Instagram Ads for Clinics: How to Turn Scrolls into New Patients

Takeaways

  • Know who you’re trying to reach before you launch.
  • Simple phone videos build more trust than fancy ones.
  • Talk like a human, not a clinic brochure.
  • Always include a clear, specific call to action.
  • Keep your targeting local and your budget realistic.
  • Use retargeting to stay top-of-mind for past viewers.

Let’s Be Real: Instagram Isn’t Just for Selfies and Smoothie Bowls

If you run a clinic, you’ve probably had this thought:

“People are always on Instagram… but can that actually help me grow my clinic?”

The short answer? Yes.
The longer one? It absolutely can, if you use it the right way.

Instagram is one of the best places to grab someone’s attention, build trust, and get them thinking, “Maybe this clinic can help me.” And with Instagram Ads, you don’t need thousands of followers, you just need the right message in front of the right people.

Here’s how to turn casual scrolling into actual patient bookings.

1. Know Who You’re Talking To

Before you even run an ad, ask yourself:
Who do I want to reach?

Is it busy moms looking for massage therapy?
Weekend warriors with shoulder pain?
People new to the area looking for a go-to chiropractor?

Once you know who you’re talking to, it’s easier to create content that speaks to them, and gets them to stop scrolling.

2. Use Video (Even If It’s Just on Your Phone)

You don’t need a fancy setup. Seriously.

Grab your phone, press record, and talk about:

  • A common problem you help with
  • A quick behind-the-scenes tour of your clinic
  • A recent patient win (with permission)
  • A simple tip people can use right now

People love seeing the real you. A short, honest video often performs better than a polished one with music and effects.

3. Write Like a Human, Not a Brochure

Nobody stops scrolling for “Professional Health Services Delivered with Excellence.”

But they do pause for:

“Still dealing with nagging neck pain? We help people like you feel better, usually within a few sessions.”

Speak directly to what your ideal patient is feeling. Use simple, clear words. Imagine you’re texting a friend, not writing for a billboard.

4. Add a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

If someone likes what they see, don’t leave them hanging. Tell them exactly what to do next:

  • “Tap ‘Book Now’ to claim your free assessment.”
  • “Send us a DM to ask a quick question.”
  • “Click to see available appointment times.”

People are busy. Make the next step easy and obvious.

5. Target Locally and Keep It Tight

There’s no point advertising to people 300 miles away.

Use Instagram’s targeting settings to narrow down:

  • Your city or neighborhood
  • Age groups that fit your audience
  • Interests (like fitness, wellness, or parenting)

Start small and test what works. You don’t need a huge budget, even $5–$15 a day can go a long way if it’s dialed in right.

6. Retarget People Who Already Know You

Some people need to see you a few times before they take action, and that’s totally normal.

Use retargeting ads to reconnect with people who:

  • Visited your website
  • Watched one of your videos
  • Follow your page but haven’t booked

It’s like a friendly nudge: “Hey, we’re still here if you’re ready.”

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

Yes, especially if you’re targeting locally and sharing a real, helpful message. People scroll Instagram all day long, and if your ad catches their eye and offers a solution to something they’re dealing with (like pain, stress, or injury), it’s a great way to start the conversation.

You can start seeing traction with as little as $5–$15/day. The key is to keep your audience small, your message clear, and your ad focused on just one service. Track what’s working, and slowly scale from there.

Not at all! Instagram ads work independently of your follower count. You’re paying to reach new people, so even if you’ve got zero followers, your ad can still show up in front of potential patients who’ve never heard of you before.

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.

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