Google vs Facebook Advertising for Healthcare

Word-of-mouth and organic referrals can help build a healthcare practice, but if you want to scale and attract new patients consistently, paid advertising is essential. The big question is: Google vs Facebook advertising—Which works best for healthcare marketing?

Should you focus on advertising on Facebook vs Google, or is a mix of both the right strategy? Let’s break it down.

Understanding Google Ads for Medical Practices

Google Ads operate on a pay-per-click (PPC) model, meaning you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. Since these ads appear on Google search results, they target users who are actively searching for healthcare services.

Many clinics also benefit from partnering with specialized healthcare PPC services to optimize campaign performance naturally.

Best For: Clinics that want to attract patients searching for specific treatments (e.g., “best dentist near me” or “urgent care clinic”).

Pros:

1) Targets high-intent patients ready to book an appointment.

2) Works well for location-based searches.

3) Highly measurable with conversion tracking.

‍Cons:

1) Can be expensive for competitive keywords (e.g., “plastic surgery clinic” can cost $10+ per click).

2) Requires ongoing optimization to maximize ROI.

Understanding Facebook Ads for Medical Practices

Facebook Ads, on the other hand, focus on audience interest rather than intent. These ads appear in users’ feeds based on demographics, interests, and behaviors, allowing you to reach potential patients who may not be actively searching but could be interested in your services.

Best For: Medical practices that want to build brand awareness and educate potential patients about their services.

Pros:

1) Highly targeted advertising based on age, gender, interests, and behavior.

2) Engaging ad formats (video, carousel, testimonials) boost credibility.

3) Lower cost per impression (CPI) compared to Google Ads.

‍Cons:

1) Lower immediate intent—patients may not be ready to book an appointment.

2) Requires strong visuals and engaging content to capture attention.

Key Differences Between Google Ads and Facebook Ads for Medical Practices

Facebook advertising vs Google advertising work effectively for medical practices, but they have key differences in targeting, intent, and engagement.

1) Intent vs. Discovery: Google Ads target patients actively searching for medical services, while Facebook Ads focus on discovery, helping clinics reach potential patients who may not be actively looking but fit the ideal demographic.

2) Ad Targeting Approach: Google Ads uses keyword-based targeting, displaying ads when users search for specific treatments or clinics. Facebook Ads rely on audience-based targeting, using demographics, interests, and behaviors to show ads to potential patients.

3) Ad Format & Engagement: Google Ads primarily use text-based search ads and display ads, optimized for clicks and conversions. Facebook Ads feature visually engaging formats like videos, carousel ads, and image-based posts, driving engagement and brand awareness.

Google vs Facebook Advertising: Which One Should You Choose?

The right platform depends on your marketing goals:

1) If you need immediate patient inquiries, Google Ads is your best bet.

2) If you want to build long-term patient trust, Facebook Ads help you nurture relationships.

3) For the best results, use both platforms strategically. Run Google Ads for high-intent searches and Facebook Ads for brand awareness and patient engagement.

Google Ads vs. Facebook Ads: What They Have in Common for Healthcare Practices

1) Patient Acquisition: Both platforms help clinics attract new patients by targeting the right audience with tailored messaging.

2) Custom Audience Targeting: Whether using keywords (Google) or demographics and interests (Facebook), both allow precise targeting to reach potential patients.

3) Measurable Results: Both provide detailed analytics, helping healthcare practices track ad performance, patient inquiries, and return on investment (ROI).

4) Retargeting Capabilities: Clinics can re-engage potential patients who previously visited their website, ensuring higher chances of conversions.

5) Compliance with Healthcare Regulations: Both PPC platforms follow strict ad guidelines & policies for healthcare advertising, ensuring ethical promotion of medical services.

Winning Strategy: Combining Facebook & Google Advertising

Should you consider a combined approach of integrating Google Ads and Facebook Ads?

For medical practices, you can combine both Facebook and Google Ads to maximize results as a result-driven strategy. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Use Google Ads for Patient Acquisition

1) Target high-intent keywords like “emergency dental care” or “pediatrician near me.”

2) Optimize landing pages for conversions.

Step 2: Use Facebook Ads for Brand Awareness

1) Run video testimonials and before/after treatment photos.

2) Retarget website visitors who clicked on Google Ads but didn’t book an appointment.

Step 3: Track & Optimize

1) Use conversion tracking to see which platform brings more patients.

2) Adjust ad spend based on performance.

Final Determination: Facebook Ads Versus Google Ads in Healthcare

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to Google vs Facebook advertising in healthcare. The best approach is a data-driven combination of both. Google Ads capture immediate patient interest, while Facebook Ads help keep your practice top of the mind.

Medical practices can likely evolve by combining strategies and leveraging both platforms to achieve a steady flow of new and returning patients.

Ready to take your medical practice to the next level with our healthcare marketing agency? Start with Google Ads for leads and Facebook Ads for engagement with Remedo, and watch your practice grow!