Lesson 11 of 17
Overview
Will, EnableUs Community: Hey everyone, welcome back to Finding Participants. I'm Will, and I'm here with Winter. Today we're diving into simple online marketing that actually gets results for NDIS providers. And honestly, I reckon the first thing we gotta talk about is knowing who you're even trying to reach, right?
Winter, EnableUs Community: Absolutely, Will. It's so easy to just think, "Oh, I'll just put something online and people will find me," but if you don't know if you're talking to participants, their families, or support coordinators, your message can get lost. And, I mean, the language you use really matters. Participant-first language is huge. Like, instead of saying, "We deliver 0107 supports," you could say, "We help you feel confident and independent in your home and community." It's just clearer and, well, more human.
Will, EnableUs Community: Yeah, and I learned that the hard way, actually. Ages ago, I put up this Facebook post, and it was all about our services, but it was full of jargon. Barely got any bites. Then I rewrote it, thinking about what families actually care about—like, safety, trust, and just being nearby. I mentioned our suburb, used simple language, and, no joke, our inquiry rate doubled in a week. I was shocked. It was the same service, just a different way of talking about it.
Winter, EnableUs Community: That’s such a good example. And it’s not just about being clear, it’s about building trust from the very first sentence. People want to know you get what they’re going through, and that you’re actually local. Even just mentioning your area can make a massive difference.
Will, EnableUs Community: Yeah, and I think sometimes we overcomplicate it, you know? Like, you don’t need to sound like a robot or a big company. Just be real, be clear, and think about who’s actually reading your stuff. That’s honestly half the battle.
Winter, EnableUs Community: So, once you’ve nailed your message, the next thing is trust. And, honestly, nothing builds trust like sharing your values and real stories. People want to see that you care, that you’re part of the community, and that you’ve actually helped others like them.
Will, EnableUs Community: Yeah, and testimonials are gold. Like, if you can get a participant or their family to share a bit about their experience—obviously with their permission—it just makes you so much more relatable. I’ve seen providers put reviews on their website, on their socials, even on places like Clickability or Google My Business. It’s not about bragging, it’s just showing you’re legit.
Winter, EnableUs Community: Exactly. I remember chatting with a provider who posted a participant’s story on their Instagram—just a simple post about how they’d helped someone become more independent. And, I kid you not, they saw a spike in inquiries that week. People just want to see real outcomes, not just promises.
Will, EnableUs Community: Yeah, and it doesn’t have to be fancy. Even a screenshot of a nice message, or a quick video, can do the trick. The main thing is to keep it genuine. People can spot fake reviews a mile away, so just be honest about what you do and who you help.
Winter, EnableUs Community: And don’t forget to keep your listings up to date, too. If you’re on Clickability, MyCareSpace, or Google My Business, make sure your contact details and services are current. It’s such a small thing, but it makes it so much easier for people to reach out.
Will, EnableUs Community: Alright, so let’s talk about your digital footprint. I know that sounds a bit techy, but it’s really just about making sure people can find you and get in touch easily. Your website is, like, your online front door. If it’s confusing or missing info, people just bounce.
Winter, EnableUs Community: Yeah, and you don’t need a massive website. Just the basics: a clear list of your services, your contact info right up front, and mention the suburbs or regions you cover. Oh, and make sure it works on phones—most people are browsing on their mobiles these days.
Will, EnableUs Community: Totally. And if you want to get a bit more proactive, even a small online ad can go a long way. I know a provider who put just fifty bucks into a Facebook ad—super simple, just said, "Support for NDIS participants in [their suburb]." They got three new clients in a month. Not bad for the price of a couple of coffees, honestly.
Winter, EnableUs Community: That’s the thing, you don’t have to go big. Just pick one or two social platforms—Facebook and Instagram are great for reaching participants and families, LinkedIn if you want to connect with other professionals. And don’t stress about posting every day. Two or three times a week is plenty, as long as you’re consistent.
Will, EnableUs Community: Yeah, and don’t overthink the content. Behind-the-scenes stuff, team intros, local events, even just updates about openings in your area—it all helps people feel connected. And, I mean, if you’re listed in the right directories and your info’s up to date, you’re already ahead of half the competition.
Winter, EnableUs Community: Exactly. It’s all about being clear, being consistent, and just showing up where your audience is. You don’t need a fancy strategy—just start small and keep it human. That’s what gets results.
Will, EnableUs Community: Alright, I think that’s a good place to wrap up for today. If you’re listening and feeling a bit overwhelmed, just remember—start with one thing, keep it simple, and build from there. We’ll be back with more tips and stories next time.
Winter, EnableUs Community: Thanks for joining us, everyone. Will, always good chatting with you. See you next episode!
Will, EnableUs Community: Yeah, cheers Winter. Thanks everyone, and good luck out there!