In my last post, I introduced you to the concept of using Facebook to attract quality new patients. But, if you don’t even have an account, you’re dead in the water. So, the focus of this post is to take you through the basics of getting setup and registered.

Now, for some of you, this post will seem elementary. For that, I do apologize.

However, the simple fact remains that most doctors don’t keep up with the world of internet marketing and social media. Furthermore, you’d be surprised at how many doctors I come in contact with that either don’t have a Facebook account or don’t even know how to find Facebook online.

I know. It’s hard to believe, isn’t it?

Well, unfortunately it’s true. So, please bare with me. I promise — you’ll find plenty of great tips in the upcoming related posts.

So, let’s jump right in starting at ground zero.

First of all, you cannot create a Facebook account using an email with info@ or webmaster@ in the address. Also, you can only create one account per email address.

To register, simply go to Facebook. Once there, look for the “Sign Up” section. Fill in the required information and click on the “Sign Up” button.

You’ll then receive a registration confirmation email from Facebook. Once you click on the verification link embedded within the email, you’ll be able to access your new account.

The first thing I recommend you do is to create your profile page. For a detailed explanation, please visit Facebook’s exceptional Getting Started Guide titled Express Yourself: Set up your Facebook Profile.

An extremely important point to remember when filling out your profile is to make sure you include as much detailed information about yourself.

In other words, build the Info section up with rich keywords that relate not only to who you are but also to your business and profession. Use keywords that are relevant to your prospects’ wants and desires. This way prospects will more easily find you within Facebook’s search engine.

For example, don’t just list yourself as a chiropractor but as a chiropractor that specializes in fibromyalgia, headaches, chronic low back pain or whatever niche you’re currently focusing on.

Now, I realize that subluxations not symptoms are the root cause of dis-ease and disease processes. But, your prospects don’t. They think in terms of symptoms. Therefore, you need to promote yourself as an expert in solving their symptom-related problems. Remember, as previously mentioned, this is how they’ll find you within Facebook’s search engine.

Another point to remember is that you play multiple roles in life. You’re not just a chiropractor. You’re also either a father, mother, husband, wife or just a grand ole guy or gal. Regardless, whatever roles you play, include them in your profile. People like to know you’re human and will feel more comfortable connecting with you.

In other words, be approachable not “salesy”. Your personal profile is NOT the place to excessively promote your practice or business. In a future post, I’ll share with you what Facebook offers to accomplish the aforementioned.

Next, I recommend you familiarize yourself with the Privacy section of Facebook’s Help Center. Then, go to your privacy settings and update them based off of your individual preferences.

One recommendation is to provide enough information publicly that’ll allow prospects to more easily request you as their friend. You don’t want to lock down your account so much that all one sees is your name and photo. Again, be approachable.

Lastly, review the Find Your Friends section of the Getting Started Guide. It’ll give you valuable tips on how to start connecting with people you already know.

Since Facebook is about connecting with friends, please understand that not all friends will be true friends, family or acquaintances.

The concept is much like Twitter’s followers. You won’t initially know some of the people requesting friendship but, if you decide to allow them into your circle, you can cultivate the relationship over time.

Build the relationship, build the trust. That’s the initial path to converting prospects into quality new patients.

** For a more detailed explanation of friends versus followers, go read Andrew Chen’s exceptional post. It’s well worth the read! **

Before you log out of Facebook, take some more time to familiarize yourself with what’s available. Again, a great place to start is within the Help Center under the header Using Facebook.

In closing, the purpose of this series is not to reproduce basics that Facebook has already covered. It’s designed to quickly introduce you to Facebook, establish yourself on its platform and start using it to grow your practice. So, stay tuned because in our next post we’ll look at ways to promote yourself and your practice.

Oh, and as Steve Jobs is known to say, there’s one more thing!

Make sure you request me to be your friend.

I’ve already connected with several of you since yesterday’s post and am honored to meet you! It encourages me to see who is actually reading and benefitting from this blog.

So, don’t be shy. Once signed up, send me a friend request and I’ll be more than happy to reciprocate.