Twitter Handle

What do you mean by Twitter Handle?

A Twitter handle refers to the username that appears at the end of your unique Twitter URL.

Twitter handles are required to be fewer than 15 characters in length and are displayed as follows in a visitor's browser bar:

http://twitter.com/handle

It's important to note that a Twitter handle is distinct from a Twitter name. The handle appears after the @ sign in your profile URL and must be unique to your account. On the other hand, the Twitter name is used to help people find the company they are searching for.

While selecting a Twitter handle may seem straightforward, with 330 million monthly active users on the platform, finding an ideal handle on the first attempt is not as easy as it once was.

twitter handle example

Tips for Choosing an Effective Twitter Handle

While there is no one-size-fits-all formula for the perfect Twitter handle, there are some best practices to consider. For instance:

• Use your name: If you already have an established business or personal brand, use it as your handle. If your desired handle is already claimed, consider adding descriptors like "Inc" or "HQ" to differentiate it.
• Avoid numbers and underscores: Opt for a simple and memorable handle without the use of numbers or underscores. These can make your username more complex and harder for followers to find.
• Be consistent: Use the same handle across other social channels to maintain consistency. This facilitates cross-promotion and makes it easier for followers to locate you.
• Avoid excessive keyword usage: While it's important to optimize your profile, stuffing your handle with keywords can appear spammy and should be avoided.
• Keep it concise: Twitter thrives on concise, impactful content. Keep your handle short to avoid taking up too much of the character limit when people respond to or retweet your content.
• Be cautious with "The Real": Some celebrity and public figure accounts use "The Real" as part of their handle. However, due to the presence of fake accounts using this prefix, it's crucial to verify your account if you want to stand out.

What to Do If Your Preferred Twitter Handle Is Taken

Considering the large number of active Twitter users, it's possible that someone else has already claimed your ideal handle.

If your desired handle is unavailable, there are a few options to explore. You can reach out to the person who currently owns the handle and inquire whether they would be willing to transfer it to you. Alternatively, if you have a trademark for your company name, you can file a complaint with Twitter.

To make your Twitter handle unique, you can consider:

• Adding "HQ" or "Inc" to demonstrate professionalism.
• Prepending "The" to the beginning of your Twitter username.
• Starting with a phrase like "We Are" or "The Real" if you have Twitter verification.
• Incorporating your industry in the handle. For example, app developers often use the word "app" at the end of their Twitter handle to distinguish themselves.
• Including terms like "Try," "Use," "Join," or "Get" for service-oriented companies.
• Incorporating terms like "Team" or "Community."