A company profile has to prove credibility to someone who has never worked with you. The quickest way to do that is with specifics — clients, projects, capacities. But a public profile is read by competitors as well as buyers, and some details belong only in documents shared under agreement. The skill is showing enough to be credible without disclosing what you should not.
Information to keep out of a public profile
- Client names, logos or project references you do not have written permission to publish
- Contract values, pricing, margins and payment terms
- Detailed process parameters or proprietary methods
- Drawings, specifications or photographs that belong to a client
- Personal data of employees beyond what they have agreed to share
- Financial information you would not publish elsewhere
- Security-sensitive details of facilities or customer sites
How to show credibility without disclosure
- Describe instead of naming: "a leading refinery operator in the Middle East" rather than the company name
- Use ranges and totals: "projects in more than 20 countries" rather than a client list
- Show capability, not the job: photographs of your own equipment and processes rather than a customer's plant
- Lead with verifiable proof: current certifications and approvals that buyers can check
- Offer more on request: state that references and case studies are available under NDA
Photographs and drawings
Check every photograph for things in the background: client logos on equipment, drawings on a wall, screens, licence plates and people who have not agreed to appear. Product photographs should show your products, not parts made to a customer's proprietary design unless you have permission.
Two versions: public and confidential
Many B2B companies keep two editions. The public profile goes on the website and to exhibitions. A fuller version — with named references, detailed case studies and capacity data — is shared with qualified buyers or investors under a confidentiality agreement. Designing both from the same template keeps them consistent.
A pre-print check
- Every client name and logo has written permission
- No prices, contract values or confidential terms
- No client drawings or proprietary details in images
- Certifications are current and correctly described
- Contact details and people shown have agreed to appear
Build this check into the final sign-off — see who should approve a company profile. This article describes common marketing practice and is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Only with permission. Many contracts restrict publicity. Where you do not have permission, describe the sector, scale or type of project instead.
Yes, if they are current and you are allowed to show them. Show the certification name and scope accurately, and update the profile when certificates expire or change.
It can be. Some companies keep a public profile for the website and exhibitions, and a fuller version shared under NDA with qualified buyers or investors.
No. This guide covers common practice for marketing documents. Check contracts and confidentiality obligations with your own legal or compliance team.
We help you show credibility without over-sharing.
Corpfolio plans public and confidential profile editions from one design system. See our company profile design service.