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Instagram Name vs Username: The Secret Sauce to Getting Found Online

  • Writer: In House West
    In House West
  • Apr 1
  • 2 min read

Let's talk about something that's probably costing you dream clients right now - your Instagram name and username setup. If you're wondering why these two little profile elements matter so much, grab your coffee and let's spill the tea on this game-changing difference.


The Dynamic Duo of Your Instagram Identity
  1. Your Username (@handle) Think of this as your digital address. It's like picking the perfect business name - it needs to be:

  2. Unique (once it's taken, it's taken)

  3. Easy to remember

  4. Professional and clean

  5. Your tag-able identity


Real Talk: Your username is how people @mention you. Make it count!
  1. Your Name Field (The Bold Text) This is your secret weapon. While everyone's focusing on their username, smart businesses are maximizing their Name field for:

  2. Searchability (yes, Instagram actually searches this!)

  3. Industry keywords

  4. Location targeting

  5. Service highlighting


The Plot Twist: Your Name field is actually more flexible than your username. Use it wisely!

Let's Break It Down with Real Examples:


Winning Combination: Username: @inhousewest Name: Perth Social Media & Content Creation


Why this works:

  • Clean, professional username

  • Location-specific name

  • Service-focused keywords

  • Easy to find, easy to remember


Missed Opportunity: Username: @creativestudio2024 Name: Jane's Photography Why this fails:

  • Generic username with numbers

  • Name lacks searchable keywords

  • Missing location information

  • No service specifics


The Strategy Behind Both:

Username Best Practices:

  • Keep it consistent across platforms

  • Make it memorable

  • Avoid numbers unless part of your brand

  • Think long-term branding


Name Field Strategy:

  • Include your location

  • Add your primary service

  • Use industry keywords

  • Keep it readable


Quick Win: Your 5-Minute Fix
  1. Open Instagram

  2. Hit 'Edit Profile'

  3. Review your Name field

  4. Add your location + primary service

  5. Save and watch your searchability soar


Ready to level up your Instagram presence? This is just the beginning of building your unforgettable online presence. Drop your current Instagram name setup in the comments - we love nothing more than helping brands find their perfect digital voice!

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