Instagram username is not only a name but a credential of a personal or marketing brand online. Whether it is an influencer, a business, or simply a user seeking to attract the attention of the public, the right username can noticeably help to improve one’s visibility, separate them from the swathe of users, and give people a proper impression. While frequent users are nearly convinced it is undoubtedly difficult to find an Instagram username in the popular network where millions of users have already registered, using some tricks and tools makes it quite possible.
Why your Instagram username matters
Your Instagram username is the first thing that people see about your profile. It is essentially a digital business card, which defines who you are and what you stand for. Here are some of the reasons why your username is so important:
- Branding: For businesses, your Instagram username is your brand. It should go hand in hand with your brand identity, making it easy for followers to find you and associate your content with your brand.
- Searchability: Usernames are searchable on Instagram as well as on search engines such as Google. A well-thought-out, keyword-rich username can help you appear in search results more often.
- Memorability: the cooler, creative, memorable, and catchy the username is, the more likely a person remembers it. Thus, when the topic of your account pops up in conversation, people can refer to it by name or recommend it to their acquaintances.
In this article, we have considered why it is important to have the best username for your account; now let us move on to specific strategies you can use to find your perfect pick!
How to select the ideal Instagram username
1. Easy, Simple, and Clear
Always choose a simple username because simple ones are easily readable, remembered, and typed. Do not go for a complex word, multiple imbibed symbols, or a long string of numbers in your username for Instagram. Remember that if it is easier, then it will be the most memorable, and people will search for you by typing the same into their search space. For example, if you are a food blogger, you can choose your username as @TastyEats instead of going for any one of these choices: @T@styE@tsFoodie987 or @TastyEats7, etc.
2. Reflect Your Niche
Make sure your username can give people an idea of what your Instagram account is about. If you want to grow your brand on the platform, you’re better off using keywords related to your niche. This way, people who are interested in following you because they like the things you post can easily find you. @FitJourneyJane or @FitnessGoalsPro send to the potential followers you post about fitness.
3. Make It Memorable
Try to craft a username that is somehow vivid or catchy. If the username is something that can stick in people’s minds, they will have an easier time coming back to your profile or recommending it to others. Try joining words for alliteration or two separate ones for extra memorability. For example, @GlamGuru or @NomNomNate.
4. Use keywords
If you are a business owner, it is very reasonable to include relevant keywords in your username. This will help people to not only find you easier on Instagram but also improve your rank with search engines. For example, if you are a photographer, change the word photo” or “photography” to be at the beginning of your username. Some examples are CityPhotoPros or NatureLensPhoto.
5. Think About Your Future Brand
If you are creating a brand or striving to position yourself in some niche, think about the future. The right username is the one that will grow together with you, not something that seems cool now but will look unprofessional in two or three years. Therefore, use a username that will position your brand or page.
6. Whether it is universal
Consistency is important for the recognition of the brand. Your Instagram username ideally would match any of your other usernames on Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and so on. It would make it easier for people to find you across the spectrum of mediums. Before you make your final decision on the name, use Instagram tools like Grum’s Instagram Username Checker. Make sure your username is not only available on Instagram but just as well as on any other platform.
7. Use a Unique Twist
If your perfect username is already taken, you’re not alone. It might be that you’re trying to use a common word or phrase as your username. But don’t despair—simply mix and match, mixing puns with inexpensive variants. With a word in parentheses indicating its definition, generate new usernames that are easy to understand and type. For example, if @HealthyLiving is taken, try @HealthyLiving_ or @HealthyLivingNow.
8. Opt out of using excessive numbers or symbols.
Although it can be tempting to throw in numbers or symbols if your desired username is already taken, you should not overload your username with either of these. Numbers and symbols can make your username appear cluttered and difficult to remember. Instead, opt for something clean, and if you are going to use any variation, make sure it is minimal and tasteful. Simple modifications won’t confuse your audience and can add a touch of professionalism to your brand.
9. Use an Instagram username generator.
If you’re out of ideas, there is a solution waiting. An Instagram username generator can provide you with suggestions based on a variety of factors, including your niche, name, and favorite words. At Grum, we also have a free and easy-to-use username generator that will help you come up with creative usernames that haven’t been taken yet!
10. Secure Your Username While You Can
If you have a perfect username on your mind, you should stick with it while you can. However, as Instagram’s user database keeps growing every day, it might become almost impossible to find the desired account name for a while. Even if you are not planning to start your Instagram experience soon, you can set up a new account now and save a pretty username just in case.
How to Check If a Username Is Free
Once you have finished thinking about a couple of social media nicknames, it is time to check whether they are available. You might be relieved to know that you do not need to insert each option to find it out. Thanks to the Grum Instagram Username Checker Tool, you can check whether up to five nicknames are available at once.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an Instagram Username
Although we have already discussed general issues of the best Instagram username choice, here are the mistakes that you should avoid:
- Too Many Special Characters: If your username contains many spaces, underscores, numbers, or any other symbols, it would be a rather challenging task to remember it and type it in the search engine field.
- Long Usernames: a prominent username does not have to be long. Moreover, it is a strike against you when other users have to take much time to type your username and find you among other accounts they are following or being followed by.
- Being Too Generic: Generic means banal; if your username is a common one, you are likely to be lost among other accounts with common names. Make it expressive of your personality or your brand, and you will benefit from it.
- Frequent Username Changes: do not change your username every week; your followers will not keep track of that. Choose the name you really like that you can use for a long period.
Final Thoughts on Securing the Best Instagram Username
While it may seem challenging to come up with the best Instagram handle, the right strategies along with working with the right tools would eventually assist you in landing an Instagram handle that relates to the brand, enhances your visibility, and makes it easier for your followers to remember it. By adhering to the strategies and using Grum’s Instagram Username Checker, you will have learned the secrets to ensuring you have the best Instagram handle.