If you run a medical, dental, or allied health clinic in Melbourne, chances are you've asked this question: “Should I be running Google Ads or focusing on SEO?” The short answer? Both have value — but knowing when and how to use each can make all the difference to your patient bookings and return on investment.

At VIS Healthcare Marketing, a leading medical marketing Melbourne, we specialise in helping clinics make the right marketing moves — and get real, measurable results.

Let’s Break It Down: Google Ads vs. SEO

What is SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)?

SEO is all about improving your website’s visibility organically in search results (without paying for each click). It takes time, but delivers long-term, sustainable traffic.

What is Google Ads?

Google Ads are paid placements that show up at the top of search results. You pay per click, meaning every visitor costs money — but you can get results fast.

When to Use Google Ads

Google Ads might be the right fit if:

• You’ve just launched a new clinic and want immediate visibility

• You’re promoting time-sensitive services (e.g., flu shots, skin checks)

• You have budget to test and refine ad campaigns

Quick wins, but temporary visibility

Why SEO is a Smart Long-Term Play

SEO is perfect if you're aiming to:

• Appear consistently in Google searches without ongoing ad spend

• Build local trust and credibility

• Increase your clinic’s value long-term

Ongoing results, no cost per click, higher trust from patients

And here's the key — Melbourne clinics that combine SEO with paid search see the best of both worlds: short-term bookings + long-term growth.

Why You Need a Specialist Healthcare SEO Agency in Melbourne

General digital agencies may know how to run ads or optimise a website — but healthcare marketing is different. AHPRA compliance, patient privacy, and medical accuracy matter.

That’s where VIS Healthcare Marketing comes in. We’re a medical marketing agency Melbourne clinics trust because:

• We understand the healthcare space

• We speak both Google’s language and your patients’

• We keep your strategy ethical, compliant, and effective

Our Hybrid Strategy for Maximum Growth

At VIS, we often combine both Google Ads and SEO for our clients, using:

•  Google Ads to drive quick bookings while…

• SEO builds organic presence for long-term traffic and visibility

•  Local SEO so you appear in Google Maps and “near me” searches

• Transparent monthly reports that show ROI and results

Whether you’re a GP, physio, dentist or dermatologist, this hybrid strategy works.

Ready to Grow Your Clinic the Smart Way?

If you’re serious about attracting more patients in 2025, don’t pick between Google Ads and SEO — use both strategically. Let VIS Healthcare Marketing help you grow your online visibility, improve your local search ranking, and fill your appointment books.

VIS Healthcare Marketing
Boston Commons – Suite 420, 89 Overton Road, Williams Landing VIC 3027
1300 777 847
 [email protected]

Request a Free SEO & Google Ads Strategy Call
 

VIS Healthcare Marketing – Helping Melbourne’s clinics rank higher, grow faster, and book smarter.