Download a Free Company Profile Template
What is a company profile?
A company profile (also called a corporate- or business profile) is a professional introduction to a company and contains basic information about the company. It is a marketing tool used to give potential clients, investors and other stakeholders an idea of what the company is about.
Think of a company profile as a CV for your business. It is an extension of a business plan – except that a business plan makes projections about the future, while a business profile presents achievements already accomplished. All companies should have a company profile in place.
Highlighting the company’s strengths and achievements, a company profile can include (among other things) information about the company’s:
- history;
- values;
- mission statement;
- human, financial and physical resources;
- organizational and management structure;
- performance;
- reputation; and
- standing of its goods or services.
Traditionally, a company profile is a paper document with a number of pages. In the 1990s, however, the internet gave rise to online company profiles and the term “about us”. Today, a company profile is used not only on corporate websites but also in press releases, brochures and on social media.
The purpose of a company profile
A company profile is much more than just content for a company’s website. The value a good company profile holds for a company is immense.
Here are the reasons why you need a well-prepared company profile:
1. It is a marketing tool
It reaffirms your place in the industry market. With the business world as competitive as it is, it is important to create a good first impression and distinguish your company from its competitors.
2. It is a selling tool
It aims to convince prospective clients to do business with your company. The advantage of a company profile is that it can be tailor-made to suit the audience. Relevant strengths and expertise can be highlighted to suit the needs of the client when submitting a tender or proposal.
3. It is a recruitment tool
The job market is equally competitive in present times. Employers often have to compete with their competitors when looking to recruit talented professionals. A good and up-to-date company profile will help convince potential employees to select your company as their employer of choice.
When to use a company profile
A company profile is required in the following instances:
- To apply for tenders and contracts;
- To be a listed as a supplier or service provider for large corporations or government institutions; and
- To apply for loans, financing or grants (banks and investors require a business plan and/or a company profile).
How to write a company profile
A good company profile must be well-written, concise, creative and intriguing. The company profile design must also be visually appealing. Putting effort into your company profile is crucial because it is the first impression the company makes on prospective customers and other stakeholders.
There is an abundance of company profile templates and examples available online to guide you in creating a company profile. There are also many business profile writing professionals who will compile a company profile for a fee.
Although there are many variations and lengths, the format of a company profile usually involves:
- Basic company details (company name, date established, physical addresses, contact and fax numbers, website URL and email address)
- Company ideas (description of the company, products and services; mission statement and company vision; history; team members; company policies; etc.)
- Highlights and achievements (awards, certifications, media recognition and testimonials)
- Optional information (annual sales figures, financial targets, staff numbers, photographs, etc.)
Even though a company profile is a professional document, it should be approached creatively rather than formally. It should be tailor-made for the target audience and avoid jargon that nobody will understand. Furthermore, it should captivate the reader and entice him/her to read past the first few paragraphs.
That said, here are some tips to help you write a great company profile:
- Obtain company information. Before you start writing, obtain as much information and figures as possible for different sections of the company from the secretary or human resources department. Sift through the information to determine what is important to include in the company profile (staff amounts, certificates, turnover, etc.).
- Review competitors’ company profiles. See which company profiles stand out in your industry and try to emulate their style.
- Be concise. Do not include every single detail about the company. Most readers will only scan the profile for key information. Focus on achievements and whatever is unique about the company.
- Be accurate. Make sure the information you present in your company profile is up-to-date and correct.
- Be specific. Avoid general statements, idioms and phrases. The information must be presented clearly.
- Brag about the company. The company profile is an advertisement for the company. Mention why the company is the best and back it up with achievements and awards as evidence.
- Add personality. The company profile should not bore the reader. Connect with the reader by telling a story or adding humour, for example. The company profile should reflect the management style of the company.
- Add visual appeal. But do not go overboard with the design of the company profile. Images, diagrams and other visual elements should encourage interest in the written information – not overshadow it. Keep the format, font and style simple.
- Keep it up to date. Review the company profile periodically and whenever there is a major change in the company.
Download Company Profile Templates
For examples of good company profiles, see IMPACT’s article on 10 Examples of Company Profile Pages Every Brand Can Learn From. There are also company profile templates in countless forms, shapes and sizes available online. Check out FormsBirds for a company profile sample in PDF-format.
To edit a business profile template PDF in MS Word or Excel you need a PDF editing tool or converter. Try Nitro’s online converters.