Choosing the right username for your personal brand helps you establish yourself online. But, odds are that someone else has already taken your name as their social media handle! This can be frustrating because, frankly, there isn’t much you can do about it. So, here’s what to do when your username is taken:
Why Choosing the Right Username Matters:
Does the perfect username really exist? Probably not.
But, the perfect one for you will help you build an online identity while protecting your online reputation.
And when you do find that right username, it’s important to secure it on all social media platforms.
Here’s why:
- Google and other search engines tie your username to your content. With a consistent, branded handle, your profiles will rank in branded searches.
- Friends, family, co-workers, employers, potential clients, etc are likely searching for your online. A consistent username helps them find you, without confusing you for someone else.
- If someone finds your content on one platform, they will probably try to find you on others. If your usernames don’t match up, they might not even find you.
Related: Learn how social media affects job opportunities.
How to Come Up With a Username: Quick Tips
Here are some quick tips for coming up with a professional social handle:
- Be thoughtful about branding. Remember, your handle is a reflection of your online presence. You want it to sound professional and reflect the type of content you make.
- Ideally, your domain name and social media username should match. If you can’t get your exact domain name, get a handle that is as close as possible. If you don’t already have a website, make sure the handle you come up with is available as a domain.
- Remember, your social media handle matters whether your account is public or private. Even if you have a private account, that username will still appear in Google search results. If it is in any way associated with your real name or even email address, you don’t want it to reflect poorly on your personal reputation.
- Learn how to promote your brand on social media and reach your target audience.
- If you can’t use your real name because someone else took it already, don’t worry! You can always create a unique handle by going for something besides your actual name. Just make sure it reflects your niche or industry.
- If you’re stuck for ideas, you can use a free username generator. But, we recommend using it as a starting point. Make sure your final username is authentic to your brand and works across multiple platforms.
- Keep your handle short, unique, and memorable. You want people to actually type it in and find you. So, make it as easy as possible for them to do that.
- Before you settle on a name, make sure you can get it across all major platforms. (Then, secure it as quickly as possible.)
Related: Learn the do’s and don’ts of social media.
Ideas for Usernames With Your Name:
Getting your desired username on your social media accounts can be a huge challenge. With so many people using social media sites, it’s likely someone else has the same name as you and took it already.
Use these tips to choose a username with your own name in it:
Add a prefix
Adding a simple prefix to your name is a great way to create a unique username you can use across social networks.
Examples:
- @TheAlexSmith
- @MrEvanClark
- @MissEmilyBrown / @MrsEmilyBrown / @MsEmilyBrown
- @iamSarahLee
- @ThisIsChrisMiller
- @TheRealAmyDavis
- @RealMichaelYoung
- @AskSophiaTaylor: This is ideal if your career involves giving advice to people, such as lawyers, consultants, therapists, doctors, etc.
- @DailyJakeWilson: Perfect if your content involves giving regular news updates.
Add a suffix
Suffixes are effective for usernames because it keeps your actual name at the forefront.
Examples:
- @maryjohnsoncom: This is ideal if you already have a domain name that includes your real name. Adding a simple “com” gives your handle a unique twist, with the benefit of helping users remember your site address.
- @DavidGreenOnline
- @LauraHarrisPro
- @LucasMartinezWorld
- @MiaKingOfficial
- @DanielWriteJR or @DanielWriteSR
- @SamMooreIII
Include your middle name or initials
Adding a middle name or initials is great for keeping the focus on your name without niching down too much.
Examples:
- @APlusR
- @LillyCThomas
- @MatthewJamesLee
- @SCLewis
Use nicknames or abbreviations
Using a nickname can give your page a more unique, casual vibe.
Examples:
- @TommyClark
- @NikkiHughes
- @JohnnyWalker
- @JhnSmth: You can create a unique handle just by taking the vowels out of your name!
Add your location
We only recommend adding your location to a username if your brand is tied to that location. The last thing you want is to build your identity off that location, only to move away.
But, if you’re a lawyer in a certain country, a doctor in a particular city, or a travel influencer focusing on a certain location, this is a great option.
Examples:
- @OliviaScottLondon
- @EthanMitchellAustralia
- @CharlotteReedNYC
Include your niche
If you are looking to establish yourself in a particular niche or industry, add it into your handle! You can include your professional title, keywords related to your field, or even a hobby.
As long as you post content about it on your page, and want to be known for that, it is fair game.
Examples:
- @EmilyClarkWrites or @EmilyClarkAuthor
- @RyanCarterFitness or @MikeTaylorExercises
- @JaneTheKnitter or @JaneSmithDIY
- @JasonMorrisCEO
- @RachelMooreTravels
Use special characters
Another sneaky way to use your real name is to add special characters. Though, this should be done sparingly.
Special characters are typically just more annoying for people to remember and type in. Usernames should be simple and easy to remember. Keep that in mind if you’re trying to build a following.
Examples:
- @Ethan_Carter
- @Mia.Wilson
- @HenryWilliams_
Consider a play on words
If humor is part of your brand, consider adding a pun or a play on words.
Examples:
- @WillPower
- @AnitaVacation
- @SamIAm
- @HannahGram
- @RyanOnTime
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Username for Your Reputation
Choosing the right username is a key first step to building your online image and promoting a positive online reputation. It can be frustrating when your first choice is unavailable. But, try to see it as an opportunity to create a unique identity.
Your username is often the first impression people have of you online—make it count!
If you’re serious about maintaining a positive online image, Reputation911 offers personal reputation management services. We protect and enhance your reputation online so you can find better opportunities in life. Contact us for a free consultation.
William DiAntonio is the Founder & CEO of Reputation911, a reputation management firm he founded in 2010 that has earned the trust of its clients for over a decade by helping individuals, businesses and brands control their online search results.