Why SEO Still Matters When You’re Running Google Ads for Your Medical Practice
Paid ads can bring quick results, but search engine optimization (SEO) builds the trust and visibility that last. Together, they create the perfect digital strategy for your practice.
What you’ll learn in this article:
- Why Google Ads and SEO serve different purposes in
medical marketing
- How
SEO builds trust while paid ads drive immediate action
- How both strategies work together to attract more qualified patients
- Practical steps to balance your ad spend and organic growth
- How The Infinity Group helps practices get the best of both worlds
When it comes to online marketing, doctors often ask, “If I’m already running Google Ads, do I really need SEO?”. The short answer is yes. Paid ads and SEO complement each other beautifully. One brings quick traffic, the other builds long-term credibility. When used together, they can dramatically improve your visibility, patient trust, and overall ROI.
How SEO and Google Ads Work Differently
Think of Google Ads as the fast track. You can appear at the top of search results immediately, targeting patients looking for services like “dermatologist near me” or “same-day primary care appointments.”
SEO, on the other hand, is your foundation. It’s what helps your website appear in organic (unpaid) search results. SEO takes more time to build but provides lasting value once you’ve earned it.
Why SEO Still Matters When You’re Running Ads
- Patients don’t always click the first ad. Many scroll down to check who ranks organically before deciding who to trust.
- Good SEO reduces ad costs. A well-optimized website improves your Quality Score in Google Ads, lowering your cost per click.
- You need visibility beyond your ad budget. When your ads pause, your organic presence keeps bringing in traffic.
How They Work Together
- Shared keyword strategy – Your best-performing paid keywords can guide which terms to target in your SEO plan.
- Reinforced credibility – When patients see your practice in both ads and organic listings, it boosts trust.
- Data synergy – Insights from Google Ads (like which search terms convert) can shape your content strategy and page optimization.
- Improved local visibility – Combining paid and organic strategies strengthens your presence in Google Maps and local results.
Simple Steps to Combine SEO and Ads
- Make sure your website is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate.
- Align your landing pages with your ad messaging.
- Use your paid ad data to refine SEO content and vice versa.
- Track both sets of results in one dashboard for clarity.
FAQs
Q: Can I stop doing SEO if my ads are performing well?
A: It’s better to maintain both. Ads deliver instant leads, but SEO ensures long-term, consistent traffic and lower overall costs.
Q: Is SEO still worth it for small or single-provider practices?
A: Absolutely. Even smaller clinics can dominate local search with a strong SEO foundation.
Q: How do I know which channel is working better?
A: Use analytics to measure conversions, traffic sources, and cost per lead. The Infinity Group helps practices track both for a clear view of ROI.
Final Thoughts
Paid ads can give your practice a boost, but SEO keeps your visibility growing long after your campaign ends. When you combine them strategically, you create a balanced approach that builds both awareness and trust.
If you want to make sure your marketing strategy works as hard as you do, reach out to The Infinity Group. We help healthcare providers blend SEO and paid ads to attract the right patients and grow consistently. Give us a call today! (855) 420-1626.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. While we strive to ensure that all content is accurate and up to date, no guarantees are made regarding its completeness or reliability. Readers are encouraged to seek professional guidance specific to their situation before making any decisions based on the information provided. The author and this blog disclaim any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content herein.
