Profile & Connections Guide
Connect with West Michigan
Everything you need to set your privacy level, connect with people you meet, and keep track of who's going where.
Choosing Public or Private
From your profile (select Edit Profile), you can choose how discoverable you want to be:
Public
Listed in our public directory. Anyone can search for your profile, find you, and send you a public connection request. Your connections, social media links, and event RSVP's stay private until you've connected.
Private
Left out of the public directory entirely. The only way someone connects with you is if you share your profile directly—through an in-person QR code or a direct invite link URL.
"Private" only means you're left out of public search and browsing—it doesn't hide you from people you're already connected with. Once connected, they can still see and visit your profile regardless of your privacy setting.
If you're the owner of an event, your name and photo always appear on that event's page, even with a private profile. Other team members you've added can still be hidden if their profile is private. Either way, a private profile is never a clickable link, so no one can use it to send a connection request.
You can switch between the two at any time, and either way, only your connections can see your specific event plans and who else you're connected to.
Dealing with an unwanted connection? Your privacy and safety are our top priority. See how to remove, block, or report someone below.
Understanding Connection Requests
Most connections start from someone's profile page—no QR code or invite link needed:
- Visit a profile and select Connect to send a request.
- They can accept or decline it from their own Connections page.
- Haven't heard back? You can cancel a pending request anytime from your own Connections page.
Once accepted, you're both able to see each other's event plans, social links, and mutual connections.
Connecting In Person
Meet someone at an event and want to stay in touch? You don't need to swap numbers on the spot:
- Open your Quick-Add QR Code from your profile while you're at the event.
- Have the person you just met scan it with their phone. They'll need a free account and to be signed in.
- You're connected on the platform. No need to type in a username or share a phone number.
This works whether your profile is public or private since it's a direct, in-person share.
Making Plans with Your Connections
Once you've built up a few connections, your profile becomes a lightweight way to coordinate plans:
Invite Connections to Events
Found something you want to go to? Invite any of your connections to join you, directly from the event listing.
See What Friends Are Up To
Visit a connection's profile to see which upcoming events they're planning to attend, so you never miss a chance to link up. Don't worry! This is only available to connections you've accepted.
Find Events You Have in Common
We'll surface the events you and a connection are both attending, so it's easy to spot the plans you're already going to share.
Removing, Blocking & Reporting
You're always in control of who you're connected to. From someone's profile page you can:
- Remove the connection. You're simply no longer connected, and either of you can send a new request later.
- Block them. They can't send you connection requests. No need to explain why. Only you can undo a block, from the same menu on their profile.
- Report them to our moderation team, for example for impersonation or a fake account, scams or spam, harassment, inappropriate content, someone who appears to be under 18, or a privacy violation.
Reports go straight to our team in Grand Rapids. If someone is in immediate danger, contact local authorities first.
Related Guides
Still Getting Stuck?
If you're having trouble with your profile or connections, we're here to help.
Get HelpReady to build your circle?
Set your privacy level, connect with people you meet, and never miss out on plans with the people who matter to you.
