So your dream Instagram handle is taken? What next?

Every marketer or small business owner has been there before, riding high on the brainstorm waves for the perfect brand name, only to hit a roadblock when you find out it's already taken…. by someone with 0 followers….. who hasn’t posted in 5 years. You're not alone in this roadblock. Navigating the digital landscape to snag a handle that screams "you" can be challenging, but have no fear – I’ve got a couple of steps you can take to help you reclaim that social media identity.

1. Add a Modifier or Prefix/Suffix:

Get creative with your handle by adding a relevant modifier, prefix, or suffix. This could be your location, a descriptor, or a term associated with your brand. For instance, if "World of Books" is taken, try "WorldofBooksTO" or "WorldofBooksOfficial.

2. Use Underscores, Dots, or Hyphens:

Experiment with underscores, dots, or hyphens to separate words in your handle. Keep it clean and easy to remember. For instance, if "FantasticFinds" is taken, try "Fantastic_Finds" or "FantasticFindsShop."

3. Consider the Function of the Channel

Social channels are meant to show a peek behind the curtain of your favourite brand, by using “World” I.e SunriseBakeryWorld or WorldofSunriseBakery you can let your followers know they can expect a peek under the hood while securing your desired handle.

3. Shorten or Abbreviate:

If your brand name is on the longer side, consider shortening or abbreviating it for your Instagram handle. For example, if "Reckless Beauty” try :RCKLSBeauty

4. Contact the Current Owner:

If the handle is inactive or seems unused, you might consider reaching out to the account owner. They may be willing to release the handle, especially if it's not actively tied to a business or personal brand. Be polite, explain your intentions and be prepared to make a financial offer as a gesture of goodwill. When offering to broker a deal, it's important to note that the value of an Instagram handle is subjective and depends on what a buyer is willing to pay and what a seller is willing to accept. It's also worth noting that selling or buying Instagram handles is against Instagram's terms of service, so any transactions would need to be conducted discreetly and do carry an inherent risk.

Remember, your Instagram handle is a key component of your brand's identity, so take the time to find a solution that aligns with your image. Get creative and stay flexible!