Getting your BEST possible username - (My approach)

A good instagram username instantly makes you stand out. Having @arlin, for example – undeniably cool. Same with your first name; @jack or @mike. Because these are probably hard to get, it instantly makes you cool when you have a good username.

I'd like to share the steps I took to get the best possible username for me (for now). I'll also share how you can do the same! Keep in mind that this process can be challenging and take time. But this is exactly why having a good username is cool. You have to put in the hard work. For me this entire process took a few months, but it can take years (or even fail).

Step 1: Choose Your Username

Picture your ultimate username. Often, it's just your first name. Check if it's free. If your name is common, it's probably already taken by someone else. Decide if you can get this person to change his username; either by offering value, switching usernames, or agreeing to a price to buy it for.

For me, @elias was taken by Elias Vides, an entrepreneur with a cool instagram and over 40k followers. Let's be real – I currently probably can't afford what he'd want.

If this is the case, explore your other options. Think first and last name, joined or split with a dot or underscore. Also, peek at other untaken names.

Step 2: Pick Your Target

Go over your options. Pick the best possible username, one where you stand a chance. If you have multiple good options, contact them all.

In my case, I went for @eliasniels, both my first and last name.

Step 3: Do Your Research

Before messaging the current owner, it's good to know a little bit about the current owner. Take the time to look around their profile, and see what they are passionate about. This will help you tailor your approach to them.

Step 4: Shoot Your Shot

Send them a friendly DM, but don't go straight in with an offer. Be friendly and genuine with your intentions. See if they'd even consider changing their username to something else. You'll probably have to wait for their reply. If they're not active, you can wait for months, even years. For me, it took around a day, but I knew the user was active.

Step 5: Now What?

They replied, and probably won't like to change their username. Just ask why, and check at what price they would consider selling the username. Engage in conversation and find common ground – shared interests, goals, or connections. This personal touch can open doors. Try to come to an agreement, keeping things friendly and respectful. Ultimately, the decision is theirs. If they decline or seem uninterested, respect it. Show your gratitude for their time and keep the lines open; who knows what happens in the future.

Step 6: Decide the Plan & Transfer the Funds

When you have agreed on a price, go over the plan. Decide how and when to transfer the money, and discuss this. Nothing is worse than you transferring the money and the other person disappearing, so watch out for scammers. Keep in mind this is a risk you're taking. Personally me and the owner of the username I wanted, agreed to sending the money via PayPal, 50% before and 50% after the usernames were changed. This builds trust, and guarantees the current owner his money. This also makes sure the current owner can't disappear with the full amount you've agreed on. When you have agreed on a plan, execute it. Immediately wire it, and let them know.

Step 7: Change the Usernames

Let them change their username first. Because once they do, Instagram gives them a 14 day period to change their mind. Write down the exact time they did this, so in exactly 2 weeks, you are ready to change yours, before someone else does.

Step 8: Change Your Username

Exactly 2 weeks after the original owner changed their username, you can grab it. Be prepared for this, as you don't want anyone else grabbing the username. I was a few minutes early and changed my username as soon as the two weeks was over.

Step 9: Finish Things Off

Thank them for their time, and their trust in you. If you still have to transfer the other 50% of the agreed amount, please do this immediately.

Step 10: Congrats!

You are now part of the club. Enjoy your exclusive username, and start improving your IG in other ways.

PS: I would highly recommend you go through Arlin's mini course. It's literally stupid if you don't use this to your advantage.

Let me know if you have any questions, or if I can help you with anything.

Keep pushing guys!

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