How to select the best Twitter username?

Like any other social media site, your Twitter handle/username is your identity on Twitter’s platform. The username can contain a maximum of 15 characters, and appear like “http://twitter.com/[handle]” in the visitor’s browser bar.  

As you know that there are 330 million monthly active users on Twitter, it is now quite difficult to get the Twitter handle of your choice. Getting a  short and desired username is not as easy as it was some years ago.

Along with your Twitter avatar, your Twitter handle also influences people’s decisions to follow you or not. And if you are using Twitter for business and want to make a presence on the platform, it is necessary to choose a handle that describes your company and is easy to remember. A good Twitter name can help you promote your brand on Twitter effectively, make your account look genuine, and establish authority.

Twitter Handle and Twitter Name

Don’t get confused between both of them. A Twitter handle/username is the one that appears after the @ sign in your profile URL and it should be unique. While the Twitter name is simply there to let people know your complete name/brand’s name.

How to select an attractive and effective Twitter handle

When you are choosing your Twitter handle, consider the following points:

1. Use your name/company’s name:

This is definitely the first option that comes in every person’s mind. If your first name is not available, using your first name and last name together is a good option. Using only the last name is not suggested as you may find yourself identified by that in the eyes of other viewers. 

And, if the name of your business is not available, you can try adding “Inc” or “ Pvt Ltd ” add the end. If your Twitter handle is something that is completely different from your real name, it will make it hard for people to search for you. In the above example, Recurpost had the option to get the perfect handle as the tool’s name is unique enough.

2. Avoid using numbers:

Many times, we come across usernames having a series of numbers, especially at the end. When people do not get their name as the Twitter name, they tend to add numbers after writing the name. Imagine how difficult it will be for people to find the profile or even remember it.

3. Try to keep it short:

Do not use the entire character limit while picking up a username. When people would like to mention you in their tweets, it would be easy for them to save up space if your Twitter handle is short.

4. Pick up a Twitter handle which is easy to remember:

If your Twitter handle involves a complicated name, people will not be able to search it in one go. If your brand has a long and twisted name, you can try using only initials. In case that is too short, you can write the first word (or the one which is easy to pronounce), and then initials of remaining words.

5. Be consistent across social media channels:

What is your domain name? What is the ID of your Instagram account? Which keywords are there in the name of your Facebook group? Try to have the same usernames on all social media channels. It will help your followers to find you on every platform super easily and build brand authority.

Also, if your name is taken on any one platform, you should seriously consider changing it on all the social media sites!

6. Don’t use Keywords:

We know it is the age of digital marketing, but you do not have to stuff your keywords everywhere. Your account might simply appear as spam when a viewer comes across it. This can lead to losing potential followers who can be your future customers. Instead of doing it in the Twitter handle, you can include your keywords in the bio section.

7. Take a quick decision:

As soon as you begin thinking about a business name or blog idea, check for the name on all sites. If it’s available, take it right away! Don’t wait to arrive at a final decision. You can always delete those accounts if you do not use them or simply change the name afterwards.

8. Be careful with ‘Real’ and ‘Official’:

It is quite common to see people adding ‘the real’ or ‘the official’ before their names. It is fine for celebrities or public figures as people tend to make their fake accounts. But, if you want to use this, it is essential to do that after verifying your account, otherwise, it will just look fake.

What to do when your desired Twitter handle is already taken?

Every minute, about 250-300 people around the world sign up on Twitter. So your favorite Twitter handle could be gone any second! In such cases, you are left with no option than to twist and play around with your username. Here are some ideas that you can try.

1. Shrink your name:

Try using your nickname or shorten your name if it’s too long. For example, in place of Christopher James, you can try ‘ChrisJames’ or ‘JamesChris’.

2. Add initials:

You can try adding the initial of your middle name in your Twitter handle. There are fair chances of you getting it. For example, ‘ChrisKjames’.

3. Use ‘The’, ‘This is’ or ‘I am’:

These three fit in nicely with most of the usernames. And many people are using them too in order to at least fit in their name in their Twitter handle. For instance, ‘ThisIsChris’ or ‘IamChrisJames’.

4. Use your name and industry together:

It can give out two pieces of information to viewers at the same time – who you are and what you do – and looks quite professional too. For example, ‘DrChrisJames’.

5. Brands can add ‘HQ’:

The universal symbol for Headquarters can come to your rescue when your business name is not available. 

6. Add location:

Adding the location can also help people in finding your business quickly, especially when your business is a local one. For example, if you are from New York, you can add NY after your name.

7. Add ‘Try’, ‘Join’, ‘Get’:

If you are a service-based business, adding these words to your Twitter handle can be a good option. For example, ‘TryTally’

8. Use underscore:

It’s harmless to put an underscore between your first and last name when nothing else works out. 

How to change your Twitter handle

Maybe after reading the above suggestions, you’d want to change your existing username into something more consistent and memorable, or maybe your desired Twitter handle is finally available! Here’s how you can change it:

• Log in to your Twitter account.
• From the left-hand side panel, click on ‘More’.
• A pop-up menu will appear. Select ‘Settings and Privacy’.
• In the accounts section, you will see the option of ‘Username’.
• Click on it and you can insert your new Twitter handle and save it.

(If it is not available, you will get the message for the same)

After changing your username, make sure you notify all your followers by making a tweet, so that they’ll know when they try to mention you. You can also pin that tweet at the top for some time. Update the Twitter links on your website, author bio, or anywhere else where it is mentioned.

Username generator for Twitter handle

There can be instances when nothing strikes your mind, or when you are just trying to be a little arcane or entertaining. When you are out of ideas, there are a lot of tools that help you out. You simply need to provide some basic information and tons of suggestions will be poured in front of you. Here are some tools that you can try:

1. Name generator 

While using Name generator, you will be required to fill in the following details:

• First, middle and last name
• Gender
• Date of birth
• Two adjectives that describe you
• Location and occupation
• Something that you like

You will also have the option to select whether you want usernames with underscores and dots or not. 

2. NordPass username generator

This is indeed a simple username generator where you have to write in a username of your choice and it will suggest you similar ones that are available. In addition, NordPass allows you to select a category related to which you can search usernames. These categories include movies, music, animals, space, food, nature, and sports.

In the advanced options, there are three things that you can check-

• Random characters (It will include random characters while giving suggestions)
• Leetspeak (It will replace letters with symbols. Ex, W3lc0m3 instead of welcome) This is, however, not recommended.
• Keep keyword at the end (It will place the keyword at the end of username)

3. Twitter name generator

Twitter name generator has a plain interface where you are required to fill in only 6 pieces of information in order to generate Twitter handle suggestions. They include:

• Name
• Surname
• Nick Name
• What are you like
• Important word
• Your favorite number

You can also choose to add prefixes.

4. SpinXO username generator

SpinXO is a popular username generator of Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. You need to fill in the following information to get username suggestions:

• Name or Nickname
• Things you like
• What are you like
• Hobbies
• Important words
• Numbers or letters

Key Takeaway

To conclude, there are many ways to craft out the perfect handle for your Twitter account. But remember, depending on the type of user you are, there is always a combination of username, profile picture, and cover photo. They will all make up for your first impressions in the eyes of viewers and assist in Twitter marketing.