# Trainer Profile Sharing User Guide

## Table of Contents
- [Overview](#overview)
- [How to Share Your Profile](#how-to-share-your-profile)
- [Sharing Options](#sharing-options)
- [Profile Card Features](#profile-card-features)
- [QR Code Usage](#qr-code-usage)
- [Customizing Your Profile](#customizing-your-profile)
- [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)

## Overview

The trainer profile sharing feature allows HVAC trainers to easily share their professional profiles with potential clients, colleagues, and on social media. Each trainer gets a unique shareable URL and QR code that leads directly to their profile information.

### Key Benefits
- **Professional Presentation**: Clean, branded profile cards with your photo and credentials
- **Easy Sharing**: One-click URL copying and QR code generation
- **Instant Access**: QR codes provide immediate mobile access to your profile
- **Marketing Tool**: Perfect for business cards, email signatures, and social media

## How to Share Your Profile

### Step 1: Access Your Profile
1. Log into your trainer dashboard
2. Navigate to **Customize** → **Personal Profile**
3. Click the **"Share Profile"** button (blue button with share icon)

### Step 2: Use the Share Modal
The share modal provides two sharing options:

#### Option 1: Copy URL
1. The modal displays your personal profile URL
2. Click the **"Copy"** button to copy the URL to your clipboard
3. Paste the URL anywhere you'd like to share it

#### Option 2: Screenshot the Profile Card
1. The modal shows a professional profile card
2. Take a screenshot of the card
3. Use the image on social media, in presentations, or marketing materials

### Step 3: Close and Share
- Click the X or press Escape to close the modal
- Share your copied URL or profile card image as needed

## Sharing Options

### Direct URL Sharing
Your personal profile URL follows this format:
```
https://upskillhvac.com/find-a-trainer/profile/YOUR-ID/
```

**Best for:**
- Email signatures
- Website links
- LinkedIn profiles
- Direct messaging

### QR Code Sharing
Each profile includes a QR code that mobile users can scan to instantly access your profile.

**Best for:**
- Business cards
- Printed materials
- Trade show displays
- Quick mobile sharing

### Profile Card Screenshots
The generated profile card is professionally designed and includes all your key information.

**Best for:**
- Social media posts (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram)
- Marketing presentations
- Printed promotional materials
- Email marketing

## Profile Card Features

### Visual Elements
- **Professional Photo**: Your uploaded trainer photo or professional initial placeholder
- **Certification Badge**: measureQuick certification badge overlay (if applicable)
- **Clean Layout**: 600x300px professional design with rounded corners

### Information Displayed
- **Your Name**: Display name from your profile
- **Business Name**: Your training organization or company
- **Location**: City and state information
- **Certification Status**: Your current certification level
- **QR Code**: Instant mobile access code

### Certification Badges
If you're a **Certified measureQuick Trainer**, your profile card will automatically display the measureQuick certification badge in the top-right corner of your photo.

## QR Code Usage

### How QR Codes Work
- Mobile users can scan the QR code with their phone camera
- The code instantly opens your profile page in their browser
- No app installation required - works with standard camera apps

### QR Code Best Practices
1. **Size**: Ensure QR codes are at least 1 inch square when printed
2. **Contrast**: Use high contrast backgrounds for better scanning
3. **Testing**: Always test QR codes before printing materials
4. **Placement**: Position codes where they're easily accessible to mobile users

### Common Uses
- **Business Cards**: Add to back of cards for quick profile access
- **Trade Shows**: Include on booth displays and handouts
- **Presentations**: Add to final slides for audience follow-up
- **Vehicle Graphics**: Include on work vehicle decals

## Customizing Your Profile

To make your shared profile more effective, ensure your profile is complete:

### Essential Information
- **Professional Photo**: Upload a clear, professional headshot
- **Complete Name**: Use your professional display name
- **Business Information**: Include your company/organization name
- **Location Details**: Ensure city and state are accurate
- **Certification Status**: Keep certification information up to date

### Profile Enhancement Tips
1. **Professional Photo**: Use a high-quality headshot with good lighting
2. **Complete Bio**: Fill out your "About" section with relevant experience
3. **Contact Information**: Ensure your email and phone are current
4. **Training Details**: Include your specializations and training formats
5. **Location Accuracy**: Verify your location for proper geographic targeting

### Updating Your Profile
1. Navigate to **Customize** → **Personal Profile**
2. Click **"Edit Profile"** to make changes
3. Save your updates
4. Your shared profile will automatically reflect changes

## Troubleshooting

### QR Code Not Working
**Symptoms**: QR code displays as text or broken image
**Solutions**:
- Refresh the page and try sharing again
- Check your internet connection
- Ensure your profile information is complete
- Contact support if the issue persists

### Share URL Not Copying
**Symptoms**: Copy button doesn't work or shows error
**Solutions**:
- Try using Ctrl+C (PC) or Cmd+C (Mac) to manually copy
- Check browser permissions for clipboard access
- Try a different browser
- Manually select the URL text and copy

### Profile Card Missing Information
**Symptoms**: Profile card shows incomplete or blank information
**Solutions**:
- Complete your profile information in the Edit Profile section
- Ensure required fields (name, location) are filled
- Upload a professional photo
- Contact support if information isn't displaying correctly

### Mobile Scanning Issues
**Symptoms**: QR code won't scan with mobile devices
**Solutions**:
- Ensure adequate lighting when scanning
- Hold phone 6-12 inches from QR code
- Try different camera apps or QR scanner apps
- Verify QR code quality and size

### Share Modal Won't Open
**Symptoms**: Clicking Share Profile button doesn't open modal
**Solutions**:
- Refresh the page and try again
- Disable browser ad blockers temporarily
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Try a different browser
- Contact support if the issue continues

### Common Error Messages
- **"Profile not found"**: Your trainer profile may not be properly set up
- **"Loading..."**: Check your internet connection and wait for data to load
- **"Error loading URL"**: Try refreshing the page or contact support

### Getting Help
If you encounter issues not covered here:
1. Check the main [Troubleshooting Guide](./TROUBLESHOOTING.md)
2. Contact your system administrator
3. Submit a support ticket with details about the problem

## Best Practices for Profile Sharing

### Professional Presentation
- Keep your profile information current and accurate
- Use professional language in your bio and descriptions
- Maintain consistent branding across all shared materials

### Strategic Sharing
- Include your profile URL in all professional communications
- Use QR codes on printed materials for easy mobile access
- Share profile cards on social media to increase visibility
- Add your profile link to email signatures

### Tracking Success
While the system doesn't provide analytics, you can track sharing success by:
- Monitoring increased contact requests
- Asking new clients how they found you
- Including tracking parameters in shared URLs (if needed)
- Following up on leads generated from shared profiles

### Marketing Integration
- Include profile sharing in your overall marketing strategy
- Use profile cards in presentations and proposals
- Add QR codes to vehicle graphics and signage
- Share profiles in industry forums and groups

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*Last updated: August 2025*