Are Google Local Ads Worth It for Clinics?

Are Google Local Services Ads actually bringing you new patients, or just making you pay for your own? In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I unpack our early results with Google’s “local business” calls, then walk through a shockwave-heavy clinic day, the MVP orthotics case, quick-win metatarsal padding, and a scalable plan to delegate EPAT sessions while preserving clinical oversight.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to audit Google Local Services ROIIdentifying daily MVPs (orthotics-first thinking)A simple “poor man’s orthotic” that proves valueStructuring EPAT packages and follow-upsSwitching antifungals without losing momentumWhen to double-book low-value follow-upsA safe model to delegate shockwave deliveryUsing timestamps to standardize careWhy You Should ListenYou’ll get a practical framework to evaluate ad spend, capture more high-value orthotics/EPAT opportunities, and reclaim physician time by delegating the repeatable parts, without sacrificing outcomes.Key Topics Covered[00:15] Google Local Services: early takeaways[01:10] Tracking calls vs. true new patients[02:05] MVP: orthotic for 5th met bursitis[02:40] “Poor man’s orthotic” cutout test[03:15] Final EPAT visit: bill an OV, set plan[03:55] Antifungal pivot: terbinafine → fluconazole[04:30] Sinus tarsi: injection + nail sample[05:05] Chronic plantar fascia: EPAT + amnio[05:45] Ulcer care: vascular referral timing[06:15] Met pads that actually help (Dr. Jill’s)[06:50] Fracture follow-up: keep it to one[07:20] Standardizing visit #1 for metatarsalgia[07:55] EPAT #4–6: extend to 8–12 week FU[08:30] Double-book matrix follow-ups[09:05] Delegating EPAT: pricing & guardrails👉 Tune in to learn how to audit your Google ad spend, design an orthotics-first MVP strategy, and safely delegate shockwave so you can see more of the right patients, without stretching your schedule thinner.