Why You Must Check Handle Availability Before CAC Registration

In Nigeria, registering your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is just the first step. If your social media handles don’t match your CAC-approved name, you risk:

• Confusion: Customers might tag the wrong account.
• Impersonation: Fraudsters can hijack your brand’s digital identity.
• Lost SEO: Inconsistent names hurt search visibility.

Here’s how to synchronize your CAC registration and social media handles seamlessly.

Step-by-Step: Aligning CAC Name Approval & Social Media Handles

1. Brainstorm Names with Dual Availability

• CAC Rules: Names must be unique and comply with Nigerian laws (e.g., no offensive words).
• Social Media Reality: Handles like @NaijaBakes might be taken even if CAC approves the name.

Action Plan:

• Use the CAC Business Name Reservation Portal to check name availability.
• Simultaneously, verify handle availability on Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, etc., via Namechk.com.
• Aim for a name that’s free on both CAC and social media.

Example:
If “NaijaBakes” is CAC-available but @NaijaBakes is taken on Instagram, consider:

• CAC Name: NaijaBakes NG
• Handles: @NaijaBakesNG (Instagram), @NaijaBakesNG (X).

2. Reserve Handles Before Final CAC Submission

Once CAC pre-approves your name (but before full registration):

1. Create placeholder accounts on key platforms with your desired handle.
2. Use temporary bios like “Coming Soon! Official Account for [Your Brand]”.

Why This Works:
CAC registration can take 1–2 weeks. By reserving handles early, you block squatters.

Nigerian Hack:
Use a personal phone number/email to create accounts first. Update to business details post-CAC approval.

3. Post-CAC Registration: Lock Down Your Handles

After receiving your CAC certificate:

1. Update Placeholder Accounts: Add your logo, official bio, and contact details.
2. Claim Missed Platforms: If your handle is taken somewhere, negotiate with the current owner (e.g., “Hi! We’re CAC-registered as NaijaBakes. Can we buy this handle?”).
3. Legal Backup: If impersonated, file a complaint with CAC/NITDA under Nigeria’s Cybercrime (Prohibition) Act.

Platform-Specific Tips for CAC-Registered Brands

1. WhatsApp Business

• Post-CAC Step: Upgrade to WhatsApp Business API for a verified badge.
• Display Name: Match your CAC certificate exactly (e.g., “NaijaBakes NG”).

2. Instagram & Facebook

• Blue Checkmark: Apply for verification using your CAC certificate as proof.
• Bio: Include “CAC-Registered” for trust (e.g., “Lagos’ CAC-Registered Cake Experts”).

3. LinkedIn

• Company Page: Use your CAC name to attract B2B clients and investors.

What If Your CAC Name’s Handles Are Taken?

Option 1: Modify Your CAC Name

Before final registration, adjust your name to match available handles:

• Original: NaijaBakes (CAC-approved, but @NaijaBakes is taken).
• Revised: NaijaBakes Limited (if @NaijaBakesLtd is free).

Option 2: Use Abbreviations

• CAC Name: National Agro Ventures Limited
• Handle: @NatAgroVentures

Option 3: Add Geographic identifiers

• CAC Name: NaijaBakes
• Handle: @NaijaBakesLagos

Tools to Simplify the Process

1. CAC Name Search Portal: https://pre.cac.gov.ng/home
2. Handle Checkers: Namecheckr.com, KnowEm.com.au, Brandsnag.com
3. Username Generators: SpinXO.com, NordPass.com, Dashlane.com (add “NG,” “Naija,” or cities).

Case Study: How “Lagos Prints NG” Nailed It

• CAC Name: Lagos Prints NG
• Handles Secured: @LagosPrintsNG (Instagram, X, TikTok).
• Strategy:
  • Checked CAC + handle availability simultaneously.
  • Reserved handles during CAC’s 14-day approval window.
  • Updated profiles post-registration with CAC certificate details.
    Result: 70% of clients found them via Instagram tags within 3 months.

Final Word: Your Name is Your Legacy

In Nigeria’s competitive market, aligning your CAC name and social handles isn’t just smart—it’s survival.

As the Hausa say, “Sunan ka shi ne jikan ka” (Your name is your shadow).

Protect yours fiercely.  Contact us today for free consultancy or further steps to getting your social media setup.