Are You Buried on Page 5? Tips to Stand Out in Directories

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 comes up in almost every conversation I have with new providers—NDIS directories. You know, MyCareSpace, Clickability, even those local Facebook groups. They're still the first place so many participants and their teams go when they're looking for support. Winter, do you reckon people underestimate just how important these directories are?

Winter, EnableUs Community

Absolutely, Will. I think a lot of providers assume that just being listed is enough, but the reality is, if you're buried on page five, you might as well not exist. These directories are like the front door for participants and support coordinators. If your profile isn't up to scratch, or worse, missing key info, you're invisible. And it's not just about being found—it's about being trusted enough for someone to actually reach out.

Will, EnableUs Community

Yeah, and I had this experience recently with a small provider in regional NSW. They were offering really great, flexible supports, but they couldn't figure out why no one was contacting them. Turns out, their phone number was missing from their listing. Like, the most basic thing! Once we fixed that, they started getting calls within a week. It's wild how something so simple can keep you hidden, even if your services are top notch.

Winter, EnableUs Community

That’s such a good example. And it’s not just contact info—sometimes it’s missing bios, or not saying who you actually love working with. People want to see themselves in your profile, or at least know you get their needs. If you leave those sections blank, you’re just another name in a long list. And honestly, as we talked about in our episode on local SEO, it’s the same principle: if you’re not visible, you’re not getting found.

Will, EnableUs Community

Exactly. And I think a lot of providers get discouraged, thinking they need to pay for sponsored spots to get noticed. But there’s actually a lot you can do for free to climb those ranks. We’ll get into that in a sec, but the main thing is—don’t underestimate these directories. They’re still where the search starts for most people.

Winter, EnableUs Community

So, let’s talk about what actually works when it comes to optimising your profile. First up—keywords. This is one of the biggest things people miss. You want to use the words that participants and their teams are actually typing in. Not jargon, not “high-quality individualised support services”—no one searches for that. Think more like, “help with cooking in Bondi” or “autism specialist in Newcastle.”

Will, EnableUs Community

Yeah, and it’s not just about stuffing in keywords, either. It’s about being specific and practical. Like, if you offer flexible supports in a certain area, say that. If you specialise in psychosocial disabilities or aged care transition, make it clear. The more you match what people are searching for, the higher you’ll show up in those filtered results.

Winter, EnableUs Community

And don’t skip any sections. I see so many profiles with half the fields blank—bios, team details, even availability. The directories actually reward you for completing every section. It builds trust, and it helps you rank higher. Plus, it just looks more professional. Tell people who you serve, what makes your approach unique, and what sets your team apart.

Will, EnableUs Community

Totally. And let’s talk about images for a second. Winter, you had a great story about a provider in rural Queensland who swapped out their stock photos for real team pics, right?

Winter, EnableUs Community

Yeah, I did! So, this provider had been using generic stock images—smiling people in offices, you know the type. We switched those out for actual team photos and a couple of real moments with participants, with consent of course. Their click-through rate jumped almost overnight. People want to see who they’re dealing with. It makes you feel more approachable and real, not just another faceless service.

Will, EnableUs Community

It’s such a simple change, but it makes a massive difference. And honestly, it’s the same with your written content—be human, be specific, and fill out every section. That’s the foundation for getting found and trusted on these platforms.

Will, EnableUs Community

Alright, so once you’ve got the basics sorted, let’s talk about some next-level stuff. Tags and categories—these are your secret weapon. You want to use a mix of broad and niche tags. So, not just “core supports,” but also things like “autism-friendly,” “female-only staff,” or “wheelchair accessible.” That way, you show up in more filtered searches, but you’re not so broad that you get lost in the crowd.

Winter, EnableUs Community

Exactly. And don’t forget about your service region. If you cover more than just your office postcode, make sure that’s clear. The more accurate your tags and categories, the more likely you are to pop up for the right people. And then there’s reviews—if the platform allows them, like Clickability does, ask for them! Even just a handful of positive reviews can boost your credibility and your ranking.

Will, EnableUs Community

Yeah, and you don’t have to make it awkward. Just add it to your offboarding process, or ask during a regular check-in. People are usually happy to help if you’ve done a good job. And here’s a quick win—refresh your listing regularly. Even small updates, like tweaking your “About” section or adding a new photo, can bump you up in the search results. The directories love fresh content.

Winter, EnableUs Community

Now, let’s talk about paid placements. I know some people are tempted to jump straight to that, but honestly, it’s only worth it if your profile is already in great shape. If you’re in a super competitive category, like support coordination in a big city, and you’ve already nailed your keywords, images, and reviews, then maybe it’s worth considering. But if your profile’s incomplete or you’re slow to respond to enquiries, paid spots won’t help much.

Will, EnableUs Community

Yeah, I agree. Paid placements can give you a boost, but only if you’re ready to convert those views into actual enquiries. Otherwise, it’s just money down the drain. So, focus on the basics first, then look at paid options if you really need that extra edge.

Winter, EnableUs Community

Alright, that’s a wrap for today! Remember, your NDIS directory profile doesn’t have to be stuck on page five. With a few thoughtful tweaks—keywords, images, reviews, and regular updates—you can start climbing the ranks and connecting with the right participants. We’ll be back soon with more practical tips. Will, thanks for the chat!

Will, EnableUs Community

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