Search on Social Media Platforms Before Registering a New Business Name

Post #8: Unique and catchy social media names and handles can be a critical element to your marketing.

In this Substack, I will walk you through the process of starting, operating, maintaining, and — if needed — selling or closing your own small business.

Today, I’m going to share why you should check with the top social media platforms to ensure that your business name is available as a “handle”.

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👉 Subscribe to this Substack if you want to learn how to setup, operate, maintain, scale, etc… a small business. The Journey began with Post #1.

To review:

• You decided on what service or product you want to offer, and realized why you chose this one, and you made a list of ideas for potential business names [Posts 1 & 2].

• You searched for your business name ideas via web search, the Secretary of State business entity search, the US Patent and Trademark Office TESS (online search tool), DNS (for website domains), and online map apps to see whether your business name idea had been claimed [Posts 3–7].

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What is a Social Media Handle?

Social media handles are unique usernames or identifiers that represent your profile or business on social media platforms. They are often preceded by an “@” symbol and serve as your digital “address,” making it easy for people to find and engage with you online.

For example, here are a few of some of the most widely recognized and iconic handles across platforms, often belonging to global brands, celebrities, or influential organizations:

• @Google — Technology and search engine giant.

• @Apple — Tech brand known for its innovation and design.

• @Nike — Global leader in sportswear and equipment.

• @NASA — Space exploration agency with a massive social media presence.

• @CocaCola — One of the world’s most

  recognizable beverage brands.

• @BBC — International news organization delivering global coverage.

• @Instagram — The official account for the social media platform.

• @TheRock — Dwayne Johnson, actor and global celebrity.

• @KimKardashian — Influencer, entrepreneur, and cultural icon.

• @Tesla — Innovative electric vehicle and clean energy company.

The Importance of Social Media Handles

Handles are a key part of your branding, helping to establish a consistent identity across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others.

Just as your friends might call you by a nickname or your first name, your business has a social media handle to stand out in the crowd.

Key Characteristics of Social Media Handles

Before you choose your own social media handles, take note of the following characteristics of handles you might see for other businesses. This approach will help you search for ideas for your own, when the time is right: