What Is SEM/PPC?
Search Engine Marketing (SEM), commonly called Pay-Per-Click (PPC), is a form of online advertising where you pay to appear at the top of Google search results. For doctors, this means showing up when a prospective patient searches for things like “dermatologist near me” or “same-day primary care.”
Why PPC Works for Doctors
Most patients search online when they need care — especially when it’s urgent or local. Google Ads gives you immediate visibility for those searches, unlike SEO which takes time to rank organically.
PPC is ideal for:
- New private practices trying to build awareness
- Practices launching new services (e.g., weight loss, aesthetics, men’s health)
- Specialists in competitive metros
- Capturing “urgent” intent (e.g., same-day appointments)
How Google Ads Works
You select search terms (“keywords”) and bid to have your ad appear when someone searches them. You only pay when someone clicks. The position of your ad depends on bid + relevance + quality.
Your ads can link to your homepage, a dedicated landing page, or even a call tracking number.
What Makes Medical PPC Different
- HIPAA compliance: Your landing pages and call tracking must be secure
- Restricted categories: Google has policies around weight loss, supplements, mental health, and telehealth
- Higher click cost: Keywords like “pediatrician” or “urgent care” can be competitive
Tips for Successful Doctor PPC Campaigns
- Target tightly — by ZIP code or service area
- Use call extensions and “book now” CTAs
- Send traffic to dedicated landing pages (not your homepage)
- Track calls and form fills — not just clicks
- Use negative keywords to avoid irrelevant clicks
How Doctor Rebrand Helps
We build custom Google Ads campaigns tailored to your specialty, location, and goals. We handle everything from keyword research and copywriting to call tracking and conversion optimization — all under your brand.
Most clients see results within days of going live.
The Bottom Line
PPC isn’t just for big hospitals or urgent care chains. It’s a scalable, measurable way to grow your private practice — especially when paired with great branding and NAP consistency.
If you want to test paid search the right way, let’s talk. We’ll help you launch smart and scale responsibly.