What and how we name things affects how we understand and give meaning to them. As a business or brand, this also applies to your digital account naming choices like what you choose for your Instagram username.
It may seem like a small and insignificant thing, but your IG username is more than just a collection of letters. Your username not only gives users an understanding of your business (especially if it includes keywords relating to your products or services), it also acts as a continuation of your brand identity and Instagram branding. It speaks directly to all the elements of your social media identity.
What Are Instagram Usernames?
Your Instagram username is essentially the title of your profile or account. It is the name you see at the top of your profile page or in bold below your profile image or avatar. It is also the component at the end of your profile URL: http://instagram.com/yourusername.
When you create a new IG account, you have to create this username, keeping in mind that it can define how users engage with your account and respond to you.
How To Create Or Change Your Instagram Username
To change your username on your mobile app:
- Go to your profile page by clicking on the icon on the bottom-right corner of your screen in the app.
- Click on the “Edit Profile” option beneath your bio.
- Type in your new name under the username field.
- Select ‘Done’ to save your changes.
To change your username on your laptop or desktop:
- Log in to your Instagram account via the web browser.
- Tap on the profile symbol on the right of the homepage.
- Click on the “Edit Profile” option.
- Type in your new name under the username field.
- Select ‘Done’ to save your changes.
Note: You can only use thirty characters for your username. But those characters cannot include any other characters, symbols, or punctuation marks except numbers, full stops, letters, and underscores.
What Makes A Good Instagram Username? A Checklist
If you want to pick the best username for your Instagram account, there are a couple of things you need to check off. Your Instagram username has to be:
Relevant
There’s no point in picking a random name that has nothing to do with your business at all (duh!). The username has to connect with your brand and business name, as well as the content you share.
Catchy and memorable
Other users, followers, and customers will need to remember your name easily so that it is easy for them to search for you.
Simple
Part of picking a memorable and catchy option is making sure the name is simple and not too hard to spell. Try and avoid too many funky bits like random digits and underscores. You also don’t want to repeat letters or symbols (ie: Purrrrfect___UZZANym). Just keep it simple!
Unique
Try not to use keywords or phrases that are too common in other usernames. Keeping your name unique can make it stand apart and ensure it has a good ring to it. It also means your account will show up more easily in searches.
Longevity
It’s not a good idea to select a username based on current trends whether on social media or just in current affairs. You want a name that will grow with your business so that you don’t have to keep reminding users that you’ve had to change your name because the times have changed… AGAIN! One fantastic name that lasts is better.
Open on all social media platforms
Social media marketing works best when there is consistency. You can’t call yourself one thing on one account and something totally different on another. It’s confusing and frustrating for your audience and followers. Thus, check if the username you choose is available on the other social media platforms you want to use, too!
These are important things to keep in mind when choosing an Instagram username. And a common theme between them all is that you are trying to end up with a name that encapsulates your brand but makes it easy to find you on IG.
How To Find The Right Instagram Username For Your Brand in 4 Simple Steps
Step 1: Clarify what the page is for
You need to be 100% sure what you’re creating your page for. Is it a business or product page? A personal brand page? Or a niche Instagram page?
Step 2: Create a list of keywords
Create a list of popular keywords. These will depend on your page’s purpose and your general brand.
If it is a product account, like a cosmetics page, you might add keywords like ‘makeup’ or ‘cosmetics’ to your username.
If it is a private brand page, you might want to define what you do (ie: if you’re a stylist) and combine it with a variation of your name. So, for example, if your name is Britney, you could name it BritStyles or Britstylist.
The longer the list of keywords, the more name variations you have to play with.
Step 3: Research your competitors’ usernames
You can find inspiration for keywords and naming by looking up your competitors’ accounts to see the best and most successful names and naming concepts.
Step 4: Test your Instagram username
Once you’ve settled on a name, check if it is available on Instagram. You must also check if the name meets the checklist criteria of characteristics that make a good Instagram name.
So…
Finding and picking the right Instagram username is quite an important decision to make. It can influence your brand visibility and reach online, as it affects how many people can actually find your account. Plus, when your username clearly shares what you’re offering, it can attract new customers, too.
A good username makes you easy to find, so you need to make sure that it is easy for users to find as well. With this guide, you can select the perfect Instagram username for your brand today!
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