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5 Key Marketing Steps for NDIS Service Providers on a Budget
As a new NDIS service provider, it can be daunting to launch your business and make yourself known. With tight budgets and limited resources, you might feel like marketing is out of reach. But there are five key steps that every new NDIS provider on a budget should take: developing a strong brand identity, utilising social media platforms, networking with other businesses or people in the disability sector and leveraging word of mouth. All without breaking the bank! Read on for the inside scoop from our General Manager, Vanessa.
Table of Contents:
Table of Contents
Develop a Strong Brand Identity
Creating a strong brand identity is essential for any NDIS provider. It helps to create an image that participants can recognise and trust, so it’s important to ensure consistency across all platforms.
To start building your brand identity, begin by creating a logo and slogan that reflect the company’s values and mission. Your logo should be simple yet eye-catching; something that will stick in people's minds when they think of your business. Additionally, come up with a tagline or motto that encapsulates what you stand for as an organisation.
(If you're a 2Brownies NDIS website client, we can help you come up with a tagline or motto as part of your website project).
Once your logo and colour palette is in place, use it consistently across your website, brochures, business cards, socials and participant onboarding documents. The more consistent your brand is across all your material, the more people will start to recognise your company and what it stands for.
A strong brand identity is crucial for an NDIS service provider just starting out in business for several reasons:
- Differentiation: A strong brand identity will help your business stand out in a crowded marketplace, making it easier for potential participants, their family and friends to identify and remember your business.
- Trust: A professional and consistent brand identity instills trust and credibility in potential customers, which is especially important in the disability sector where people are looking for trustworthy and reliable service providers.
- Attracting the right clients: By developing a strong and clear brand identity, you can effectively communicate your core values and the type of clients you want to serve. This can help attract the right clients and build long-term relationships.
- Building a reputation: A strong brand identity is the foundation of building a reputation in the industry. It will help you to establish your business as a reputable and reliable NDIS service provider.
Create a Google Business Profile
Creating a Google Business profile is an essential step for any NDIS service provider looking to increase their visibility and drive more traffic to their website. With the help of this free tool, disability service providers can easily create a profile that appears on Google Search and Maps results when clients search for NDIS disability supports in their local area.
By creating a comprehensive profile, you can include all the necessary information such as contact details, hours of operation, images, videos and reviews from participants or their families. This helps potential referrers or participants get an idea about the NDIS supports you offer before they even visit your website or office.
In addition to providing basic information about your business, you can also respond directly to customer reviews which will help build trust with potential participants and show them that you care about their opinion.
In summary, a Google Business Profile is a free listing that allows NDIS Service Providers with a physical address to show up in Google search results and Google Maps. When you create a Google Business Profile, you can provide information such as business name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and photos. This information is then used by Google to populate a knowledge panel in search results and on Google Maps, making it easy for potential NDIS clients in your local area to find the business and its information.
By having a complete and accurate Google Business Profile, NDIS service providers with a physical address are more likely to show up in search results for relevant keywords, making it easier for clients to find them. This is an essential step to get your business noticed online, and is one of the most cost-effective ways to market your business.
Not sure where to start? Let 2Brownies set up your Google Business Profile for you! We set-up and optimise your listing with your NDIS support services in order to attract local searches.
Utilise Social Media
Social media is an invaluable tool for NDIS disability care providers. It’s a great way to reach potential participants without spending too much money, and it can help you build relationships with existing clients. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn are ideal for engaging with potential participants and referrers and promoting your business. But you need to be consistent.
If social media really isn't your thing, we'd recommend you spend your efforts elsewhere, such as networking with potential referral partners. Because social media really does require consistent, regular posting in order to have any impact at all.
If social media IS your thing, we recommend picking two channels and giving them your best efforts. (Read our blog post for a deeper dive on effective social media strategy for NDIS providers). Here's a rundown on how each channel can help you in marketing your business as an NDIS service provider:
Facebook: With over 2 billion active users worldwide, Facebook is the most popular social media platform available today. You can use it to create a page as an NDIS service provider where you can post updates about your supports and activities in the disability sector, such as attendance at conferences. You can also join groups where you can interact with other providers, such as NDIS Provider Advertising, where other providers and participants will post about any support or accommodation opportunities they are looking to fill. For NDIS providers just starting out, this group can be a great resource - you might even pick up your first participant by keeping an eye on the posts.
Twitter: Twitter allows you to connect with people quickly by posting short messages (tweets) that include links or images related to your disability supports. You can also join conversations relevant to the NDIS and disability sector by using hashtags (#). This will help increase visibility of your brand among other disability professionals in the field as well as potential participants looking for information about disability care providers.
Instagram is an image-based platform, making it ideal for showcasing photos of happy clients or events related to your business - such as disability sector workshops or seminars you've attended. This will give followers a better understanding of the services you provide and how they could benefit from them. Posting lots of photos of you, your team and the participants you support (with their permission, of course!) will build trust, which is so important in this sector.
LinkedIn is a great platform for networking with others in the industry, such as support coordinators, plan managers, software providers, NDIS-specific digital agencies such as 2Brownies, event organisers and other NDIS service providers. Join groups such as the NDIS Provider Forum and NDIS - SDA Network to showcase your services or NDIS accommodation properties and network with like-minded people in the industry.
Want to utilise social media for your NDIS provider business, but not sure where to start? Here at 2Brownies, we have social media set-up and content packages for NDIS providers that will get you started on the right foot.
NDIS-related hashtags
The following popular NDIS-related hashtags will help your posts gain visibility across all channels:
#ndis #ndisprovider #disability #disabilityawareness #disabilitysupport #disabilityservices #mentalhealth #ndissupport #ndisready #disabilitycare #australia #support #autism #disabilityinclusion #ndisaustralia #disabilityrights #occupationaltherapy #disabilityadvocate #healthcare #supportworker #myndis #autismawareness #inclusion #ndisregisteredprovider
Networking
Networking is a great way to promote your business on a budget. It can help you meet potential participants and referral partners who could help you grow your referrals. Whether it’s attending local disability sector events or joining online groups related to NDIS, networking can be an effective way of getting the word out about what you do and finding new opportunities for growth.
For NDIS disability care providers, there are plenty of ways to network with other professionals in the field. Attending conferences or seminars related to disability care is one option that allows you to connect with others in the same profession as well as learn more about best practices and trends in the disability sector. Eventbrite is a great site that lists many NDIS-related events in every state.
In order to network effectively, you really only need 3 things: a business card, a small well-designed brochure and a website. This gives your potential contacts all the information they need to confirm that you're a professional NDIS provider with a solid presence.
Networking at events, gatherings and conferences can lead to referral partnerships for NDIS service providers by allowing you to connect with other professionals in the industry, including other NDIS service providers, plan managers and support coordinators. By building relationships with these professionals, you can establish yourself as a reputable and reliable provider, and increase the likelihood of being referred to potential clients.
Additionally, networking events can provide opportunities for you to learn about new industry developments, and to stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices in disability support. This knowledge can be used to enhance your service offerings (ie. the latest in behavioural support, etc.) and position yourself as an expert in your field.
Ultimately, it's all about building relationships and increasing visibility, which can lead to new clients and referral partnerships. And all it costs is your time.
Leverage Word of Mouth/Referrals
Word of mouth referrals are one of the most powerful marketing tools available for any business. As an NDIS disability service provider, it is even more important to leverage this method of marketing in order to grow your business and reach potential clients.
Why is word of mouth so important? It's free, it's the most powerful tool at your disposal when it comes to building trust and it grows exponentially. The more recommendations you receive, the bigger your network for future referrals. We've seen new NDIS provider clients build a self-sustaining business in 4 months from nothing more than word of mouth referrals.
One great way to use word of mouth referrals is through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Encourage current clients to post reviews or stories about their experience with your support on these sites so that other people can see how satisfied they are with the disability support you're providing. You can even create a hashtag specifically for your company so that it’s easier for people searching online to find out more information about what you do and why they should choose you over other providers.
