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Breaking in to the NDIS industry
Starting an NDIS business in Australia can be a rewarding venture. With the growing demand for disability support services, there is a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.
This guide covers essential steps for establishing your NDIS business through digital marketing, from registering for an ABN or ACN to setting up an effective NDIS website design and implementing marketing strategies tailored to the industry.
What is an NDIS business in Australia?
An NDIS business provides essential services and support to people with disabilities under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
These businesses cater to the unique needs of individuals by offering assistance that promotes independence, skill development and improved quality of life. Services provided by NDIS businesses range from daily living support, therapy services and mobility assistance to job training, social participation programmes and community engagement.
In addition to delivering direct support, NDIS businesses are vital in connecting individuals to broader community resources, such as health services, educational institutions and local recreational facilities. By partnering with the NDIS, these businesses help over 500,000 Australians, including thousands of children, build a foundation for lifelong success and inclusion in their communities.
1. Register for an ABN or ACN
Starting from the beginning, you must ensure you have registered your business with the relevant parties.
To do this, you must apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN). An ABN is required for most businesses in Australia, while an ACN is necessary for companies. Both of these can be completed online through the Australian Business Register (ABR), and is a crucial step in establishing your business’ legitimacy before even beginning operations.
2. Find a suitable location
The location of your NDIS provider business is crucial for accessibility and convenience for your clients. Consider factors such as:
- Proximity to clients:
- Choose a location that is easily accessible to your target market. Conduct demographic research beforehand to understand the population spread of whatever area you operate in and choose a location that is accessible and situationally optimal.
- Accessibility features:
- Ensure your premises comply with accessibility standards for NDIS participants with mobility disabilities. Along with improving customer satisfaction, accessibility can also be used as a selling point in your digital marketing. Your location will need to be able to install accessibility tools such as ramps, elevators and accessible bathrooms.
- Zoning regulations:
- Depending on which part of Australia you plan to establish your NDIS business, this may conflict with the area’s business zoning regulations. Check local zoning laws to confirm your business is permitted in the chosen area.
3. Develop a business plan
A well-crafted business plan outlines your NDIS business’ goals, strategies and financial projections. It helps to establish your business values and set benchmarks that can guide future decisions and digital marketing strategies. This plan helps attract investors and secure funding and serves as a roadmap for your business growth. Include sections such as:
- Executive summary:
- Create an executive summary to give stakeholders a concise business overview. This will help your business when conducting digital marketing and outline your business goals and objectives for long-term success.
- Market analysis:
- Knowing your customer base and what to do to meet their demands is foundational to developing a digital marketing strategy in the future. Research the NDIS market, including your target audience, competitors and market trends.
- Business description:
- Detail your business concept, services offered and unique selling proposition (USP). This will not just help to market your business uniquely but will also help to improve your website’s search engine optimisation (SEO).
- Operational plan:
- Providing a clear schedule for your business operations on your website is to the benefit of site visitors looking to learn about when and where to find your services. It will help maintain your business’ relevancy if regularly updated. Outline your day-to-day operations, staffing requirements and service delivery processes.
4. Obtain necessary licences and registrations
While the nature of their service and clientele is unique to most other businesses in Australia, NDIS providers must still comply with Australian business regulations. Depending on your specific services, you may need to obtain additional licences and registrations. These can include:
- NDIS provider registration:
- While some NDIS providers can operate without registration, being a registered NDIS provider will improve your business’ credibility and appeal to your target audience. Registering your business with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) as a certified NDIS provider will help to improve its optics.
- Industry-specific licences:
- Offering unique or niche services as an NDIS business in Australia comes with some conditions. To make your business stand out and use it in your digital marketing, you will need to deliver on your USPs. You may need to obtain relevant licences or certifications if you offer healthcare services.
- Workers’ compensation insurance:
- Protecting the interests of your employees is key to securing your business’ longevity. Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage for your employees.
5. Build your team
Operating an NDIS business in Australia requires a collaborative, qualified and experienced team to meet the diverse needs of clients and deliver high-quality services. A strong team enables your NDIS business in Australia to cater to the full spectrum of client needs, from daily support to specialised therapy. Here are key roles to consider when building your team:
- Disability support workers:
- These professionals assist clients with essential daily living activities, providing support in areas like meal preparation, personal care, mobility, and community involvement. It’s important to hire disability support workers with relevant skills and certifications to ensure they can address clients’ daily needs safely and effectively.
