If you're navigating the world of social media for your business, you've likely heard the term "handle" thrown around. But what exactly is a social media handle, and why does it matter? Let's break down everything you need to know about this crucial element of your online presence.
What is a Social Media Handle?
A social media handle is your unique username on a social media platform. It's the name that appears after the "@" symbol and identifies you across the platform. For example, on Instagram, @seammedia is our handle. Think of it as your digital address on each social media platform.
Your handle is different from your display name. While your display name can be changed easily and doesn't need to be unique, your handle must be one-of-a-kind on each platform. This uniqueness is what makes handles so important for building your brand identity online.
Why Your Handle Matters
Your social media handle is more than just a username – it's a vital part of your brand identity. Here's why it's so important:
- Brand Recognition: A consistent handle across platforms makes it easier for customers to find and recognize your business
- Discoverability: People use handles to tag and mention businesses, increasing your visibility
- Professionalism: A well-chosen handle gives your business credibility and makes you appear established
- Marketing: Your handle appears in all your social media marketing materials, from business cards to email signatures
Best Practices for Choosing a Handle
Selecting the right handle for your business is crucial. Here are our top tips:
1. Keep It Consistent
Try to use the same handle across all social media platforms. This makes it easier for customers to find you and helps build brand recognition. If your preferred handle is taken on one platform, consider variations that are still recognizable (like adding "official," your location, or industry).
2. Make It Memorable
Choose a handle that's easy to remember and spell. Avoid complex spellings, excessive numbers, or special characters that make it hard for people to find you. Simple is almost always better.
3. Keep It Short
Shorter handles are easier to remember and take up less space in marketing materials. They're also more likely to be available across multiple platforms. Aim for 15 characters or fewer if possible.
4. Reflect Your Brand
Your handle should ideally include your business name or clearly relate to what you do. This helps people immediately understand who you are when they see your handle. For instance, @SeamMedia clearly identifies our business.
5. Check Availability Early
Before settling on a business name, check if the handle is available on major social platforms. This can save you headaches down the track and ensure brand consistency from day one.
Common Handle Mistakes to Avoid
- Using different handles on different platforms (confuses your audience)
- Including too many numbers or special characters (hard to remember)
- Making it too long or complex (difficult to type and share)
- Using a handle that's too generic (gets lost among competitors)
- Choosing a handle that doesn't relate to your business (missed branding opportunity)
Handles Across Different Platforms
While the concept is the same, handles work slightly differently across platforms:
- Instagram & Twitter/X: Handles are preceded by @ and are used for tagging and mentions
- Facebook: Uses a custom URL (facebook.com/ yourbusiness) instead of a traditional handle
- TikTok: Similar to Instagram, uses @ handles for identification
- LinkedIn: Uses custom URLs (linkedin.com/ company/yourbusiness) for business pages
Ready to Build Your Social Media Presence?
Choosing the right social media handles is just the first step in building a strong online presence. At Seam Media, we help businesses across Melbourne develop comprehensive social media strategies that drive real results.
From setting up your social media accounts with the perfect handles to managing your ongoing content and engagement, we're here to help your business thrive online. Contact us today to discuss how we can help grow your social media presence.