Twitter Username Change / Character length

[Dan-Lawrence]

Hi

Re: Changing Twitter Usernames/Character Length Issues:

To improve the branding of a clients Twitter username I'm about to change clients 11 character Twitter username which currently is half brand name plus a number i.e. @halfbrand99 to a full brand name plus regional suffix i.e. @fullbrandnameuk (since brand name alone not available) totalling 16 characters.

I know Twitter usernames should be as short as possible but think more important to maintain consistent brand identity across all social platforms.  I have already changed the page profile name to brand name, included brand name in bio and linked to site in bio but not sure whether to change the username or not too ?

Whats your opinion ?

• It doesnt matter, leave as is since shorter better re: character limits and rest of profile well branded

OR

• Better to change to longer branded username for consistent brand identity ?

Note:  I will be setting up new profile for old username to catch and divert any peeps using old username etc

Cheers

Dan

[Dan-Lawrence]

Many Thanks Paul

I have set up a new account for the old username to catch/divert anyone using old username

Cheers

Dan

[ThompsonPaul]

I'd vote with Stephanie to go with the branded username. One of the challenges with your current name is that the random numbers at the end make it hard for users to remember it if they're going to type it in or you're going to mention it verbally in conversation. (it's needed more often than you may think).

There is a tradeoff with the extra characters reducing the number available for you r tweets, and requiring people to adapt to the  new name, but in my opinion, long-term it would be worth it.

Like Stephanie, I've done this for clients and it's been worth it.

In addition to trapping the old username once you've made the change, be sure to think about all the other accounts associated with your current Twitter profile that you'll need to update as well. (Google search for the original username will remind you of many of them)

Paul

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[Dan-Lawrence]

Thanks for your reply

[jhinchcliffe]

My Opinion: Change to longer branded username for consistent brand identity. If you brand properly they will remember your name anyway, regardless of how long it is.

Personally I have done this for clients and had great success.

Hope that helps