Getting Clients For Your Allied Health Business: Guide

Client acquisition is often the first thing that comes to mind when going out on your own as a sole trader or business. Often non-compete clauses can mean that you're starting from scratch. So, where do you begin? You can use various tactics to get your name out there. Here's a guide to kickstarting your business by attracting new clients, including tips on how to get NDIS clients and grow your impact.

 

1. Invest In A Strong Online Presence

 

A well-established online presence is crucial for visibility and trust. Ensure your website is user-friendly, informative and SEO-optimised for easy access to your offered services. Share your authority through regular blog posts and captivating content that can be very helpful to potential clients. This ensures you establish credibility and are known as a knowledgeable professional.

Tip: Use Social Media Strategically

Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn social platforms can be great marketing tools. Use them to inform people about success stories, educational content or professional development. Aligning yourself with communities of allied health professionals and relevant NDIS discussions will go a long way toward demonstrating and participating in shared learning.

 

2. Build A Strong Word of Mouth

The referrals from clients and other allied health professionals are invaluable. Consider asking for a review for your website or portals such as Google My Business, just ensure that you understand the requirements around testimonials for a regulated health service.

 

3. Collaborate With Other Allied Health Professionals

Connecting with other practitioners that understand your service offering well can be very useful. They can suggest you to their patients if your area of interest fits well or if they know that you provide mobile services in the area.

 

4. Get Involved In The NDIS Community

Understanding the NDIS sector is pivotal to forming good relationships with referrers. If you understand the role of a support coordinator, plan manager and how to invoice correctly then you are likely to attract more referrals because you are not a drain on time for others that are time poor. It is also useful to attend NDIS-related workshops, events, expos and forums to network and stay updated. You may also wish to consider partnering with organisations working in non-competing areas to learn how to get clients for your NDIS services more effectively.

Becoming a trusted NDIS provider

Ensuring that your practice meets NDIS Code of Conduct is a non-negotiable. Consider offering resources on how you continue your professional development in this area and how your services align person-centred care.

5. Offer Free Workshops or Educational Sessions

Hosting free workshops or webinars on topics related to your field can be a great way to demonstrate your expertise and reach potential clients. Tailor these sessions to address the needs of your target audience, such as how to manage chronic pain, improve mobility or support mental health.

6. Invest in Professional Development or Mentorship

Continually updating your skills and knowledge as a leader of your team or sole practitioner is essential and can set you apart from competitors. Not only does it improve the care you offer, but it also provides new opportunities to market your unique capabilities, making it easier to attract clients seeking high-quality, specialised services.

7. Optimise for Local SEO

Since many clients seek nearby services, ensure your practice appears in local search results is key. Claim your business listings, use location-based keywords and encourage clients to leave reviews that mention your geographic area. This will help with visibility and improve your chances of being discovered when people search for your service offering specifically or other related services in your region.

Final Thoughts

Attracting clients as an allied health professional combines strategic marketing, strong community engagement and delivering exceptional care. By following these steps and continuously refining your approach, you’ll be well on your way to growing your practice and making a meaningful impact on the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I get new clients for my allied health practice?

To get new customers, the main points should lie in a strong online social presence, SEO, social media collaboration, attendance to networking events and maintaining ties with other allied health professionals. Providing free content can also be a big draw for your clients.

  • What is the best way to get NDIS clients?

The best way to get NDIS clients is to become familiar with the NDIS system and ensure your practice complies with its standards. Connect to the NDIS community and associate with organisations that deal with NDIS participants are the other two ways through which it is possible to be effective. In addition, you can reach NDIS clients and their families using targeted marketing. 

  • How can I establish myself as a trusted NDIS provider?

Be authentic by proving that you are a reliable NDIS provider by ensuring that your practice is fully compliant. Set NDIS training sessions for yourself, keep open lines of communication with clients and their families and also keep pace with NDIS development.

  • How can I collaborate with other health professionals to gain more clients?

An excellent way of enlarging your client base is collaborating with other health professionals. Establishing relationships with general practitioners and other allied health providers can be useful. You can contact local clinics, go to networking events or join in multidisciplinary case discussions, where other professionals can get to know your services and area of expertise.

  • How long can I expect this to take?

It's important to set expectations from the outset: this is a longer process. Trust builds up after time, so expect a full caseload after 6 months to a year depending on the service you are offering and the location. You can improve your visibility and get your presence out there on platforms like Allied Health AU, Australia's fastest growing allied health platform where it's free for sole traders or businesses to sign up and showcase their services.