services to more people.
Consider:
- Partnering with NDIS advocacy groups.
- Sponsoring local disability events.
- Collaborating with therapy clinics or medical centers.
These partnerships help establish credibility and direct referrals to your business.
(8) Leverage Google Ads & Facebook Ads
Paid advertising can help you target specific NDIS participants based on location, interests, and needs.
Best Advertising Strategies for NDIS Providers:
✔️ Google Ads – Target keywords like “NDIS support worker near me.”
✔️ Facebook Ads – Use visuals and testimonials to attract potential clients.
✔️ Retargeting Ads – Show ads to people who visited your website but didn’t contact you.
A small ad budget can generate high-quality leads for your NDIS business.
(9) Provide Flexible & Tailored Services
NDIS participants value flexibility and personalised care. To attract more clients, offer:
- Flexible service hours (including weekends).
- Personalised care plans based on client needs.
- Mobile services (e.g., in-home therapy or transport assistance).
A client-centered approach ensures long-term satisfaction and referrals.
(10) Get Featured in Local Media & Publications
Being featured in local newspapers, online blogs, or disability magazines can boost your credibility.
Consider:
- Pitching NDIS success stories to local news outlets.
- Writing guest articles on NDIS-related topics.
- Collaborating with disability influencers or bloggers.
This builds brand awareness and positions you as a trusted NDIS provider.
(11) Hire an NDIS Marketing Agency
Partnering with an NDIS marketing agency can significantly boost your client acquisition efforts. Agencies like AdTuna bring expertise in NDIS-specific marketing strategies, allowing you to focus on service delivery while they handle your marketing needs.
Agencies like AdTuna help NDIS providers attract NDIS clients utilising various digital marketing strategies such as:
- Social media marketing
- Content marketing
- Search engine optimisation (SEO)
- Google Business Profile (BGP) optimisation
- Professional website design
- Search engine marketing
Final Thoughts
Growing an NDIS business requires a strategic mix of online marketing, networking, referrals, and high-quality services. By optimising your online presence, connecting with support coordinators, using social media, and offering value-added services, you can attract and retain more NDIS clients.
If you’re serious about growing your NDIS business, start implementing these strategies today and watch your client base expand!
