As an entrepreneur trying to build your brand on Facebook, having a professional, memorable username is crucial for making the right first impression. But how exactly do you go about changing that clunky default name to something more fitting?
As a digital marketing consultant dedicated to helping fellow small business owners boost their online presence, I‘ve guided dozens of entrepreneurs through updating their Facebook usernames and URLs. In this comprehensive guide tailored specifically to solopreneurs, I‘ll share insider tips to seamlessly change your Facebook username while avoiding common roadblocks.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Change Your Username
Navigating Facebook‘s settings can be confusing if you don‘t know the exact path to take. Here is the complete process I walk all my new clients through:
- Click on the down arrow in the top right and select "Settings & Privacy"
- Next select "Settings" in the left sidebar
- In the left menu, choose "Username"
- Enter your new desired username that reflects your brand
- Enter your password to confirm the change
- Click "Save Changes"
And voila! Your new custom username will now appear across your Facebook presence.
Pro Tip: Update your browser or clear your cache if the changes won‘t save properly. Facebook‘s platform works best on the latest version of Chrome or Firefox.
Choosing a Username That Enhances Your Brand
You might be wondering – what exactly makes a good Facebook username for a business profile? Here are my top tips for choosing a name that bolsters your brand:
Refer to Your Business Name: Including your company, studio or shop name makes you easier to find.
Keep it Simple: Short, memorable names without odd spellings or symbols translate better in shares and links.
Add Context: Use your specialty if needed to differentiate yourself from other businesses. Examples: KatiesBakery | AdamsLandscaping | AmyTravelAgent
Check Availability First: Search to see if your desired name is still available to prevent disappointment!
Include Numbers or Initials if Taken: My first choice name was taken, so I opted for adding my middle initial becoming SarahLMarketing.
Once you change your Facebook username, your profile URL also changes. To prevent broken links, be sure to:
- Update your website and email signatures with the new custom link
- Re-share your profile link prominently on other social networks
- Create a shortcut redirect from your old profile URL to the new one
I recommend using free services like bit.ly to setup simple redirects. It only takes a minute and ensures visitors land on your page.
Informing Your Connections of The Change
While regular Facebook visitors will catch on to your new username quickly, more casual acquaintances may get confused. Help friends find your new profile by:
- Setting your new username as your Display Name for continuity
- Adding your previous name in parens for context
- Posting an announcement about the change and what to expect
Tell followers on other channels like your email list or LinkedIn about the change too. The more communication the better during transitions!
By following this comprehensive guide straight from a digital marketing specialist dedicated to the small business space, you can change your Facebook username quickly and smoothly. Let me know if any other questions come up! I‘m always happy to offer personalized advice.