Finally, don't forget about offline methods too. Ask existing clients, their family and their friends if there is anyone they know who may need your supports – this kind of personal recommendation carries a lot of weight and could lead directly into new participant relationships.
For further information on why testimonials matter for NDIS providers, read our blog post 5 Reasons Why Every NDIS Provider Needs Testimonials.
FAQs relating to key marketing steps for NDIS providers on a budget
I've just launched my business as an NDIS provider. How do I get the word out about what I offer?
Congratulations on launching your business as an NDIS provider! There are several ways to get the word out about your business and attract new clients. Check out these steps that can be implemented at low cost:
- Networking: Attend local networking events, join online groups, and reach out to other NDIS providers in your area. Connecting with other professionals in the disability sector (even if you think they're competitors) can lead to new clients and valuable partnerships. NDIS service providers routinely need to refer potential clients to other providers because of capacity constraints or because they don't offer a particular support.
- Utilise social media: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram are powerful tools for reaching new NDIS participants and growing your business. They are also free to use and can help you reach a large audience without spending a dime. Use a smart hashtag strategy and join all the industry groups. Check in regularly and post often.
- Leverage word of mouth: Encourage satisfied clients to share their positive experiences with friends and family. (And get a testimonial for your website while you're at it!) Word of mouth is one of the most effective forms of marketing, especially for new NDIS service providers.
- Optimise your online presence: Create a website, update/create your Google Business (GB) profile, and make sure that all of your online listings are accurate and up-to-date.
- Partner with other organisations: Partner with other organisations that serve the same target audience as you, such as support coordinators, plan managers, community centers, allied health professionals or other NDIS service providers. This can help you reach new clients and build relationships.
Remember that building a business as an NDIS service provider takes time and persistence, be patient and keep working on your strategies. Good luck!
Do I really need a website?
A website is mandatory for every NDIS service provider because it serves as an online hub where potential clients can learn more about your services, read testimonials, and contact you. It tells people what you're all about. It also serves as a platform to showcase your professional credentials and experience. The disability sector is all about establishing trust and credibility and a website is a way to showcase your business as a reputable and professional service provider.
A website also allows you to be found by potential clients when they search for NDIS service providers online. It also allows you to share your contact information, business hours and location, making it easier for potential clients to find you and get in touch. In today's digital age, having a website is crucial for any NDIS service provider to be discovered and reach participants and referral partners.
I don't have the money for a website. What are my alternatives?
We get it. Starting a new business as an NDIS service provider is expensive and sometimes there just isn't money to get an agency like 2Brownies to build a site for you. In this case, we'd recommend starting with a Google Business Profile. It's not a substitute for a good website, but it is an essential first step in getting noticed online.
Having a Google Business Profile is a must-have for any NDIS service provider. Think of it like a digital business card that shows up in Google search results and Maps. It helps people find your business, your location, and your contact information with just a few clicks. Plus, it lets you manage your online reputation by responding to reviews and track how many people view your profile, call you or get directions. It's like free advertising for your business, making it easier for people to find you and reach out to you.
And best of all, it's free.
Conclusion
Launching a new business as an NDIS service provider can be an exciting and daunting experience. With the right strategy, however, it doesn't have to break the bank. By following these 5 key marketing steps for new NDIS provider businesses on a budget - developing a strong brand identity, creating a Google Business Profile, utilising social media, networking and leveraging word of mouth/referrals - you can create an effective presence in the disability sector without spending a heap of money. Good luck!
Are you a new NDIS service provider on a budget looking to increase your reach and visibility? Our NDIS provider website design services are industry-leading and we have packages to suit all budgets. We'll have you up and running in no time - without breaking the bank! Call us on 1300 608114 anytime or book a chat with our General Manager, Vanessa - there's no obligation and we can answer all your questions.
About the Author
Our General Manager, Vanessa, has a background as a business consultant and loves to share her experience and perspective with our clients and readers. If you have questions about your own small business, chat with Ness anytime on 1300 608 114 or
find Ness on LinkedIn.
Learn more about Vanessa
here.
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