When you start setting up a new Twitter account, one of the first things that you will be asked to do is to choose your Twitter username.
And here your task is to choose a perfect Twitter username which will be short, will help to promote your brand and make it easy for your brand to be recognizable on Twitter.
However, nowadays, with more than 330 million of monthly active Twitter users, it is not a surprise that finding a great Twitter username is more difficult than ever.
In this case, if the name which you decided to choose is already taken, it doesn’t mean that you simply need to select the one that Twitter suggests.
In this article you will be presented with 4 tips to choose the perfect Twitter username when the first choice is unavailable.
Let’s dive right into it!
What is a Twitter username?
Twitter username or in other words, a handle, appears with an at “@” sign next to your profile image. What is more, you can see your username at the end of your unique Twitter URL. Twitter username is like your identity.
In fact, there are only a few restrictions on usernames set by Twitter. Firstly, you are allowed to use up to 15 characters while choosing a username.
Secondly, your username shouldn’t include symbols except uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and underscores.
Lastly, you can’t insert words, like “admin”, “Twitter” into your username because these terms are used in order to help to identify official Twitter profiles.
Besides, Twitter doesn’t let you claim a username which is already in use, even if the user is inactive. In order to take another user’s name, that user needs to voluntarily change his name or just delete his Twitter profile.
However, there will be an exception if you want to use a name linked to a trademark you own.
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How to choose the perfect Twitter profile username?
Twitter username represents your brand and makes an impression on visitors of your account. Consequently, your chosen username should look and sound professionally.
Moreover, it is ideal when you have the same username across all of your social media accounts because in this case, you will make it easier for people to find you.
Here are a few tips that you need to keep in mind while choosing your perfect Twitter username.
1. Make your username relevant
The first advice while trying to find the perfect Twitter username is to make sure that it is relevant to your brand name.
As it was mentioned before it is great if you are consistent and use the same username on all your social media channels including Twitter. In this way, you will not only cross-promote your brand, but also make it easier for people to find you and minimize the chances of finding someone else whose username looks similar like yours.
Overall, keep the Twitter handle as closely related to your brand name as you can if you want to be recognized and found without difficulties.
2. Keep your username short
In fact, Twitter is all about short, instant-impact content. Consequently, it is advised to make your Twitter name as short as possible in order to avoid taking up too much of the character limit when other people mention you in their tweets or retweet your Twitter post.
Because if a tweet is too long to be uploaded, people start to cut it down. In this case, they delete hashtags, shorten their message and eventually remove a username to help it fit in.
Therefore, try to choose a Twitter handle which is as short as possible.
What is more, don’t forget that Twitter handle can be no longer than 15 characters. However, if you see that your brand name doesn’t fit these limitations, then you may experiment with shortening your Twitter username.
For instance, you can use initials or turn on your creativity and create a short phrase which will represent your brand name.
3. Be quick about your username
As soon as you realize that a username which you like is available, don’t start thinking whether it is good for your brand or better to come up with another one. Just reserve it immediately!
Why? The answer is simple. Because of the fact that every day a lot of people creates new Twitter profiles, your favorite username it can be taken while you will be trying to decide do you want it or not.
Remember the important thing that you have an opportunity anytime to change your Twitter account’s username to another. In this case, the advice is – once you have found the best Twitter username, don’t wait and take it quickly for yourself.
4. Don’t use numbers
Most often when people see the numbers on Twitter usernames, especially at the end, the first thought which pops up in their heads is that this account is a spam.
Including numbers into your username isn’t considered as an effective practice. Numbers at the end of your username make your Twitter account lose its uniqueness. What is more, your username will look complex and it will be harder for other people to remember and find you.
Actually, there are only two reasons when you can use numbers in your Twitter username. Whether you want it to match your email’s ID or you try to make it look creative. Otherwise, by adding random numbers after your handle will look like “you are late to the party” and just took any available number.
So, don’t make a mistake and better find a Twitter username which is accessible without numbers.
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How to change your Twitter username?
If reading this article you have noticed that your desired username is finally available or you have realized that you want to change your Twitter handle in order to make it more memorable, then there is no need to create a fully new Twitter account in order to do it.
You can easily change your Twitter username just in a few steps. Let’s see!
Step 1. Log in to your Twitter profile.
Step 2. Tap on your profile’s image at the top-right corner of the screen and from the drop-down menu select the “Settings” section.
Step 3. You will be moved to the page where you will have an opportunity to change your username by typing it in the certain field.
Step 4. If you didn’t see the “Username has already been taken” notification of your screen, it means your chosen username is available. So, just scroll down to the bottom of a page and press the “Save changes” button. Done!
However, after changing your username, don’t forget to notify your Twitter audience about it.
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Wrapping everything up, I hope that you understood the main points that you need to take into consideration while choosing the perfect Twitter username.
Now go and try to craft your ideal Twitter username (handle).
If you still have any question related to this topic, please drop a line in the comments below!
