For physiotherapy clinics aiming to grow their patient base, online advertising is no longer optional—it’s essential. But one of the biggest questions clinic owners ask is:
Should I invest in Facebook Ads or Google Ads?
Both platforms can generate high-quality leads for therapy practices, but understanding the strengths of each is the key to making the right decision.
Why Online Advertising Matters for Physiotherapists
- 85% of patients use Google or social media to find healthcare services.
- Local “near me” searches for physical therapy have grown over 300% since 2020.
- Paid ads allow clinics to attract patients beyond referrals, insurance directories, or passive website traffic.
Google Ads for Physiotherapists
How It Works:
Google Ads (also called PPC or Search Ads) displays your clinic at the top of Google search results when people search for services like:
- “physiotherapist near me”
- “back pain therapy in [City]”
Pros:
- High Intent: People actively searching are ready to book.
- Quick Results: Ads go live instantly.
- Clear ROI: Easy to track calls, bookings, and costs.
Cons:
- Higher competition = higher cost-per-click in some cities.
- Relies on search volume.
Best For:
- Clinics looking for immediate appointment bookings.
- Targeting people with urgent or specific therapy needs.
Facebook Ads for Physiotherapists
How It Works:
Facebook (and Instagram) Ads target people based on their demographics, interests, and behaviors—even if they aren’t actively searching for therapy.
Ads can promote:
- Awareness about your clinic.
- Educational content or special offers.
- Patient success stories or new service launches.
Pros:
- Lower Cost: Cheaper cost-per-click compared to Google.
- Brand Building: Increases awareness, especially for new clinics.
- Visual Impact: Video, images, and storytelling work well.
Cons:
- Lower intent: Audiences aren’t always ready to book.
- Results take time to build momentum.
Best For:
- Clinics building community presence.
- Promoting seasonal offers, events, wellness programs.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Feature | Google Ads | Facebook Ads |
| User Intent | High: Active searchers | Low to Medium: Passive discovery |
| Speed of Results | Fast | Medium (1-2 weeks build-up) |
| Cost | Higher per click | Lower per click |
| Visual Storytelling | Minimal (text ads) | Strong (images, videos, testimonials) |
| Best For | Quick bookings, urgent needs | Awareness, brand growth, nurturing leads |
Which One Should Your Clinic Choose?
If you need immediate new patients: Start with Google Ads. It’s direct, measurable, and high-converting.
If you want to build your clinic’s brand over time: Add Facebook Ads. It’s ideal for storytelling, community engagement, and growing trust.
For most physiotherapy clinics, the right answer is usually a mix of both:
- Google Ads = Leads Now
- Facebook Ads = Leads & Brand Later
Real Case Snapshot:
A physiotherapy clinic in California used:
- Google Ads: Averaged 18 new bookings/month with $15 cost-per-lead.
- Facebook Ads: Increased website traffic by 220% and grew local brand awareness, resulting in higher patient trust.
Final Thoughts:
The smartest clinics don’t choose Google vs. Facebook—they use both strategically.
If you need help setting up high-converting ad campaigns tailored for therapy practices, Get Patient can help.
[Request a Free Ad Strategy Consultation] and start growing your clinic today.
