How to Use Google Ads to Grow Your Clinic (Even with a Small Budget)

Q: I’ve never run an ad before, is this going to be too technical for me?

It might sound overwhelming at first, but once you walk through it step by step, it’s very doable. Google’s Ad platform is designed for small businesses, and there are plenty of guides out there (even videos) to help you get started. Plus, you don’t need to be perfect, even a simple, well-targeted ad can bring in new patients. Just keep your messaging clear and focus on solving a specific problem.

Takeaways

Keep it local and specific — general keywords will eat your budget fast.
Focus on one service at a time and do it well.
Write like a human, not a marketer.
Start small with $10–$20/day and scale when ready.
Track everything — data helps you spend smarter.
Use retargeting to stay top-of-mind without overspending.

Let’s Talk Real: Marketing Can Feel Overwhelming

If you run a clinic, you’ve probably asked yourself at some point, “How do I get more patients without spending a fortune?” You’re not alone. Between running the day-to-day and caring for patients, figuring out online marketing especially something like Google Ads can feel like a full-time job in itself.

Here’s the good news: You don’t need a massive marketing budget to start seeing results. With a smart, simple approach, even a small daily ad spend can bring new people through your doors.

Let me walk you through how to make Google Ads work for your clinic without draining your wallet.

1. Start Small, Stay Local

When you’re working with a tight budget, you want to be super intentional about who sees your ads. That means targeting people in your area who are actually looking for your services.

Instead of broad keywords like “physiotherapy,” aim for more specific ones like:

“knee pain physio in Calgary”
“massage therapy near Queen Street Toronto”
“chiropractor for sports injuries Ottawa”

You can find these phrases using free tools like Google Keyword Planner. Look for search terms with high intent but not a ton of competition.

2. Pick Your MVP Service

You might offer 15 different treatments, but when you’re running ads on a small budget, trying to promote everything at once will water things down.

So ask yourself: What’s one service that’s either super popular or brings in good revenue?

Start there. Build your campaign around that one thing. Keep it simple. Once that’s running smoothly, you can always add more later.

3. Set Boundaries (Literally)

Make sure your ads are only showing to people who live within a realistic travel distance of your clinic. You can set up location targeting in Google Ads and either drop a pin on your map or choose specific postal codes.

Why pay for someone two towns over to click your ad if they’re never going to drive to you?

4. Write Ads Like You're Talking to a Patient

This is a big one. Most people scroll past ads that sound robotic or too corporate.

Instead of saying,

“Professional Physiotherapy Services with Certified Practitioners,”

Try something more like:

“Struggling with pain that won’t go away? Let’s fix that book a free consult today.”

Keep it real. Speak to the problem people are dealing with. Your tone should feel like you’re talking to a friend who’s hurting, not pitching to a boardroom.

5. Send Them Somewhere That Converts

If someone clicks your ad and lands on your homepage with a dozen links and no clear next step, they’re probably bouncing.

Create a simple landing page with:

One clear message
A short explanation of how you help
A button that says something like “Book Now” or “Claim Free Assessment”

Also, sprinkle in a few testimonials or star ratings if you’ve got them. Social proof is powerful.

6. Don’t Guess, Track It

Here’s the thing: if you’re not tracking conversions (bookings, calls, form submissions), it’s impossible to know what’s working.

Make sure Google Ads is set up to track the actions you care about. That way, even on a small budget, you can see what’s paying off and what’s not.

7. Stick to a Budget You Can Handle

You don’t have to go all in on day one. Many clinics get great results spending just $10–$20 a day.

Start low, test things out, and slowly scale once you know what’s working. There’s no need to stress or go into panic mode.

8. Use Retargeting (It’s Way Cheaper Than You Think)

Most people don’t book the first time they see you. That’s normal. Retargeting lets you show ads to people who already visited your site and it’s super affordable.

Think of it as a gentle reminder. “Hey, we’re still here if you’re ready.” And the cost? Often just pennies per view.

To Wrap It Up...

Google Ads doesn’t have to be complicated, and it definitely doesn’t have to be expensive. If you focus on the right service, write ads that connect with real people, and keep your targeting tight, you can grow your clinic even on a shoestring budget.

Book Your BACK NECK SHOULDER KNEE ELBOW HIP WRIST FOOT Pain Consult

This appointment is your opportunity to tell us what hurts and discover whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care is a good fit for you! During this session, you will talk with a physiotherapist or chiropractor on a phone call (or online) and create the right care plan specifically for your pain. There is no obligation on this session is to find out whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care can help you getting back to doing the things you love in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Google Ads really work if I’m only spending $10–$20 a day?

Yes, 100%. You don’t need a massive budget to start seeing results, you just need to spend wisely. Focus on one service, keep your targeting local, and use specific keywords. That way, every dollar goes toward people who are actually looking for what you offer. Many clinics have grown their bookings this way, it just takes a little patience and a bit of testing.

I’ve never run an ad before, is this going to be too technical for me?

It might sound overwhelming at first, but once you walk through it step by step, it’s very doable. Google’s Ad platform is designed for small businesses, and there are plenty of guides out there (even videos) to help you get started. Plus, you don’t need to be perfect, even a simple, well-targeted ad can bring in new patients. Just keep your messaging clear and focus on solving a specific problem.

How do I know if my ads are working?

This is where tracking comes in and it’s so important. Set up conversion tracking in Google Ads (or use tools like CallRail if you take a lot of calls). That way, you can see if someone clicked your ad and ended up booking an appointment. You don’t need fancy reports, just a way to know if your ad spend is actually leading to real patient visits.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information presented in this blog post is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, treatment or a diagnosis, consult with a medical professional such as one suggested on this website. The Clinic Accelerator Inc. and the author of this page are not liable for the associated risks of using or acting upon the information contained in this article.