Approximately 4.3 million individuals in Australia live with permanent and significant disabilities. To assist in the greater inclusion of people with disability, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will provide more than $22 billion in funding per year to half a million participants, which started in 2020.Â
We will explore 6 local SEO strategies that NDIS businesses can utilise to enhance business visibility and attract more participants. These strategies will help NDIS businesses optimise their websites, improve search engine rankings, and reach the target audience effectively.
1. Optimising Your Website for Local SEO
One of the most important aspects of local SEO for NDIS businesses is optimising their websites to rank higher in local search results. By implementing the following strategies, NDIS businesses can improve their online visibility and attract more participants:
Keyword Research and Implementation
Keyword research is a fundamental step in optimising your website for local SEO. It involves identifying the keywords and phrases participants will likely use when searching for NDIS services in their local area. By incorporating these keywords strategically throughout your website, you can increase your chances of appearing in relevant search results.
Start by brainstorming a list of keywords relevant to your NDIS business. Consider terms such as “NDIS provider Melbourne”, “disability services Northern Territory,” and “NDIS support Brisbane.” Once you have a list of keywords, conduct thorough research to identify the most popular and effective ones to target.
Next, incorporate these keywords into your website’s content, including page titles, headings, meta descriptions, and body text. However, using keywords naturally and avoiding keyword stuffing is essential, as this can negatively impact your website’s ranking.
Optimising On-Page Elements
In addition to keyword implementation, optimising on-page elements is crucial for local SEO success. Here are some key on-page elements to focus on:
- Page Titles and Headers: Include your target geographic location in page titles and headers (H1, H2 tags) where relevant. For example, “NDIS Provider in Sydney – Your Trusted Local Disability Services.”
- Meta Descriptions: Craft compelling meta descriptions incorporating local intent keywords and accurately describing your NDIS services. This helps improve your click-through rates in search results.
- Image Alt Text: Optimise image alt text by including local keywords and describing the image accurately. This improves accessibility and provides search engines with valuable information about your content.
- Contact Information: Ensure your local address, contact details, and serving areas are prominently displayed on your website. This reinforces your local relevance to search engines.
- Service Pages: If your NDIS business serves multiple locations, create unique landing pages for each area. Tailor these pages around keywords such as “Disability Services in Newcastle” or “NDIS Perth Providers.” This strengthens your local SEO efforts and improves conversions.
2. Leveraging Google My Business
Another essential local SEO strategy for NDIS businesses is leveraging Google My Business (GMB). GMB is a free business listing that appears prominently in Google searches and maps for local keyword searches. By optimising your GMB listing, you can improve your local visibility and connect with high-intent individuals seeking NDIS support.
Complete Your GMB Listing
To optimise your GMB listing, ensure it is fully completed with key details such as your address, photos, service offerings, business hours, and contact information. Providing this information gives Google detailed signals about your local NDIS services, which in turn informs search rankings.
Add a link to your website and encourage reviews on your GMB listing. Reviews can significantly influence local search visibility, so monitor and promptly respond to any reviews. Utilise GMB messaging to communicate with prospective participants and address any inquiries they may have.
Mobile App and Ongoing Optimisation
The GMB mobile app (Google Map) provides convenience and flexibility for NDIS businesses. It lets you respond to reviews, update listing details, and access analytics from anywhere. Optimise your GMB listing with new content and information that engages local audiences.
By fully leveraging Google My Business, NDIS businesses can enhance their local SEO efforts, increase community awareness, and connect with participants seeking their specialised support.
3. Building Local Authority with High-Quality Links
Building high-quality links from other local websites effectively boosts your local authority and search visibility. By acquiring backlinks from complementary local organisations and directories, you can increase trust and authority in the eyes of search engines. Here are some strategies to consider:
Connect with Local Organisations
Identify and connect with complementary local organisations such as community groups, health providers, and disability support services. Collaboration with these organisations can lead to opportunities for acquiring backlinks pointing to your website. Building relationships within your local community is not only beneficial for SEO but also for networking and referrals.
Directory Listings
Create listings on relevant directories such as Hotfrog, Localsearch, Yelp, and TrueLocal. These directories host your business details and provide valuable backlinks. Ensure your listings are complete, accurate, and consistent across all directories. Regularly monitor and update these listings to maintain an authoritative online presence.
Niche or Local-Specific Platforms
Explore niche or local-specific platforms that cater to your target audience. These platforms can provide valuable backlinks and increase your visibility in relevant local searches. Research and identify platforms that align with your NDIS services and participate actively in those platforms to build your local authority and reputation.
By building local links and signals, NDIS businesses can establish their authority in the local community and improve their search visibility, increasing website traffic and more participants benefiting from their specialised support.
4. Utilising Schema Markup for Local SEO
Schema markup is a powerful tool for enhancing your local SEO efforts. It involves adding structured data to your website’s code to provide search engines with detailed information about your business. You can improve your presence in local knowledge panels and map listings by implementing local schema markup. Here’s how to utilise schema markup effectively:
 Incorporate Local Business Schema
Implement the Local Business schema type on your website to highlight key details such as your business type, postal address, telephone number, geo coordinates, opening hours, images, and product/service offerings. This structured data provides clear business attribute data that search engines can understand, enhancing your visibility in local search results.
Test and Monitor
After implementing schema markup, it’s important to test it using Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool or similar tools. This ensures correct implementation and helps identify any errors or missing elements. Regularly monitor and update your schema markup as needed, reflecting any changes in your business details.
By utilising schema markup, NDIS businesses can provide search engines with more context about their local relevance and improve their visibility in local search results, ultimately attracting more participants to their services.
5. Monitoring and Tracking Local SEO Performance
Monitoring your local SEO performance is crucial to assess the effectiveness of your strategies and make data-driven decisions. Here are some key metrics to track and analyse:
 Local Keyword Rankings
Monitor your rankings for key local keywords using tools like Google Search Console. Assess how your rankings improve over time and identify areas for further optimisation.
Website Traffic Sources
Analyse your website traffic sources to measure increases in organic search traffic from local searches. Gain insights into visitor locations and assess the effectiveness of your local SEO efforts.
 Conversion Metrics
Measure conversions and track the rate at which website visitors from local searches convert into participants. Set up goals and event tracking in Google Analytics to monitor conversion rates and optimise your website for better results.
Online Reviews and Reputation
Monitor your online reviews and ratings on platforms like Google My Business and other review sites. Respond promptly to reviews and engage with customers to improve your online reputation and build trust.
By regularly monitoring these metrics, NDIS businesses can gauge the success of their local SEO strategies, make necessary adjustments, and ensure their efforts are generating real value by connecting their services with more individuals in their local communities.
6. The Power of Local SEO for NDIS Businesses
Implementing local SEO strategies is crucial for NDIS businesses to enhance their online visibility, attract more participants, and positively impact their local communities. By optimising their websites, leveraging Google My Business, building local authority with high-quality links, utilising schema markup, and monitoring their performance, NDIS businesses can reach their target audience more effectively and provide the specialised support needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an NDIS business looking to maximise local SEO potential, consider partnering with a Professional NDIS Website Designer and digital marketing agency like 21 Webs. Our expertise in NDIS marketing efforts can help you navigate the complexities of local SEO and ensure that your business stands out in the digital landscape.
The right visibility drives local opportunity. By appearing prominently in local search results, NDIS businesses can extend their local reach, strengthen community ties, and uphold their reputation as providers invested in the areas they serve.
