Why occupational therapy marketing is different
Occupational therapy clients rarely choose a provider alone. Parents, support coordinators, plan managers, GPs, schools and case managers are often part of the decision, and each wants different information. Many practices also have long waitlists in some areas and gaps in others, so marketing needs to direct demand where you have capacity.
We help OT practices explain what they do in plain language, show the areas and age groups they cover, and build steady relationships with referrers.
Patient journey
How clients and families find an occupational therapist
Occupational therapy clients rarely choose alone. Parents, coordinators, plan managers, schools and GPs often shape the decision.
- Step 01
Someone suggests an OT
A parent, school, coordinator or GP often suggests occupational therapy first.
Our partWe make sure referrers can quickly see what you offer and how to refer.
- Step 02
They search for the support
They search for paediatric OT, home modifications, driving assessments or a specific need.
Our partWe build a page for each service, explaining what it is and who it helps.
- Step 03
They check funding and availability
NDIS, private and other funding, plus location and wait times, shape the shortlist.
Our partWe set out funding and waitlist information honestly, so families can plan.
- Step 04
They book an assessment
They want to understand what an assessment involves before booking.
Our partWe add clear assessment guides and simple ways to enquire or join a waitlist.
Each person in the decision wants different information, so the website needs to speak to all of them.
What we bring
What we do for occupational therapy practices
Google Business Profile & Local SEO
Families searching by suburb.
Learn moreClinic Websites & Conversion Optimisation
Clear pages for each audience.
Learn moreGP Referral Marketing
Reach coordinators, GPs and schools.
Learn moreCRM, Automation & Patient Follow-up
Manage enquiries and waitlists.
Learn morePriorities
Where we focus first for occupational therapy practices
- 01
Service pages by need and age group
Separate pages for paediatric, adult, home modification and other services you provide.
- 02
Information for referrers and coordinators
Clear referral details, funding information and availability.
- 03
Waitlist-friendly marketing
Directing demand to services and locations with capacity, and keeping people informed about wait times.
- 04
Local visibility
Google profiles and local pages for each location or service area.
When demand exceeds capacity, accurate expectations matter more than more enquiries.
How we start
What the first 90 days look like
- 1Weeks 1 to 2
Audit
We review your website, listings, referral sources and how waitlists are communicated.
- 2Weeks 3 to 4
Clarify
We rewrite key pages in plain language and make referral and funding information easy to find.
- 3Weeks 5 to 8
Build visibility
We publish service pages by need and age and strengthen your local presence.
- 4Weeks 9 to 12
Review and extend
We review enquiries and referrals, then direct effort to the services with capacity.
We aim for the right enquiries, not the most.
Compliance
Advertising rules for occupational therapists
The rules that apply
Occupational therapists are AHPRA registered, so the advertising guidelines apply to every page and post. If you're an NDIS provider, the NDIS Code of Conduct expects honest marketing too.
- The National Law advertising rules
- Advertising can't be false or misleading, use testimonials, create unreasonable expectations of benefit, offer gifts or discounts without clear terms, or encourage unnecessary use of services.
- Titles and areas of practice
- Occupational therapist is a protected title. Describe areas of practice accurately without implying specialist status.
- NDIS Code of Conduct
- For NDIS providers, information about supports, waitlists and funding must be honest and accurate.
- Funding wording
- Statements about NDIS, Medicare or insurance should say who is eligible and never imply funding is guaranteed.
- Privacy and consent
- Photos and stories of clients, especially children, need informed consent and careful handling.
Mistakes we often see on occupational therapy websites
These create friction for families and risk for practices. Clear, honest information keeps trust high even when you are busy.
Vague descriptions of what OTs do
Many people don’t know, so unexplained jargon loses them.
Client stories and photos
Stories that describe results, and images of clients, need consent and care, and shouldn’t be used as testimonials.
Funding claims
Statements about what is covered should be accurate and should not imply guaranteed funding.
Ignoring wait times
Hiding a waitlist frustrates families, so we address it openly.
How we help
Most practices start with an audit to find and fix what is already published, then keep new content right with compliant writing and team training.
Compliance audit
We review your website, ads, profiles and social channels, then give you a prioritised list of fixes with replacement wording.
Learn moreAHPRA-compliant content
New pages, posts and ads written within the advertising rules from the first draft.
Learn moreCompliance training
Practical sessions so your team can check their own posts, ads and replies to reviews.
Learn moreFAQ
FAQs about occupational therapy marketing
Through a mix of search, recommendations from coordinators and other therapists, and provider directories. Most check your website before they make contact, so it needs to clearly explain your services, age groups, locations, availability and how to get started.
Usually, yes, but differently. Marketing can direct enquiries towards the services and locations where you do have capacity and keep referrers informed about realistic wait times.
Stories about clinical outcomes count as testimonials and can’t be used in your advertising. Stories about your team, your approach and your community work are a good alternative, and much safer for client privacy.
With plain-language examples for each audience, such as helping a child manage daily tasks or an adult return to independence, without promising outcomes.
We state it honestly, explain how it works and offer an alternative such as a referral list or a notification when places open. It protects trust and cuts repeat enquiries.
Yes, if you work with the scheme. A dedicated page explains how to use your supports, what to bring and how to start, which helps participants and coordinators.
Yes. Team pages with accurate titles and approaches help families choose the right therapist and show that your practice is professional and caring.