Do I have to choose just one?

No, and ideally you don't. They complement each other: Google captures existing demand, Facebook creates new demand. We recommend the mix based on your market, budget, and how much people already search for your treatment.

Which has a lower cost per patient?

It varies by market and offer. Facebook often has a lower cost per lead but needs more follow-up, while Google leads cost more but convert warmer. What matters is cost per booked patient, which is why we track that, not just clicks.

Honest comparison

Facebook ads vs Google ads for your practice.

They do different jobs. Facebook creates demand; Google captures it. Here's how to choose, and why most practices run both.

This is the question nearly every practice owner asks, and the honest answer is that they're not really competitors. One interrupts people who weren't looking yet; the other catches people already searching. Knowing which does what tells you where to start.

Facebook / Instagram ads

Interrupt-based ads that put your offer in front of people scrolling.

Google ads & LSA

Search ads that show up when someone is actively looking for care.

Patient intent

Lower: they weren't searching, you created the interest

Higher: they're actively looking for treatment right now

Volume

High: you can reach a huge local audience

Capped by how many people search your terms

Cost per lead

Often lower per lead, but leads need more nurturing

Often higher per lead, but leads are warmer

Creative needs

Heavy: needs strong, fresh video and images constantly

Light: mostly keywords, copy, and a solid landing page

Speed to results

Fast once creative is dialed in

Fast; you can be live and getting calls quickly

Best at

Filling schedules with new demand and specific offers

Capturing ready-to-book patients and phone calls

Lead with Facebook when

You're running a specific offer and want volume fast
Few people search for your treatment yet (you need to create demand)
You can support strong video and image creative

Lead with Google when

People already search for your service ("chiropractor near me")
You want the highest-intent, ready-to-book patients
You want the phone to ring from Local Services Ads

The honest take

Our verdict.

If you can only start with one, pick based on demand: lead with Google when people are already searching for what you do, and lead with Facebook when you need to create demand. Most established practices run both, because together they cover the patient who's searching and the one who didn't know they needed you yet.

Questions

Good to know.

Both work, for different reasons. Facebook is usually the volume workhorse for local practices and specific offers, while Google captures high-intent patients searching for care. Many chiropractors start with Facebook for reach, then layer in Google to catch ready-to-book searches.

Keep comparing

Other honest breakdowns.

In-house marketing vs a marketing agency.

Hire someone in-house or bring in an agency? Here's the honest math on cost, speed, and what actually gets you patients.

Marketing agency vs a freelancer.

A freelancer is cheaper and a full agency does more. Here's how to tell which one your practice actually needs.

Ready when you are

Ready to partner with a real growth team?

Give us 30 minutes. We'll show you where patients are falling out of your system.

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