How to Use Your Account
How to Use Your Account
A step-by-step guide to setting up your profile, managing your listings and getting the most from the platform
If this is your first time logging in, don’t worry, I’ll walk you through everything step by step.
Your dashboard is where you’ll manage your account, build your profiles and add any content connected to your business. It also links to the Members Portal, where you’ll find guides, how-to videos and recorded Zoom classes to help you understand things like online visibility and how to get the best results from the platform.
We’re going to go through each part together, starting with your profile and what to do first.
Here is the link to go straight to the portal- Please note you need a new login for this, its not your HABD login
Understanding Your Dashboard
Your dashboard contains everything connected to your account. This is where you’ll manage your profiles, add content and access any features linked to your membership.
You’ll see a table showing anything connected to you, including your profiles and any listings you create. As you start adding more, everything will appear here so you can edit and manage it easily.
At the top of the page, you’ll also find the tabs used to add new profiles and content. Once you select a type, it will drop into your dashboard ready for you to edit.
Think of your dashboard as your control centre everything starts here and everything is managed from here.
Your Personal Profile
The first thing you want to do is edit the profile with your name on it. This is your personal profile.
Some members leave this as it is, but personally I think that’s a missed opportunity. This profile can be used in a number of ways, depending on how you want to position yourself in the industry.
Think of it a bit like LinkedIn. It allows people to search for you and learn more about your experience, qualifications and what you do. Event organisers, brands and other professionals often use the platform to find people to work with.
You can also use it as a virtual CV. I keep a QR code on my phone so I can share my profile quickly, as it contains everything I want people to know about me.
Another way to use it is to connect yourself and your team to your business profile. This gives clients more insight into who they are booking with and allows you to showcase your experience and credentials properly.
Start by adding the key details, you don’t need to complete everything straight away, you can build it over time.
Choosing Your Business Profile
Once you’ve set up your personal profile, the next step is to add your business profile.
At the top of your dashboard, you’ll see tabs for different profile types. When you select one, it will drop into your dashboard ready for you to edit.
Choosing the right profile type is important:
A treatment provider is anyone offering services directly to clients.
A training provider is for those offering education or courses.
A supplier covers everything else, including product brands, business coaches and service providers within the industry.
You’ll need a separate profile for each type. For example, if you run both a salon and a training academy, these would be created as two separate profiles.
Once you’ve selected your profile type, you can start building it out properly.
Key Areas to Complete on Your Profile
Contact Details
Add your website, phone number and social links so clients can easily reach you
Opening Hours
Keep these up to date, they help both clients and search engines understand your availability
Your Description
Use this space to clearly explain your services, strengths and location to improve visibility
Images of Your Business
Show your workspace and environment to build trust before clients book
Booking Link
Make it easy for clients to take action by linking directly to your booking system
Services Offered
Select all relevant services to help your profile appear in the right searches
Feature Tags
Highlight key aspects of your business and improve how you’re found in search and AI
Awards and Achievements
Showcase your experience and credibility to stand out from competitors
Brands You Use
Add recognised brands to strengthen trust and improve search relevance
Certificates and Insurance
Add qualifications and insurance to show professionalism and build confidence
Building Your Profile Properly
Filling in your profile can feel like a lot at first, but once you get started it’s very similar to setting up something like a Facebook page.
The key is to work through it section by section, adding as much detail as you can. The platform has been built to work with search engines and AI, so the more complete your profile is, the better it will perform.
Start with the basics such as your contact details, website, social links and opening hours. These may seem simple, but they all contribute to how your profile is understood and displayed.
Your description is one of the most important sections. Many people only add a couple of sentences, but this is a strong opportunity to improve your visibility. A detailed, well-written description that includes your services, key strengths and location can make a big difference.
Adding images of your business and workspace is also important. Clients want to see where they are going before they book, and this builds trust straight away.
Make sure you include your booking link if you have one, so potential clients can take action easily.
Services and feature tags play a big role in how your profile is found. These are linked to searches and help connect your profile to the right audience. Feature tags in particular can help you reach specific clients and appear in more targeted searches.
You’ll also see sections for awards, brands, certificates and insurance. These all act as trust signals and help position your business as professional and credible.
You don’t need to complete everything in one go, but the more you build it out over time, the stronger your profile will become.
Ways to Build Your Presence
Promote Events
List workshops, training or industry events and reach a wider audience
Create Extra Pages
Add treatments, courses or products to showcase everything you offer
You’re Ready to Go
Once your profiles are set up and you’ve started adding content, you’re ready to begin using the platform properly.
From here, it’s about keeping things up to date, adding new content and continuing to build your presence over time.
If you ever get stuck, you can return to this guide or access additional support through the Members Portal.
Do you need more help with your online reach?
Our education hub supports professionals with modern, practical courses focused on visibility, planning and long-term growth
Business Bootcamp
A complete, step by step programme covering visibility, structure, planning and long term growth
Google Profile Mastery
Learn how to optimise, rank and attract your ideal clients through your Google Business Profile.
Frequent Asked Questions
What is The Hair & Beauty Directory?
It’s a platform designed to help people choose hair, beauty and aesthetic professionals with more clarity. Profiles are structured to show real information — including experience, qualifications and key details — so decisions aren’t based on guesswork.
Why was it created?
The industry offers a lot of choice, but not always enough clarity. The directory was built to make it easier to understand who you’re booking, while supporting professionals who take their work seriously.
How is this different from other platforms?
Most platforms focus on availability, pricing or popularity. This platform focuses on understanding giving you the information you need to compare properly and choose with confidence.
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Do you check the professionals listed?
Profiles can be verified, which means key details such as insurance, qualifications and business legitimacy have been reviewed. This helps provide a clearer starting point when choosing.
What does “Expert” mean?
Expert profiles highlight professionals who go above and beyond, such as educators, speakers or those with recognised experience and contribution to the industry.
What are tags and why are they used?
Tags highlight important features, environments and areas of expertise — from accessibility to experience and approach. They help you find professionals who match your needs, not just your location.
Is this just for clients?
No — the platform also supports professionals by giving them a structured space to present their work properly and be found by the right audience.
Do you take commission on bookings?
No — professionals are free to use their own booking systems and manage their business independently.
Where is the platform available?
The directory is designed to support professionals and clients globally, with profiles and opportunities across multiple locations.
What is the goal of the platform?
To raise standards across the industry by making it easier to find, understand and choose qualified professionals.
Our Mission
To raise standards, strengthen visibility and help the public make safer, better informed choices, while giving real professionals the platform they deserve.
We built this platform with a clear purpose, to bring trust, clarity and real expertise back into the industry.
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