One of the most important decisions you’ll make when it comes to your account is your username. If you’re creating your account with a specific goal in mind, take the time to choose an Instagram username that’s the perfect fit. But sometimes finding the perfect username can be tough.

This couldn’t be truer if you’re starting your Instagram account to promote your business or brand. With over a billion users it’s important to choose something that’s easy to find while also fitting your brand.

Why is Your Instagram Username Important?

It might not seem like it but your Instagram username is the foundation of your brand identity online. It’s how your audience will not only find you on the platform but identify your brand as a whole. So, if your Instagram username is hard to spell or remember, your social media strategy is already working against you.

Can You Get a Username That is Taken?

It’s not uncommon for people to try to create an account but their desired username is taken. We asked the social media experts at Fresh Engagements if it’s possible to get a username that’s taken, and here’s what they had to say.

The short answer is yes, it is possible. But there are some exceptions. If the username in question is taken by an active account, you’re out of luck. On the other hand, if the username does not pull up a profile when you search it, it means Instagram has banned that username from use. Your only hope is if the username you want is taken by an account that is not in use.

If that’s the case, you have two options. You can try messaging the account and kindly asking if you can have the username. But that doesn’t always work especially if the account creator doesn’t access it. Your other option is to use an Instagram Username Claim service, like the one Fresh Engagements specializes in.

Choosing an Instagram Username

  • Stay Relative to Your Niche – Highlight what it is your business or brand does in your username isn’t a bad thing. It can also help you secure a username that isn’t already taken. This can be an opportunity to highlight your industry or location within your username.
  • Go With Something Memorable – Nothing is more detrimental to your social media strategy than a username no one can remember. You always want to make sure your social media handles are not only easy to recall but easy to spell too.
  • Be Consistent Across All Platforms – Make it easy for your audience to find you across all platforms by sticking with a consistent username. This also helps create online brand consistency which helps with your overall identity.
  • Keep it Clean Looking – When it comes to creating a professional social media account, you want to avoid things like unnecessary underscores and numbers as much as you can.
  • Allow for Evolution – Keep an open mind to the evolution of your business goals. While highlighting your niche is important, getting too specific may hurt you in the long run. Let’s say you’re starting a line of lipsticks. Instead of adding “lips” to your username, you might be better served by going with “beauty”.

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