196. Are You Wasting Money on Google Ads? Here's How to Fix It

If you've ever tried Google Ads and felt like you were just lighting your money on fire, you're not alone. 

This week, Daniel sits down with John Sanders, founder of RevKey—a digital advertising agency that works exclusively with therapists and mental health professionals—to unpack why so many private practices struggle to make Google Ads work, and what you can do differently.

In their conversation, John and Daniel dig into the most common reasons therapists waste money on paid ads. 

And it often starts with your private practice's website. 

If your site isn't designed to engage visitors and guide them toward action, your ad spend will likely fall flat. 

John shares how generic service pages, weak content, and outdated design can tank your results—even if you're paying top dollar for clicks.

They also explore why therapists need to be wary of Google's automated campaign recommendations. 

What's best for Google's revenue isn't always best for your practice. John explains how his team disables default settings that typically waste money and instead builds tightly targeted campaigns focused on real conversions—not just traffic.

This episode also covers the strategic role Google Ads can play for growing group practices. Whether you're launching a new service or need to quickly fill a clinician's caseload, ads can help bridge the gap while your SEO builds momentum. 

And with the right tracking and targeting—like setting income levels or geographic focus—you can get more value from every click.

If you've been burned by ads before or are thinking about using them to grow your practice, this episode will help you avoid common mistakes and make smarter, more strategic decisions.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

1. Why do so many therapists waste money on Google Ads?

Many therapists dive into Google Ads without a clear strategy or a website that's designed to convert. Often, the problem isn't the ads themselves—it's that clicks are being sent to generic service pages or poorly designed sites that don't guide visitors toward taking action. Another big issue is relying on Google's default settings, which prioritize Google's revenue over your results. John shares how to avoid these common traps and make sure every dollar is working toward bringing in actual clients.

2. How can I tell if my website is helping or hurting my ad performance?

Your website is a critical part of your ad strategy—because if it doesn't connect with your ideal client or clearly guide them toward booking, even the best ad won't convert. John explains how to evaluate time-on-site metrics, user experience, and page content to know whether your site is supporting your ad goals. In competitive markets, the margin for error is smaller, so having engaging, specific, and fast-loading pages is key.

3. When should I use Google Ads vs. investing in SEO?

John and Daniel break down how SEO and Google Ads can work together strategically. SEO is a long-term game—it can take months to see results—but it's incredibly valuable for sustainable growth. Ads, on the other hand, can generate leads quickly, which is especially useful when launching new services or hiring new clinicians. The key is understanding your goals and timeline, so you can decide when to run ads, when to focus on organic traffic, and when to do both.

Links mentioned in this episode:

•  Previous Episode with John: 41. Everything You Need to Know About Google Ads for Therapists with John Sanders

• Revkey.com 

 

Watch The Video:

 

This Episode Is Brought To You By:

RevKey specializes in Google Ads management for therapists, expertly connecting you with your ideal clients. They focus on getting quality referrals that keep your team busy and your practice growing.

 

Visit RevKey.com/podcasts for a free Google Ads consultation

 

 

Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events.

 

Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation.

About John Sanders

John Sanders is the founder of RevKey, a digital advertising agency that exclusively helps therapists and mental health professionals grow their practices using Google Ads. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing this audience—especially in regulated, HIPAA-sensitive environments—John built RevKey to be the go-to partner for private practices that want measurable results, not marketing fluff. What began as a solo operation in 2018 has grown into a thriving team of ten, all united by a belief in clarity, simplicity, and transparency in digital marketing. John's insights are trusted by leading therapy podcasts and conferences, and his team regularly talks with clients, ensuring every campaign stays aligned with their goals. His mission: to make sure therapists don't waste money on click metrics, but invest in strategies that bring real people through their doors.

About Daniel Fava

Daniel Fava is the owner and founder of  Private Practice Elevation, a website and SEO agency focused on helping private practice owners create websites that increase their online visibility and attract more clients. Private Practice Elevation offers web design services, SEO (search engine optimization), and WordPress support to help private practice owners grow their businesses through online marketing. 

 

Daniel lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife Liz, and two energetic boys. When he's not working he enjoys hiking by the river, watching hockey, and enjoying a dram of bourbon.