How can I change my Bluesky handle to my brand?

by Altug Altug

Bluesky, the decentralized social network, offers a unique opportunity for brands to establish their presence in a new and growing online space. One of the first and most crucial steps in building your brand identity on Bluesky is choosing the right handle. Ideally, your Bluesky handle should reflect your brand name, making it easy for your audience to find and connect with you. For businesses managing multiple social media accounts, including navigating this new platform, tools like Circleboom's multi-account management can streamline your efforts.

Can you have multiple Bluesky accounts?
Yes, you can have multiple Bluesky accounts and with Circleboom Publish, you can manage and schedule posts across all of them from one dashboard.
Circleboom Blog - Social Media MarketingArif Akdogan

This article will guide you through the process of setting a handle that aligns with your brand, ensuring consistency and recognition across platforms.

Why Use Your Brand Name as Your Bluesky Handle?

  • Brand Recognition: A consistent handle reinforces your brand identity and makes it easier for users familiar with your brand on other platforms to find you on Bluesky.
  • Searchability: When users search for your brand name on Bluesky, a matching handle increases the likelihood of your profile appearing in the search results.
  • Professionalism: Using your brand name projects a professional image and builds trust with your audience.
  • Consistency: A uniform handle across different social media platforms strengthens your brand's online presence.

The Current Method: Using Your Domain Name

As of now, Bluesky primarily supports setting your handle to your own domain name. This method offers a strong form of verification and control over your brand's online identity.

Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Your Domain as Your Bluesky Handle

  1. Create a Bluesky Account: If you haven't already, sign up for a Bluesky account. You can choose any temporary username initially.
  2. Access Account Settings: In the Bluesky app, go to your profile menu (usually a three-line icon or your avatar). Navigate to "Settings," then "Account," and finally "Handle."
  3. Choose "I have my own domain": Select this option on the "Change my handle" screen.
  4. Obtain DNS Information: Bluesky will provide you with the necessary information, including a TXT record, to add to your domain registrar's DNS management settings. This information is crucial for verifying your ownership of the domain.
  5. Access Your Domain's DNS Settings: Go to the website of the company where you registered your domain (e.g., Namecheap, GoDaddy, Google Domains). Locate the DNS management settings for your domain. This might be under an "Advanced DNS" tab.
  6. Add a TXT Record: Create a new TXT record with the provided information from Bluesky. This record acts as a digital signature, proving you control the domain.
  7. Verify DNS Record: Wait a few minutes for the DNS changes to propagate across the internet. Then, click "Verify DNS Record" in the Bluesky app.
  8. Check Your Profile: After successful verification, your Bluesky handle will be changed to your domain name (e.g., @yourdomain.com).

Marketing Considerations for Your Bluesky Handle:

  • Keep it concise: While using your full domain name is the current method, strive for a shorter, memorable domain name if possible.
  • Promote your handle: Once you've established your brand's Bluesky identity, ensure consistent visibility by promoting it across your other marketing channels. For businesses already active on platforms like Twitter, using tools like Circleboom's cross-posting feature can be an efficient way to announce your Bluesky presence to your existing audience, driving initial followers and engagement.
How to Cross-Post from Twitter to Bluesky Automatically
By connecting your Twitter profile and Bluesky on Circleboom, you can automatically cross-post and keep your audience engaged across platforms.
Circleboom Blog - Social Media MarketingArif Akdogan
  • Maintain Visual Consistency: As you begin creating content for Bluesky, remember the importance of visual branding. Circleboom's Canva and Unsplash integrations offer a vast library of free, high-quality images in various dimensions, which can be directly used in your Bluesky posts, saving valuable design time and ensuring your visuals align with your brand aesthetic.
  • Monitor for impersonation: While using your domain offers a level of verification, be vigilant for accounts that might try to impersonate your brand.

Future Possibilities:

As Bluesky evolves, it's possible that they may introduce alternative methods for brand handle selection, potentially allowing for shorter, custom handles. Staying organized and prepared with tools like Circleboom's Bluesky scheduler will be beneficial for consistently engaging your audience once your desired handle is secured, ensuring you can plan and execute your content strategy effectively.

Can you schedule posts on Bluesky? Scheduler and Crossposter!
Since Bluesky lacks a native scheduling feature, the best way to automate your posting process is through a reliable tool like Circleboom Publish.
Circleboom Blog - Social Media MarketingArif Akdogan

Conclusion

Setting your Bluesky handle to your brand name is a foundational step in establishing your presence on this emerging platform. By following these steps and considering the marketing implications, you can ensure your brand is easily recognizable and discoverable on Bluesky. While the current method focuses on domain names, leveraging comprehensive management tools like Circleboom can significantly simplify and enhance your workflow as you build your brand's presence on this new social landscape. Stay tuned for potential future updates that might offer even more branding flexibility.