How to Optimise Your Google Listing for More Enquiries

Will, EnableUs Community

Alright, welcome back to the EnableUs Community Podcast! I'm Will, and as always, I'm joined by Winter. Today, we're diving into something that gets overlooked way too often—your Google Business Profile. Now, I know a lot of providers get caught up with social media, but when it comes to that first impression, Google is where most families and Support Coordinators actually start their search.

Winter, EnableUs Community

Yeah, absolutely. I mean, think about it—when you’re looking for a local service, whether it’s a support worker or even just a good café, you’re not jumping on Facebook first. You’re Googling it. And for NDIS providers, that Google listing is like your digital shopfront. It’s the first thing people see, and if it’s polished, it just instantly builds credibility.

Will, EnableUs Community

Exactly. And the best part? It’s free. You don’t have to pay for ads or anything fancy. Just having a well-optimised profile means you’re showing up in those local searches—like “NDIS support worker Inner West” or “psychosocial support Melbourne.” Google actually gives priority to businesses with complete, up-to-date profiles, so you’re more likely to get found by people in your area.

Winter, EnableUs Community

And it’s not just about being found, either. I remember when I was searching for a support worker for a family friend. There were a few options, but the one that stood out had a really clear Google listing—photos of the team, up-to-date contact info, even a few reviews. It just felt more trustworthy, you know? I didn’t even bother clicking on the ones that looked half-finished or had no info.

Will, EnableUs Community

Yeah, that’s such a good point. It’s like, if your Google listing looks inviting and professional, people are way more likely to reach out. And honestly, as we’ve talked about in previous episodes, trust is everything in this space. Your Google profile is a free marketing tool that works for you 24/7, so why not make it count?

Winter, EnableUs Community

So, let’s get practical. If you don’t have a Google Business Profile yet, it’s actually super simple to set up. Just head to google.com/business, log in with your Google account, and search for your business name. Sometimes there’s already a listing floating around—maybe a client added it or something—so you can just claim it. If not, you can add your business from scratch.

Will, EnableUs Community

And when you’re choosing your category, don’t overthink it. Go for something like “Disability services and support organisation” or “NDIS provider.” That’s what people are searching for, not some internal title that only makes sense to us in the sector. I actually helped a small provider in Melbourne who was buried in search results because their category was set to something like “consultant.” We switched it to “NDIS support worker Melbourne,” updated their info, and within a couple of weeks, they started getting more calls. It was wild how quick the change was.

Winter, EnableUs Community

Yeah, and once your profile’s live, the real magic is in the details. Use your registered business name for consistency, and write a clear, friendly description. Mention your services and the areas you cover—like, “We’re a registered NDIS provider offering in-home care and community access in Melbourne’s Inner North.” That way, you’re hitting those keywords naturally, which helps with search.

Will, EnableUs Community

Don’t forget your contact info—phone, website, enquiry forms. Double-check everything, especially your hours. If someone calls and no one answers because your hours are wrong, that’s a missed opportunity. And if you’re mobile, use the “service areas” feature so you show up in all the suburbs you work in, not just where your office is.

Winter, EnableUs Community

And the services section—make it super clear. List things like support workers, plan implementation, community access, psychosocial support. It’s not just for visitors; Google’s algorithm picks up on those keywords too. The more specific you are, the better your chances of showing up in the right searches.

Will, EnableUs Community

Alright, so you’ve got your profile set up and the basics sorted. But if you really want to stand out, you’ve gotta go a bit further. Reviews are huge. I mean, nothing builds trust faster than seeing real feedback from other families or Support Coordinators. Don’t be shy about asking for reviews—just make it easy, send them a direct link, and always respond, even if it’s just a quick thank you.

Winter, EnableUs Community

Yeah, and don’t stress if you get the odd negative review. It happens. The key is to respond calmly and professionally—acknowledge the concern, and if you can, offer to resolve it offline. People notice how you handle feedback, and it actually builds more trust when you’re open and constructive about it.

Will, EnableUs Community

Photos are another big one. Listings with real, high-quality images get way more clicks and calls. Show your team, your office, maybe even a welcome pack or a community event—just make sure you’ve got consent if you’re including people. It makes your service feel real and approachable.

Winter, EnableUs Community

And don’t forget about Google Posts. It’s like a mini social media feed right on your profile. Share updates, new vacancies, team news, or community events. Google actually prioritises active profiles, so posting regularly keeps you visible. There’s a great example from an NDIS provider in Inner West Sydney—they started posting updates and responding to every review, and within a few months, they were showing up ahead of much bigger providers in local searches. It really works.

Will, EnableUs Community

And just to tie it all together, make sure your info is consistent everywhere—your website, socials, Google profile. Use those place-based keywords, like “NDIS support in Inner West Sydney,” and keep your details up to date. It’s all about making it easy for people to find you and trust you from the very first click.

Winter, EnableUs Community

That’s it for today! If you follow these steps, your Google Business Profile will do a lot of the heavy lifting for you—attracting more enquiries and building trust with new participants. We’ll be back soon with more practical tips, so make sure you’re subscribed. Thanks for joining us, Will!

Will, EnableUs Community

Thanks, Winter! And thanks to everyone listening. If you’ve got questions or want us to cover something specific, let us know in the EnableUs Community. Catch you next time!