Social Media Handles: How to Pick And Create One

Social media handles are the gateway to your clients’ online presence.

Think of them as digital name tags; a catchy, one-of-a-kind handle not only grabs attention but also sets the stage for your clients’ brand personality.

You see…

That’s why you need to give social media handles some careful thought—as opposed to just using whatever word immediately crosses your mind.

So, which handle do you find more professional and easier to remember?

@pepsi90193991

Or…

@pepsi

You likely chose the latter, right?

The first one is hard to remember because of the numbers and looks unprofessional. On the other hand, the second one is clear, memorable, and has a professional appearance.

Continue reading this guide to learn more about social media handles.

What You’ll Learn  

• What are social media handles
• Social media handles vs. Usernames and display names
• Benefits of well-thought social media handles for your client’s businesses
• Best practices for crafting awe-inspiring social media handles
• Use Vista Social to power-up your social media marketing campaigns

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What are social media handles

The handles are unique and catchy names that help users and businesses stand out in the crowded online space.

Preceded by the “@” symbol, these handles function much like usernames, allowing users to find, tag, and mention others across platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

For instance, @JohnDoe or @CompanyXYZ can do wonders for brand recognition.

A well-chosen handle boosts your clients’ visibility and fosters meaningful interaction, reflecting their brand and identity.

Your clients need to maintain consistency across all platforms, as a cohesive online presence builds trust and reliability with followers and potential customers.

When creating a social media handle, make sure it’s unique and truly reflects your clients’ identity

Social media handles vs. Usernames and display names

Many toss around “handle” and “username” as if they’re interchangeable, and while they might overlap at times, each term has its own unique flair and function.

To set the record straight and keep your clients informed, let’s break them down: 

• Social Media Handle. This is the shiny name of your account that begins with an “@,” proudly displayed in tags. Think of it as your brand’s digital signature.

• Username. This term refers to the name or word tied to your account that you’ll need for logging in. On platforms like Twitter, for instance, your username and social media handle can be the same—so convenient! 

• Display Name. The name that lights up when you like, comment, or grace feeds with your presence. This is how you’re seen by the world on those platforms, adding a personal touch to your interactions.

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Benefits of choosing a great social media handle

Don’t underestimate the importance of social media handles in your clients’ digital presence.

These little snippets play a pivotal role in how your clients’ brands are discovered and recognized:

1. They make it easier for your clients to be found

Imagine someone typing away on their phone, trying to tag your client’s business or search for their latest offerings.

Their social media handle is what pops up.

A well-crafted handle ensures that your clients’ brands are easily accessible across platforms, whether they’re searching organically or clicking through social ads.

Including key terms in their handle is like laying out a welcome mat for curious users, making it a breeze for their potential customers to find them.

2. Boost brand recognition  

Your clients’ social media handle is their brand’s megaphone.

It’s a chance to reinforce what their businesses stand for, showcasing their identity and unique value.

Ideally, their handle should echo their business name, giving them extra visibility in the bustling world of social media.

For instance, take @jumpstartkids on Twitter—it communicates the nonprofit’s mission and focus, creating instant recognition.

3. Stand out from the competition  

In the crowded arena of small businesses versus big brands, your client’s social media handle can be a game-changer.

A catchy, clever handle can draw followers away from competitors, making them stop scrolling and take notice.

4. Handles are embraced across platforms  

Most social media platforms require users to set up handles to create active accounts.

It’s true!

Platforms like YouTube, IG, and X are just a few examples.

And don’t forget about others like Snapchat, Reddit, or LinkedIn, where unique usernames are just as crucial.

Your client’s social media handle—a simple yet powerful tool—can significantly influence their success in the digital space.

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5 Essential tips for choosing social media handles for your clients

Creating social media handles doesn’t have to be a chore; with these handy tips, you’ll breeze through the process:

1. Keep it simple  

Aim for handles that are both easy to spell and remember.

A straightforward approach will ensure your audience isn’t left scratching their heads.

Plus, simplicity enhances recognition and reinforces the brand identity of your client.

Consider mirroring their business name for clarity—this strategy works wonders.

2. Be concise  

With character limits in play across platforms, brevity is key.

A crisp, concise handle makes it easy for followers to find your clients’ businesses at a glance.

When faced with a lengthy business name, don’t hesitate to shorten it up for social media—your client’s audience will appreciate the ease.

3. Ensure consistency across platforms

Uniformity is your friend.

Strive to keep your clients’ social media handles consistent across various platforms.

When users discover them on one site, they’ll appreciate the ease of locating them elsewhere.

Plus, maintaining consistency will simplify future brainstorming sessions for new handles as their brands grow. 

4. Have a backup list  

Uniqueness is essential in the world of social media handles.

Always prepare a backup list with alternative name variations. This way, if your ideal choice is unavailable, you’ll be ready to pivot without frustration.

After all, it’s better to have a backup plan than to be left in a pinch.

5. Promote your handles everywhere

Once your clients’ handles are all set, it’s time to work on building their audience.

The best strategy?

Share them as much as you can across various platforms.

Be sure to list their social media handles prominently on their website and other marketing materials.

The more visibility they have, the faster their following will grow.

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Use Vista Social to power up your social media marketing campaigns

To succeed at social media marketing, you need more than just a memorable, unique, and brand-aligned social media handle.

You also need to stay on top of your posting schedules, engage with your audience, and make data-driven decisions, among other things.

Vista Social can help you with just that.

Our social media marketing platform offers advanced features to help marketers, agencies, and brands excel on social media.

Some of our core features are:

• AI writing assistant
• Bulk scheduling
• Shared calendar
• Vista page
• Unified inbox
• Etc.

Sign up for a FREE Vista Social account today and start thriving in your social media marketing efforts.