In today’s hyper-competitive healthcare landscape, leveraging every tool available to increase patient engagement and conversions is crucial. One of the most underrated yet powerful features in Google Ads is the Call Extension. Particularly for the medical field—be it hospitals, clinics, or individual practitioners like surgeons—call extensions can significantly increase lead generation and improve return on investment (ROI).
Whether you’re exploring Digital Marketing for Hospitals, setting up PPC for Doctors, or promoting specialist services through Digital Marketing for Surgeons, this feature can enhance campaign effectiveness.
What Are Call Extensions?
Call extensions allow you to add a phone number to your Google Ads so that patients can directly call your healthcare practice or hospital from the ad. This feature is especially beneficial for mobile searches, where users can simply tap to call, eliminating steps in the conversion funnel.
Why are Call Extensions Vital in Healthcare Digital Marketing?
- Patients often need immediate assistance or consultation.
- Medical decisions are urgent—calls offer faster conversions than filling out forms.
- Increases trust—users feel reassured seeing a real contact number.
Benefits of Using Call Extensions in Google Ads
Here’s how call extensions contribute to better ad performance and higher conversions, especially for healthcare brands:
1. Direct Communication with Patients
- Reduces friction by enabling a direct call.
- No need for patients to search through the website.
2. Improved Conversion Rates
- Patients prefer immediate answers—calls close faster than emails or forms.
- High intent users are more likely to take action.
3. Higher Click-Through Rate (CTR)
- Adds more real estate to your ad.
- More visibility means better engagement.
4. Better Tracking and Insights
- Google allows you to track call conversions.
- You can analyze call durations and user behavior to optimize future campaigns.
How to Set Up Call Extensions in Google Ads
Setting up call extensions is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure your healthcare ad campaign is optimized for maximum patient interaction:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Login to Google Ads Dashboard
- Go to the campaign where you want to add the extension.
- Click on “Ads & Extensions”
- Then go to “Extensions” tab.
- Click the ‘+’ Button and Select ‘Call Extension’
- Add Your Phone Number
- Use a number connected to your hospital reception, call center, or clinic.
- Choose Device Preferences
- Opt for mobile preferred to maximize click-to-call conversions.
- Set Scheduling (Optional)
- You can set call extensions to only appear during office hours.
- Save and Launch
Best Practices for Using Call Extensions in Healthcare Campaigns
When implementing Call Extensions for your hospital or medical practice, consider the following tips:
✔ Use a Local Number
Patients trust local numbers over toll-free or international ones.
✔ Sync with Working Hours
Ensure someone is available to answer calls during displayed hours.
✔ Train Your Reception or Staff
Your front desk must be trained to convert inquiries into appointments efficiently.
✔ Use Call Conversion Tracking
Helps measure ROI and identify which campaigns generate quality calls.
✔ Avoid Missed Calls
Use call forwarding or voicemail during off-hours with a callback system.
Advanced Tactics: Leveraging Call Extensions with PPC Campaigns for Doctors
If you’re running PPC for Doctors, here’s how to further optimize your strategy with call extensions:
- Dynamic Call Extensions: Google automatically chooses the best performing extension—ideal for multi-location hospitals.
- Geo-targeted Ads: Combine call extensions with location-based targeting to connect patients with the nearest clinic.
- Ad Scheduling: Show call extensions only when your clinic or hospital is open.
- Call-Only Ads: Consider using Call-Only campaigns where the entire ad is a clickable call button—highly effective for emergency or urgent care services.
Why Call Extensions Matter in Digital Marketing for Hospitals & Surgeons
Hospitals and specialist clinics face unique challenges:
- High competition for patient attention
- Sensitive nature of medical conditions
- Complex appointment systems
Here’s where call extensions shine:
For Hospitals:
- Emergency Services: Patients can call instantly for ambulance or trauma services.
- OPD Appointments: Quick booking via calls.
- Department-Specific Numbers: Direct extensions for neurology, cardiology, etc.
For Surgeons:
- Quick Consultations: Potential patients often have many questions; a quick call helps them decide faster.
- Post-Surgery Follow-Up Bookings
- Premium Services: Call extensions help position the surgeon as accessible and trustworthy.
Metrics to Monitor
To ensure you’re optimizing for conversions, regularly check:
- Call-through rate (CTR for calls)
- Average call duration
- Conversion rate from calls to appointments
- Time-of-day call performance
- Cost-per-call acquisition
Use this data to refine your Digital Marketing for Surgeons or Digital Marketing for Hospitals strategy over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using inactive numbers
- Not enabling mobile-preferred option
- Forgetting to schedule call times
- No tracking for call conversions
- Untrained call handlers
These errors can cost you valuable leads. Avoid them to maximize ROI from your PPC for Doctors campaigns.
Final Thoughts: Call Extensions = Higher Patient Conversions
In a world where convenience, speed, and accessibility matter most, call extensions are a game-changer in healthcare digital marketing. They simplify the user journey, enhance trust, and improve overall campaign performance—especially for mobile-first audiences.
Whether you are running PPC for Doctors, scaling your Digital Marketing for Hospitals, or looking to grow your brand through Digital Marketing for Surgeons, this feature should be a cornerstone of your strategy.
Partner with Medigrow Technologies – Healthcare Marketing Experts
If you’re unsure how to implement or optimize call extensions, it’s best to partner with a specialist. At Medigrow Technologies, their exclusive focus is on the healthcare industry. They are dedicated to providing unparalleled healthcare digital marketing solutions for a range of healthcare entities, including hospitals, clinics, surgeons, and multi-specialty practices.
From setting up PPC campaigns for doctors to building comprehensive strategies for digital marketing for hospitals, Medigrow Technologies ensures your marketing investment delivers real-world patient conversions.