The 7 Mistakes Most Clinics Make When Advertising Online

Q: Do I need a huge budget to run successful ads?

Nope! Many clinics see results starting with just $10–$20 a day . What matters more is the quality of the ad who it targets, what it says, and where it leads people afterward. Start small, track results, and scale as you go.

Takeaways

Don’t cram everything into one ad, focus on one service at a time.
Speak to feelings and outcomes, not just credentials.
Use real photos and videos, not generic stock images.
Always include a clear, simple call-to-action.
Keep your targeting local and specific.
Track your results so you know what’s working.
Don’t give up after one try, great ads take a little trial and error.

Let’s Be Honest: Online Ads Can Feel Like a Gamble

You boost a post, run a quick ad, and hope it brings in new patients. But then… nothing. Crickets. You start wondering, “Are online ads even worth it?”

Here’s the thing: they can work really well, in fact. But there are a few common traps that most clinics fall into, especially when they’re just getting started.

Let’s break down the 7 biggest advertising mistakes clinics make (no judgment, we’ve all been there), and how to avoid them so your next ad actually delivers.

1. Trying to Market Everything at Once

“We do massage, chiro, physio, acupuncture, custom orthotics…”
Yes, that’s amazing, but stuffing all of that into one ad? Instant scroll-past.

Try this instead: Focus on one service per ad. Pick something you want to grow, and make the whole message about that. Simpler = stronger.

2. Talking About Features, Not Feelings

“Certified professionals. Modern equipment. 25 years of experience.”
That might be true, but it’s not what gets someone to book.

Instead: Talk about how people feel before and after working with you. Say things like:

“Struggling to get through your workday because of back pain? We can help you move freely again, often in just a few sessions.”

3. Using Generic or Stock Images

Nothing says “skip me” like a stock photo of someone smiling awkwardly on a white background.

Fix it: Use photos or videos from your real clinic, your team, your treatment rooms, your patients (with permission). Authenticity builds trust.

4. No Clear Call-to-Action

So they read your ad… now what? A lot of clinics forget to give people the next step.

Always include:

“Book your first visit now”
“Call us for a free consultation”
“Send us a message to ask a question”

Make it obvious. Make it easy.

5. Targeting Way Too Broad

If you’re a clinic in Edmonton, there’s no point showing ads to people in Vancouver. Seems obvious, but it happens more often than you’d think.

Keep it tight: Set your ad to target a 10–20 km radius around your clinic. Focus on people who can realistically come in.

6. Not Tracking Anything

If you’re not tracking what works, you’re just guessing. That’s not a strategy, it’s a shot in the dark.

What to track: At the very least, see how many people clicked, messaged, or booked. Even a basic conversion setup can tell you a lot about what’s working (and what’s not).

7. Giving Up Too Soon

You run one ad, it flops, and you think: “Welp, I guess ads don’t work for us.” Sound familiar?

Be patient: Online ads are rarely magic right out of the gate. Most winning campaigns took a few tries. Tweak one thing at a time, headline, image, audience, and keep testing. You’ll get there.

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

Why aren’t my online ads bringing in new patients?

Chances are, the message might be too broad or not speaking directly to what people care about. Or maybe there’s no clear next step. Small changes like using a more specific headline or local image can make a big difference.

Do I need a huge budget to run successful ads?

Nope! Many clinics see results starting with just $10–$20 a day. What matters more is the quality of the ad who it targets, what it says, and where it leads people afterward. Start small, track results, and scale as you go.

How do I know if an ad is “working”?

If you’re getting clicks, messages, or bookings, that’s a win. But even if people are just engaging with the ad (likes, shares, views), that’s a sign you’re on the right track. Add some tracking to see how many of those interactions turn into actual patients, and go from there.

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.