One of the most challenging parts of running any business is finding and keeping clients. With a myriad of options and the sheer amount of (often) conflicting information out there, it can be tough deciding on where to focus your attention.
This is why we have compiled a list of the top 5 ways to find NDIS clients that are relevant for today’s marketplace. If you have recently opened up your NDIS business or are looking for new ways to reach potential customers, then this list should help point you in the right direction.
The first place most new businesses consider getting their name out there is through the many opportunities available online.
The first step is to create a website, or have someone create a website for you. This is crucial for presenting your business to potential clients in the online space. Think of your website as a home base where all of your other marketing material will point towards. Your website should have information about your business and the services that you offer. It should also indicate how a potential customer can get in contact with you and how they can begin utilising your services.
Once you have your website set up, you need to bring people to it. There are many ways that you can go about this including setting up a Google Business account, creating listings on online directories (see number 4) and establishing a presence through social media. All of these methods should have your website URL linking back to your website.
Although online marketing is now usually the first method that comes to mind when trying to find new clients, one must not rule out traditional forms of advertising.
This can range from creating informative brochures to display at organisations or schools to projecting to commuters from a motorway billboard. It is also certainly worth considering looking into any local newspapers or community magazines that may be happy to advertise your business. Often these methods of advertising are the least saturated and can offer incredible opportunities for reaching customers in your disability industry niche.
One method of finding new clients that should not be overlooked is through word of mouth. With the plentiful marketing options available these days, it can be easy to forget that the most tried and true method of getting your name out there is simply through speaking with people.
Did you know: You could have potential clients very close by without even knowing it!
This could be as simple as asking your friends and family if they know of anyone who may be interested in the services that you provide. The great thing about this method is that you already have a trusted relationship with these people. This means that the hard work of building rapport needed with many other marketing methods is already taken care of!
Action plan:
One of the best ways to reach clients in need of your NDIS services is by creating listings on established online directories. The benefits of these directories is that they are often trusted by providers and participants, they allow you to connect directly with potential clients and they can accomodate a range of niche areas within the NDIS. Furthermore, they have the additional benefit of providing a trusted link back to your website which in time will improve your rankings on Google!
Three online NDIS services directories that we recommend you should check out and consider subscribing to are Clickability, MyCareSpace and Disability Support Guide.
Remember, these are communities that have been established for connecting NDIS providers with participants. This means that they have done a lot of the hard work of advertising for you already.
Another great way to get your name out there is by attending NDIS events in your local area. These events offer the opportunity for you to network with other NDIS providers as well as to speak directly with people who may benefit from your services.
Consider signing up for a provider stall at a disability expo near you. The stall typically offers a dedicated space for you to present your business to onlookers and attendees of the event. Be sure to have promotional material available to hand out to interested people.
Events are not only about trying to increase your client base in the moment, but also offer a chance to establish your business as a well-reputed and key player in the NDIS space. If you successfully market your brand at an event, you will have more chance of being considered by someone needing your services in the future.
There you have it! The top 5 ways to find NDIS clients. This list is certainly not exhaustive but has hopefully given you some options to consider for marketing your NDIS business and getting your name out there for Australia to see!
