APMA News - September/October 2017 - 52

Inside APMA's Social Media

Need Help Setting up Your
Practice's Social Media Account?
In the past, we've used this column to help you, our members, set up a Twitter or Facebook page for your practice. In
case you've missed those issues, here's how to do it in a few
simple steps. Note that these instructions assume you are using a desktop computer to create your social media accounts.

How to Set up a Twitter Account
It's as easy as 1-2-3!
1. Visit Twitter's homepage, http://twitter.
com, and click the "Sign up" button. You
will be directed to a form to fill out some
basic information including your name and
email address.
2. After you fill out your basic information, you can
choose a username, or what is commonly referred to as
a Twitter handle. We recommend sticking to something simple and professional. Twitter handles do not
allow for spaces, so be sure to capitalize letters appropriately (e.g., "SamSmithDPM" or "GeorgetownFootDoc").

Did You Know
you can find practice
survey data online?
Visit www.apma.org/services
for details.
52 APMA News September/October 2017

These Twitter handles convey your status and authority
as a physician.
3. You're almost done! Start following your fellow colleagues, reliable health news outlets, and APMA! Use the
search tool on the upper right corner to type in the name
of a person or organization (such as @APMAtweets), and
click the "Follow" button.

How to Set up a Facebook Page
Setting up a Facebook page may have more
steps, but it is not complicated! Visit www.face
book.com. If you do not have an account, click
the "Create a Page" link on the bottom of the
screen. If you do have an account, log in as usual
and then click the upside-down triangle next to the question mark near the top right-hand corner of the page. Select
"Create Page."
Facebook will then ask you to choose a Page Type. Choose
"Local Business or Place." Enter your page name, then add
categories. This tool helps Facebook users find your Facebook page. For example, "podiatrist," "doctor," or "medical &
health" are all applicable categories.
Enter you practice details, then click the "Get Started" button. Your page template will launch, and you'll be able to add
more information about your practice.
Facebook will prompt you to upload a profile picture (the
picture that appears next to anything you post to Facebook).
Choose a picture you think best represents you and your practice. Next, you'll want to add this page to your favorites in
your web browser. That way, you can access the page any time,
no matter what other Facebook site you may be on.
Now you're on to the preferred page audience section. This
area simply asks where your practice is located and what type
of demographic you are trying to reach. Fill in the information
that best suits your practice. Click "save" when you're done.
You're in the home stretch! Your page is all set up. Now it's
time to make it visually appealing. On the top left-hand side,
you'll see an icon with "Add a Cover" (the cover photo is the
banner-like photo at the top of your Facebook page). Again,
upload a photo you think represents your practice. Next, click
on "Page Info." Fill in any information you think might help
prospective and current patients.
You're all done!
Setting up any new social media account can be intimidating. Luckily, social media sites aim to make it as easy
as possible.
■
If you have any trouble setting up your social media
account, contact Nora Younes at nryounes@apma.org.

http://twitter.com http://twitter.com http://www.facebook.com http://www.facebook.com http://www.apma.org/services

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of APMA News - September/October 2017