- Registered nurses:
- NDIS providers offering healthcare services should consider hiring registered nurses with proper licensing and experience in disability support. Nurses can handle medical care requirements, administer medication, monitor health conditions and provide guidance on health management. For guidance on the nursing qualifications suitable for NDIS work, refer to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- Therapists:
- Depending on the focus of your NDIS services, you may need to work with various therapists who bring expertise in physical or mental rehabilitation. This can include occupational therapists who help clients improve their daily living skills, physiotherapists who assist with mobility and physical health and speech pathologists who support clients with communication challenges. Check the NDIA’s guidelines for details on requirements and certifications for allied health professionals working within NDIS services.
6. Develop NDIS digital marketing strategies
Second only to developing your business’ physical presence, we cannot overstate the importance of digital marketing in today’s digital age. Implementing digital marketing strategies is crucial to attracting clients. Here are key strategies to consider:
- SEO for Digital Marketing:
- Optimise your website for search engines to improve your rankings. Keywords like “NDIS provider in [Location]” and “NDIS disability services” help potential clients find your website when searching for local services.
- Google My Business:
- Almost everyone uses Google, which is why it’s not hard to imagine why it’s so good for digital marketing. Create a Google My Business profile to boost your local search visibility. This is especially beneficial for NDIS services as clients often search for local providers.
- Social media marketing:
- Utilise social media platforms to conduct digital marketing by connecting with your target audience. Share blog posts, updates and educational videos related to disability support on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Suggested content topics include “Benefits of NDIS services” or “Tips for choosing the right NDIS provider.”
- Content marketing for NDIS providers:
- Develop and share high-quality content to improve your website’s digital relevancy and SEO results. Publish high-quality blog posts and articles on topics like “Understanding NDIS funding options” and “Tips for selecting NDIS providers.” This positions you as an expert and builds trust with potential clients.
- Networking:
- The NDIS industry has built a large, interconnected network of related and lateral services to support one another and grow as an industry symbiotically. As such, it is important for you to network with related services or even other NDIS providers in your area that open new digital marketing opportunities. Attend industry events and collaborate with other NDIS providers to expand your reach and strengthen your credibility in the industry.
7. Creating a user-friendly NDIS website
A well-optimised website is essential to any NDIS business’ digital marketing strategy. Your website should strike a balance between well-developed SEO and user accessibility. The NDIS website design should focus on accessibility, ease of navigation, and helpful resources for visitors. Use targeted keywords like “NDIS provider website design” to enhance visibility in search engines and ensure the following are in place:
- Service Pages: Include detailed service descriptions so potential clients know what to expect from your NDIS business in Australia.
- Contact Information: Provide easy access to your contact details and options to connect via phone, email or a contact form.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Include an FAQ section addressing common queries about NDIS services, funding options and eligibility.
- Testimonials: Add testimonials from clients to build trust and credibility.
8. Ensure compliance and quality assurance
Staying compliant with NDIS regulations and maintaining high-quality standards are crucial for sustaining your provider status. Develop a quality management system and ensure that your business adheres to:
- NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework:
- Follow NDIS requirements to maintain quality and safety standards.
- Privacy and data protection laws:
- Protect sensitive client information in compliance with privacy laws.
- Workplace health and safety regulations:
- Create a safe environment for employees and clients.
Helping you help others
Starting an NDIS business in Australia can be a rewarding endeavour. With the right NDIS website design, digital marketing strategies and commitment to quality, you can build a successful business that positively impacts lives. Remember to focus on accessibility, compliance, and customer satisfaction to create a sustainable and thriving NDIS business in Australia.
When it comes to developing a digital presence for NDIS providers in Australia, Kode Digital has gained a wealth of experience on the subject over the past few years. We have helped a number of NDIS providers establish themselves online and refine their digital presentation to attract and retain more customers. Learn more about how we have helped some of our clients and how we can help you by visiting our website.
Keyword Density:
NDIS – 3.31%
Digital Marketing – 1.04%
Website Design – 0.23%
NDIS business – 1.16%
NDIS provider – 0.93%
SEO – 0.23%
Australia – 1.16%%
NDIS business in Australia – 0.64%
Accessibility – 0.41%
