One of the very first things you do when you register for an account on Twitter is choose a username, also known as a handle. But with millions of people on the social network, there’s a good chance the name you want is taken, especially if you have a very common name. Here are 12 ways you can still get a good Twitter handle when the 1st choice is taken.
1. Your First and Last Name, Separated by an Underscore
2. Your Full Name + A Middle Initial
3. Your First Initial + Your Last Name
4. Your First Name + Last Initial (or phonetic syllable)
5. Your Name + A Significant Number
6. Your Name + A Description of Your Career or Specialty
7. A Nickname Based on a Derivative of Your Real Last Name
8. Add a Modifier, i.e., that, which, real etc.
9. Add a Title, i.e., Mr., Miss., Mrs etc.
10. Use A Pun or Rhyme that rhymes with your middle name
11. A self-identifying block ( “I” or “I am”) or Question + Your Name
12. Your Name with a Underscore Preceding or Appending It. Don’t do both.
The last one is tricky – as Twitter spammers add _underscores_ to imitate the identity of celebrity users and famous people.
About Alex Noudelman
Alex Noudelman is a digital marketing expert at iRISEmedia. He received his Honors B.A. from York University and a Masters in Adolescent Education from D’Youville College.
