How to set up a Websta profile as an accountant in Belgium

What your profile page should contain

Your Websta profile works as a business card and a booking tool in one. Start with a clear description of the services you offer - for example, annual accounts, tax returns, payroll administration, bookkeeping, or advice on company formation. Keep the language simple so people understand exactly what you do.

Add high-quality photos. Include a professional photo of yourself (a headshot is enough) and photos of your workspace if you work from an office. People want to know who they are dealing with.

List the specific services you provide, with a short description of each. In Belgium, accountants often serve sole traders, small companies, freelancers, or a mix of these. Be clear about who your typical clients are.

Use the online booking feature if you want clients to schedule consultation calls or intake meetings directly. Alternatively, offer a quote request form where potential clients describe their needs and you respond with a proposal. Both options work well for accountants.

Publish your profile in the languages your clients use. In Belgium, that usually means Dutch, French, and English, depending on your location and clientele. A Brussels-based accountant might prioritise French and English; one in Flanders might focus on Dutch and English.

How people in Belgium search for accountants

In Belgium, people search for accountants both online and through personal networks. On Websta, they browse the accountants marketplace by location and service type. Someone in Antwerp looking for bookkeeping will find providers near them. A freelancer in Brussels searching for tax advice will see accountants who list that service.

People also search by their own situation. A new sole trader might search for 'accountant for freelancers' or 'starting a business Belgium'. A small shop owner might search for 'bookkeeping services' or 'payroll administration'.

Word of mouth still matters. If you build a good reputation, clients will mention you to others. On Websta, this shows through reviews and ratings, which help future clients decide whether to contact you.

Setting up as an independent accountant in Belgium

Before you accept clients, confirm your legal status. If you are a sole trader (zelfstandige / travailleur indépendant), you need to register with the Belgian tax authorities and with NSSO (the social security office). If you run a limited company (BVBA / SPRL), you already have this in place.

Check the rules for your region. Belgium has three regions - Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels - each with slightly different requirements. The Belgian Institute of Registered Accountants (Institut des Experts-Comptables et des Conseils Fiscaux - IECF, or Instituut van de Erkende Boekhouders en Belastingconsulenten - IEBK in Dutch) sets professional standards. Visit their website or contact your local chamber of commerce for specific requirements in your area.

You will need a business bank account. Websta uses Stripe for payment processing, which deposits payments directly into your bank account. Set this up before you start accepting client payments.

Get professional liability insurance if you do not have it already. This protects you in case a client claims you made an error. It is a standard precaution for accountants.

Decide on your pricing and what services you will offer. Websta lets you set your own rates and choose which services appear on your profile.

Languages for your profile

Belgium is multilingual. In Flanders (north), Dutch is dominant but English is widely understood, especially among younger business owners and freelancers. In Wallonia (south) and Brussels, French is common. Brussels is also very English-friendly.

Your choice depends on where you work and who you want to reach. If you are in Brussels or a border region, English + French + Dutch covers most people. If you are in rural Wallonia, French and some English might be enough. If you are in Flanders, Dutch and English is a solid foundation.

Write each language version yourself or have a translator check it. Automated translation can make your profile look unprofessional, especially in legal or financial matters where accuracy matters.

What to write in your first hour

Start with the basics. Write a one-sentence description of what you do - for example, 'I handle bookkeeping and tax returns for freelancers and small shops in Brussels.' This appears at the top of your profile.

List your main services. Use clear headings: Annual Accounts, Tax Returns, Payroll, Bookkeeping, Company Formation Advice, or whatever you actually offer. Under each, write one or two sentences explaining what is included.

Add a professional photo of yourself. It does not need to be a studio shot, but it should be clear, well-lit, and show your face.

Write a short bio. Say how long you have been working as an accountant, what types of clients you usually work with, and what you specialise in. Keep it to three or four sentences.

Set up your contact method. Choose whether you want clients to book a consultation call directly or to submit a quote request that you will respond to.

Check your profile once more before going live. Make sure phone numbers are correct, your service descriptions are clear, and photos are straight and well-framed.

Building your profile over time

Your first version does not have to be perfect. Get the essential information up - who you are, what you do, and how to reach you - then improve it as you go.

After your first few clients, ask them to leave a review on your profile if they were happy. Reviews are one of the main ways new clients decide whether to contact you.

Add case studies or examples if you can. For instance, 'Helped a freelancer set up accounting from day one' or 'Managed payroll for a team of 12 people.' These show real experience.

Keep your availability up to date. If you use the booking feature and take a holiday, mark yourself as unavailable so people do not request meetings you cannot attend.

Update your service list if you add new services or stop offering others.