Substack is a popular platform for writers to publish their work and grow their audience. One of the features of Substack is the ability to claim a handle, which is a unique identifier that appears in the URL of your publication. However, what happens if you want to change your Substack handle? Can it be done?
The answer is yes, it is possible to change your Substack handle. However, there are some eligibility requirements and implications to consider before making the change. In this article, we will explore the process of changing your Substack handle, as well as the potential consequences and troubleshooting tips.
Key Takeaways
- Substack handles are unique identifiers that appear in the URL of your publication.
- It is possible to change your Substack handle, but there are eligibility requirements and implications to consider.
- Before changing your handle, be sure to review the step-by-step guide, potential consequences, and troubleshooting tips.
Understanding Substack Handles
Substack handles are unique identifiers that are used to represent a user’s account on the Substack platform. They are similar to usernames on other social media platforms, and they are used to identify and communicate with other users on Substack.
To claim or change a Substack handle, users need to follow a few simple steps. First, they need to head to their Substack account settings page and select “Claim handle” next to the Handle option. If they have a publication, their Substack subdomain will be reserved as their handle. If they want to change their handle, they can enter a new username in the text box and click “Save”.
It’s important to note that Substack handles are unique, and once a handle is claimed, it cannot be used by anyone else. Users should choose their handles carefully, as they will be associated with their Substack account and publications. Additionally, handles can be used to mention other users and publications in posts and notes, so they should be easy to remember and share.
Overall, Substack handles are an essential part of the Substack platform, and they play a crucial role in identifying and connecting users. By following the steps outlined above, users can claim or change their handles and start building their presence on Substack.
Eligibility for Handle Change
Substack allows users to change their handles if they wish to do so. However, there are some eligibility criteria that one must meet to be able to change their handle.
Firstly, the handle that one wishes to change to must be available. If the handle is already taken by another user, the system will display a message indicating that the handle is already taken. In such a case, the user will have to choose a different handle.
Secondly, users must have claimed their Substack handle before they can change it. To claim a handle, one needs to sign up for Substack and create a publication. Once the publication is created, the user can claim their handle by clicking on the “Claim handle” button on their publication’s settings page.
Thirdly, users must be logged in to their Substack account to be able to change their handle. Once logged in, they can change their handle by entering a new username in the text box and clicking on the “Save” button.
It is important to note that once a handle is changed, the Substack profile URL will also change automatically. Users should also keep in mind that changing their handle will break all of their links. Therefore, it is advisable to change the handle before publishing anything.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Handle
If you want to change your Substack handle, follow these simple steps:
Accessing Account Settings
First, log in to your Substack account. Once you’re logged in, click on the “Settings” button located in the top right corner of the page. Next, click on the “Handle” option, which is located in the left-hand menu.
Checking Handle Availability
If you have a publication, your Substack subdomain is reserved as a handle. If you want to change your handle, enter a new username in the text box and click “Save”. Substack handles are unique, so if the handle you want is already taken, you’ll have to choose a different one. You can check the availability of a handle by typing it into the text box. If the handle is available, it will be confirmed, and you can proceed to the next step.
Confirming Handle Change
Once you’ve entered your new handle, click the “Save” button to confirm the change. Your new handle will be updated immediately, and you can start using it right away. It’s important to note that changing your handle will also change your Substack URL, so make sure to update any links or promotional materials accordingly.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can easily change your Substack handle and keep your online identity up-to-date.
Implications of Changing Your Handle
Changing your Substack handle can have various implications. This section will discuss the three main implications of changing your handle on Substack.
Effect on Existing Subscribers
When you change your Substack handle, your existing subscribers will not be affected. They will continue to receive your newsletters without any interruption. However, it is important to note that they will see your new handle in their inbox and on your Substack profile.
Redirection of Old Handle
When you change your Substack handle, your old handle will be redirected to your new handle. This means that if someone tries to visit your old handle, they will automatically be redirected to your new handle. This ensures that your readers can still find you even if they have bookmarked your old handle.
Update to External Links
If you have shared your Substack handle on external platforms, such as social media or your website, you will need to update those links to reflect your new handle. This will ensure that your readers can still find you on Substack.
In summary, changing your Substack handle can have implications on existing subscribers, the redirection of your old handle, and the need to update external links. It is important to consider these implications before changing your handle to ensure a smooth transition for your readers.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Handle Already Taken
If you try to claim a Substack handle that is already taken, you will receive an error message. In this case, you will need to choose a different handle. Here are some tips to help you find an available handle:
- Choose a unique handle that is not too similar to existing handles.
- Try to use your name or a variation of it.
- Consider adding a word or number to your handle to make it more unique.
Technical Glitches
If you are experiencing technical glitches when trying to change your Substack handle, there are a few things you can try:
- Clear your browser cache and cookies.
- Try using a different browser or device.
- Contact Substack support for further assistance.
It is important to note that changing your Substack handle does not affect your publication URL or your subscribers. Your publication URL will remain the same, and your subscribers will still receive your emails even if you change your handle.
Contacting Substack Support
If you have any issues with your Substack handle, you can contact Substack support for assistance. Substack offers multiple ways to reach out to their customer support team.
One way to contact Substack support is by filling out the form on the “Submit a Request” page. This form allows you to submit your questions or concerns to the support team, who will respond within 48 hours.
Alternatively, you can reach out to Substack on social media platforms such as Twitter or Facebook. The support team is active on these platforms and can assist you with any issues you may be experiencing.
It is important to note that Substack also handles subscribers’ support questions on behalf of writers. So, if you are a writer and your subscribers are experiencing technical issues, you can reach out to Substack for assistance.
Overall, Substack provides various channels for customers to contact their support team, ensuring that users can get the help they need in a timely manner.