Has your Twitter username turn out to be a relic? If you happen to arrange your account years in the past and your username (or “deal with”) now not displays your agency’s model, it could be time for an replace. Fortuitously, you don’t have to start out over with a brand new account—you’ll be able to change your Twitter username and retain the followers you’ve constructed up. Beneath are two choices for altering your Twitter username, in addition to finest practices to comply with.

It’s Extra Than Only a Title

As with all social media platform, your Twitter username represents your model and leaves an impression on guests to your profile. It’s crucial that the username you select is skilled and is sensible primarily based on what you are promoting. Ideally, it ought to be constant throughout all your social media accounts to make it simple for folks to search out you and tag you in posts.

Why You May Want an Replace

Even in case you’ve been utilizing your Twitter username for years, there are a variety of the explanation why it could have fallen old-fashioned. Fortuitously, Twitter means that you can change your username with out shedding any of the posts and interactions you’ve shared together with your followers. To make sure that your on-line presence is present, think about updating your username if any of the next applies to you:

• You’ve modified the identify of what you are promoting or have executed substantial rebranding.

• The evolution of our trade has led to a change in your shoppers’ wants, and also you’d like your profile to replicate that change.

• Your present username just isn’t strategic (e.g., it’s too lengthy or appears unprofessional) or features a mistake.

• Your Twitter username is inconsistent with usernames you utilize on different social media accounts.

Ensure it’s the very best transfer. Whereas it’s easy to hold out, the choice to alter your Twitter username ought to be thought of rigorously. Some manufacturers can lose greater than they achieve from altering their username, as it may be complicated to followers in the event that they’re not knowledgeable of the change or if the brand new username is tougher to recollect and embrace in tweets.

Make the Proper Name on Your New Username

If you happen to’ve determined it’s in your finest curiosity to alter your username, you’ll wish to maintain just a few finest practices in thoughts. Take into consideration what an excellent username can be not simply at this time, however for years into the long run; this may assist you to keep away from having to undergo the renaming course of once more.

If the username you need is taken however now not lively, attempt reaching out to the account proprietor on to ask if they are going to permit you to use it. Often, yow will discover a solution to contact the individual by way of a easy Google search. Twitter has a strict rule towards paying for usernames, so if the account proprietor desires you to pay, remember that doing so places you vulnerable to being kicked off the platform.

If you happen to’re unable to safe the username you need, another is to switch it barely to search out one thing that’s out there but nonetheless memorable and related. For instance, you possibly can add a location (@FirmNameMA) or an underscore or hyphen (@Firm_Name). However be aware of size, as your username contributes to the character depend for any tweet by which it’s talked about.

2 Choices for Altering Usernames

When you’re able to transition to your new username, there are two methods to hold out the change with out shedding your followers:

Choice 1: Replace your username inside your present account. The best solution to change your Twitter username is just to edit it within the settings of your present account.

1. Log in to your Twitter account, click on in your profile image, and choose Settings and privateness.

2. Enter your required username within the corresponding subject. If the username just isn’t taken, “Out there!” will seem.

3. Save your adjustments to verify your new username.

4. Ship a tweet to let your followers know you’ve modified your username, and resume tweeting as traditional!

Choice 2: Create a brand new account to “squat” in your present username. This second, extra complicated possibility is beneficial in case you desire to “squat” in your present username so nobody can declare it sooner or later. However doing so is frowned upon by Twitter and possibly isn’t crucial until you might have particular issues, similar to that one other consumer would possibly take over your previous dialog historical past.

1. Create a brand new Twitter account with any out there username (e.g., @TemporaryUsername). As soon as the transition is full, this account will host your @OldUsername. So for now, any username will do.

2. Log off of the brand new account, then log in to your present Twitter account, click on your profile image, and choose Settings and privateness.

3. Enter your required @NewUsername within the corresponding subject. If the username just isn’t already taken, “Out there!” will seem. Save your adjustments.

4. Log again in to the @TemporaryUsername account and choose Settings and privateness. Replace the username to your @OldUsername and save your adjustments.

5. Ship a tweet from this account to let guests know you might have a brand new username. Pin the tweet and sign off.

6. Log in to your @NewUsername and ship a tweet to let your followers know you’ve modified your username. Start tweeting as traditional together with your new account and username!

Purpose for Consistency, Throughout All Platforms

Let the updating start! With the brand new username established, keep in mind to replace any references to your Twitter account, similar to your web site, different social media pages, e-mail signature, enterprise playing cards, and advertising and marketing supplies. And maintain this train in thoughts anytime your messaging or model must shift path. The content material and tone of your messaging, throughout the various interactions you might have together with your shoppers and prospects, ought to all the time match up.

Editor’s observe: This put up was initially printed in October 2018, however we’ve up to date it to deliver you extra related and well timed info.