I hear this one a lot — usually from sole-operator providers who get most of their work through referrals. “I’m busy enough through word of mouth. Do I really need a website?” (I’ve answered the general version of that question too — this is the NDIS-specific one.)
The short answer: there’s no NDIS rule that says you have to have one. It’s not a registration requirement. Nobody from the NDIS Commission is going to knock on your door because you don’t have a URL.
But here’s what happens when you don’t have a website.
A support coordinator is looking for a provider in your area. They search your name. Nothing comes up — or worse, a Facebook page with three posts from 2024 comes up. They move on to someone whose site clearly shows their registration status, service areas, and how to make a referral.
A participant’s family member is doing their own research. They’re comparing three providers. Two have websites with clear information about who they are, what they do, and how to get started. You have a Google Business Profile with an address and a phone number. They call the other two first.
A plan manager is checking your details before processing a service agreement. They search for you and find nothing. That doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence — even if you’re brilliant at what you do.
The point isn’t that a website magically brings in clients. It’s that not having one means you’re relying entirely on other people knowing you exist and being willing to recommend you without anything to back it up. And you’re giving up control over the first impression someone gets when they search your name.
What about just using social media?
A Facebook page or Instagram profile is better than nothing. But you don’t own those platforms. The algorithm decides who sees your posts. Your page can be restricted or shut down without warning. And neither platform gives you the kind of structured, searchable information that a support coordinator or plan manager needs when they’re trying to figure out whether you’re the right provider for their client.
Social media is great for showing your personality and staying visible to people who already follow you. It’s not a replacement for a home base you control — somewhere that shows up when someone searches for your type of service in your area.
What about the providers who don’t have websites and they’re fine?
They exist. Some providers are genuinely busy enough through referrals and established relationships that a website feels unnecessary. If that’s you and you’re happy with your workload, I’m not going to tell you you’re wrong.
But I’d ask two questions. First — what happens when your main referral source retires, changes roles, or moves to a different organisation? Referral networks aren’t permanent. A website keeps working whether your contacts change or not.
Second — from 1 July 2026, registration became mandatory for SIL and platform providers, with existing unregistered providers given until 1 October to apply. Thousands of providers are presenting themselves professionally for the first time. That corner of the sector just got more competitive, and the providers who are easy to find and easy to assess online are the ones who’ll keep getting the work.
What does a basic NDIS provider website actually cost?
Less than you’d think. I charge $500 for a one-page website and $1,000 for a full site — including accessibility compliance, SEO, and 12 months of hosting. That’s a one-off cost, not a monthly subscription.
If you want to know more about what to include on an NDIS provider website, I’ve written a detailed guide covering the essentials — pages, accessibility, pricing, marketing rules, and common mistakes.
And if you’re not sure whether a website is the right move for you right now, take my quick quiz — it’ll help you figure out what your business actually needs online.
