Are you just starting out in the world of social media for business? Looking to create the perfect handles and usernames for your social media accounts?

Brafton share their social media tips in this infographic.

Here’s a quick summary:

• Assume someone already has your ideal username
• Check availability across all platforms
• Align your handles with your business name or domain name
• Choose matching handles for consistency
• Opt for the original name instead of punctuation
• Keep them concise
• Ensure they are easy to spell and pronounce
• Stand the test of time
• Be ready with a backup

Check out the infographic for more.

 

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. Whether you’re a business looking to connect with customers or an individual trying to stay in touch with friends and family, having a strong presence on social media is essential. One of the first steps to establishing your online identity is choosing the right handle or username. Your handle is not just a string of characters; it’s a representation of your brand, personality, and online persona. In this blog post, we will explore nine best practices for creating handles and usernames that will make a lasting impression and help you stand out on social media.

1. Keep it Simple and Memorable

The first rule of creating a social media handle is to keep it simple and easy to remember. You want people to be able to recall your username without having to write it down or look it up. Avoid using complex combinations of numbers, symbols, or special characters that can confuse or discourage potential followers.

For example, if your name is John Smith, a handle like @JohnSmith or @JSmith would be straightforward and easy to remember. This simplicity makes it more likely for people to find you and engage with your content.

2. Be Consistent Across Platforms

Consistency is key when it comes to branding yourself or your business on social media. Try to use the same handle or username across all the platforms you’re active on. This makes it easier for your audience to find you and reinforces your brand identity.

Before settling on a handle, check if it’s available on multiple social media platforms. If it’s already taken on one platform, consider modifying it slightly to maintain consistency. For example, if @JohnSmith is taken on Twitter, you could try @JohnSmithOfficial or @TheRealJohnSmith.

3. Showcase Your Brand or Personality

Your handle is an opportunity to showcase your brand or personality. It should give potential followers a glimpse of who you are or what your content is about. Consider incorporating keywords or elements related to your niche or interests.

For instance, if you’re a travel enthusiast, a handle like @WanderlustAdventurer can convey your passion for exploration. If you’re a business specializing in eco-friendly products, a handle like @GreenSolutionsCo can reflect your commitment to sustainability.

4. Avoid Offensive or Controversial Terms

While it’s essential to showcase your personality, it’s equally important to avoid offensive or controversial terms in your handle. Remember that your online presence can be seen by a diverse audience, and using offensive language or sensitive topics can turn potential followers away.

Stay away from profanity, hate speech, or anything that could be construed as discriminatory. A handle that promotes positivity and inclusivity will attract a more diverse and engaged audience.

5. Check for Trademark and Copyright Issues

Before finalizing your social media handle, it’s crucial to do some research to ensure you’re not infringing on any trademarks or copyrights. Using a handle that is similar to a well-known brand or trademark can lead to legal issues and confusion among your audience.

You can use online tools and databases to search for existing trademarks or copyrights related to your chosen handle. If you find any potential conflicts, it’s best to choose a different handle to avoid legal complications.

6. Consider Future Growth

When selecting a social media handle, think about your long-term goals and potential future growth. While a handle like @CatLover123 might seem appropriate now, it may limit your options if you decide to broaden your content beyond cat-related topics.

Choosing a handle that allows for flexibility and growth will save you the trouble of rebranding later. A more versatile handle, such as your name or a broad keyword related to your interests, can accommodate a wider range of content and interests.

7. Use Underscores or Periods Sparingly

Many social media platforms do not allow spaces in usernames or handles, so users often use underscores (_) or periods (.) to separate words. While this can be a helpful way to make your handle more readable, it should be used sparingly.

Excessive underscores or periods can make your handle look cluttered and difficult to remember. If possible, try to find a handle where you can keep these separators to a minimum. For example, @John_Smith is preferable to @John_S._Smith.

8. Avoid Long Handles

Short and snappy handles are easier to type, remember, and share. Avoid long handles that are a mouthful or take up too much character space. Social media platforms often have character limits for handles, and you don’t want your username to be cut off or truncated.

Aim for a handle that is concise and to the point. If your name or brand is long, consider using abbreviations or initials to create a shorter handle that still represents you effectively.

9. Double-Check Availability

Before you get too attached to a particular handle, it’s crucial to check its availability on the social media platforms you intend to use. Handles can be unique to each platform, and just because a handle is available on one platform doesn’t mean it’s available on another.

Use tools or search functions on each platform to verify that your desired handle is not already in use. If it’s available on most or all of the platforms you plan to use, it’s a good sign that you’ve found a suitable handle.

In conclusion, choosing the right social media handle or username is a crucial step in establishing your online presence. It’s a reflection of your identity, brand, or personality, and it plays a significant role in how others perceive you on social media. By following these nine best practices, you can create a memorable and effective handle that will help you connect with your target audience and make a lasting impression in the digital world. Remember to keep it simple, consistent, and in line with your brand or personality while avoiding offensive terms and legal complications. With the right handle, you’ll be well on your way to social media success.