Profile settings

Your profile is your digital storefront on CitizenShipper, giving potential customers a first impression of who you are and what you offer. Here's a step-by-step guide to navigating and optimizing your profile settings to make the best possible impact.
In this article, we'll describe the inner workings of your various profile settings. To access them, click the gear icon at the top of the page and select Settings from the drop-down menu.

In your Settings panel, you should be able to see a section titled Profile in the sidebar to the left. It lists five tabs: About, Photos, Vehicles and Trailers, Verifications, and Category Offerings.

In your Settings panel, you'll see a tab on the left labeled Profile, which includes the following sections: Public Name, Verifications, Background and Experience, Photos, Vehicles and Trailers.

Below, we'll focus on the Background and Experience, Photos, and Vehicles and Trailers sections, which are essential for building a strong profile.

The Background and Experience section is where you showcase your expertise and the unique value your business offers. This information will appear prominently at the top of your profile page. Use this space to provide details about your experience, skills, and what sets you apart. If you are unsure how to best present yourself, you may find the examples and templates used in this video useful.

Profile Photos

Your photos are a critical part of making a positive first impression. You can manage your photos from your profile link or the Settings tab under the Profile section.

Photos are a great way to improve your profile and reduce customer anxiety. Here are a couple of tips on getting the best shots for your profile:

• Profile photos that show your face inspire trust in potential customers.
• Profiles featuring vehicle pics (interior and exterior) win bookings more easily.
• If transporting pets, snap a photo of them enjoying the trip, then share it here.
• Get plenty of natural light. Go outside or stand by a big window.
• Don’t do hip shots or webcam shots in poor light. (These can look a bit eerie 😬)
• Try to appear positive and professional. Smiling is recommended.
• For your main profile pic, choose one with your face in it. This is the first impression your customers will receive, and they’ll want to see a person they can trust rather than some van.
• Use AI-generated images sparingly, as poorly generated photos may look untrustworthy.

In addition to personal photos, feel free to also upload any of the following:

• Sights from the road. These help customers see what it'll be like working with you.
• Snaps of your vehicle. Customers will want to visualize how their pet fits inside your car.
• Special equipment. If transporting cargo that needs special gear, it's a good idea to show it.

Vehicles & Trailers

A recently released feature, Vehicles and Trailers tab allows you to showcase your equipment to your prospect customers and create a higher sense of trust in your ability to provide an excellent service. 

To learn more about best practices when it comes to adding Vehicles and Trailers onto your account, visit this resource center article. 

Verifications 

The Verifications section is where you submit information for identity and background checks, such as your phone number and physical address. This is crucial for building credibility with customers. If you're editing your profile for the first time, it should look something like this:

Click here for more information on these checks and how they can be expedited. 

Once you register with the USDA, you can upload your T registration so we can verify it and display it on your profile page. See our article on USDA registrations for further details.

Once you are verified on these three, your profile will look like this:

If you have any additional licenses or certificates you'd like displayed on your profile, you can email our support team and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

Category offerings

Finally, the last step in completing your profile is to let your customers know more about the services you plan on providing along the journey and the additional equipment to facilitate these. For example, if your customers can get GPS trackers attached to their pets' collars for extra security, simply check the box next to "GPS Tracking" to let them know.

To begin the process of editing your Category Offerings, go to the Categories tab visible on the left side of the Settings page:

To add services and equipment, click on the Add Category button, then select your preferred category from the dropdown menu and finish by choosing the services and equipment that you can provide at this time. When done, simply click the Save button: 

This information will be clearly displayed on your profile page, accessible to all who visit it: 

And finally, here's a handy video tutorial summarizing all the information outlined above. 

What to read next

For more advice on setting up your account, see the articles on account settings (2-min read) and verifications (3-min read).

For advice on making your first steps on the CitizenShipper platform, see Getting your bearings.

For advice on winning shipments, see Bidding and payments.