You just signed up and your dashboard is mostly empty. That's normal. The good news is that getting fully set up isn't complicated and most vendors finish in a single sitting. Here's what to do, in the order that matters most.
Step 1: Complete Your Profile Basics
Go to Dashboard, then Profile. This is the big one. Fill out each section:
Business Information. Your business name, tagline, and description. The description is what customers read to decide if you're the right fit. It has a 100-character minimum but don't stop there. Write at least a few hundred characters. Explain what you do, which events and cultures you specialize in, and what makes your approach different. Write like you're explaining your business to someone at an event who just asked "so what do you do?" Skip the corporate language.
Your tagline appears below your business name on search cards. You have 100 characters. "Authentic Yoruba event catering for 50 to 500 guests" tells a customer exactly what you do. "Quality food services" tells them nothing.
Service Details. Pick up to 3 service categories and select your primary cultural specialty plus up to 2 additional cultures. These control which searches and culture pages you appear in, so be accurate.
Location. Enter your business address and set your service radius. This is how customers in your area find you. You can choose to show just your city and state or your full street address. Most vendors go with city and state.
Pricing. Set your starting price. Customers can see this on your vendor card in search results. If your pricing varies, set the lower end here and let your packages show the full range.
Contact Info. Your contact email is required. Adding a phone number is optional but builds trust.
Step 2: Upload Your Portfolio
Go to Dashboard, then Portfolio. This is the single most important part of your profile. Customers look at photos before they read anything else.
Upload at least 5 of your best images showing real work from real events. Your first image becomes your cover photo, the one that appears on your vendor card in search results, so make it your strongest. You can drag to reorder anytime.
Add titles and descriptions to your images when you can. "Igbo traditional wedding reception decor, 200 guests, Marriott Bethesda" tells a customer far more than an untitled photo.
Your plan determines how many photos and videos you can upload. You can see your current limits on the portfolio page, and the full breakdown is on the pricing page.
Step 3: Create a Service Package
Go to Dashboard, then Packages. Packages tell customers what you offer and at what price. Each one has a name, description, price, and a list of what's included.
Even one clear package is better than none. It signals that you've thought about your pricing and you're ready for business. A simple structure like "Essentials" and "Full Service" works for most vendors. If your pricing varies too much, you can set the price type to "Request a Quote."
Your plan determines your package limit. Check the pricing page for details.
Step 4: Add FAQs
Go to Dashboard, then FAQs. These show up on your public profile and answer the questions customers always ask before reaching out: "How far in advance should I book?" "Do you travel outside the city?" "What's your cancellation policy?"
Good FAQs reduce back-and-forth and show customers you're prepared. Your plan determines how many you can create.
Step 5: Set Your Availability
Go to Dashboard, then Availability. Mark your regular working days, block off dates you're already booked, and set your lead time (how much advance notice you need). Customers see this when they're picking an event date for their inquiry.
Step 6: Fill Out the Extras
These aren't required, but they all contribute to a profile that looks professional and trustworthy:
Social Links (Dashboard, then Profile). Add your Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or other profiles. Customers often check your social media before reaching out.
Business Credentials (Dashboard, then Profile). Mark whether you're a registered business, have insurance, or hold relevant licenses. These show up on your profile and build credibility.
FAQs you may have skipped in Step 4.
Step 7: Review and Share
Open your public profile to see what customers see. The Promote page (Dashboard, then Promote) has a "Preview Profile" button that takes you there. Look at it with fresh eyes. Is it clear what you do and who you serve? Would you reach out to this vendor?
When you're happy with it, share your profile. The Promote page gives you a direct link, social media share buttons, and a downloadable QR code. Post it on your Instagram, add it to your email signature, send it to past clients. The more eyes on your profile, the faster you build traction.
After Setup: What to Expect
Once your profile is complete and you've selected a plan, you're live. Customers searching for your categories, cultures, and location can see your vendor card in results.
When someone sends you an inquiry, you'll get an email and it'll appear on your Leads page. Respond quickly. Customers typically reach out to several vendors at once, and the ones who reply within 24 hours are the ones who get booked.
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