How to set up a barber profile in Australia on Websta

What your barber profile should show

Your Websta profile acts as your own website. Customers in Australia look for barbers on Websta's marketplace by service and location. Your profile should tell them what you do, where you work, how to reach you and how to book.

Start with a clear description of the services you offer. Most barbers list haircuts (including men's and boys' cuts), fades, trims, shaves and beard grooming. If you offer services outside these - such as colouring, treatments or styling for longer hair - add them. Be specific about what each service includes.

Add photos of your work. Show your space or chair, tools if relevant, and finished haircuts or beard work from different angles. Clear, well-lit photos help customers decide whether to book. Update them every few months so your profile stays current.

Add your location and opening hours. Include the suburb and postcode so customers nearby know where to find you. If you work from home, you can still set a location on Websta.

Set up either online booking or quote requests, or both. Online booking lets customers reserve a time slot directly. A quote request form lets customers ask about a service and you can reply with details or availability. Choose what suits your workflow.

• Services: haircuts, fades, trims, shaves, beard grooming, treatments or colouring if you offer them
• Photos: your workspace, tools if relevant, finished work from different angles
• Location: suburb and postcode so people know where to find you
• Hours: opening times for each day of the week
• Contact: phone number and email
• Booking or quote requests: choose online booking, quote requests, or both

Languages for your profile

Publish your profile in English. English is the main language most people search in across Australia. If you work in an area with a significant community that speaks another language, you can add another language to your profile - for example, Italian, Greek, Mandarin or Vietnamese in some parts of Australia. Check your local area to see if a second language would reach more customers. Always include English as your main language.

How customers search for barbers in Australia

People in Australia use Websta's marketplace to find a barber by postcode or suburb and the service they want - for example, 'men's haircut' or 'fade'. They can also post a task describing what they need, and barbers in their area can make offers.

Customers look for barbers near their home, workplace or current location. They often search for specific services rather than browse all barbers. Make sure your service list matches what people search for: use words like 'haircut', 'fade', 'trim', 'shave', 'beard trim' or 'beard grooming' rather than only technical terms.

Your profile shows up in results if the customer's postcode is near yours. The search includes your business location, so accuracy matters.

What to sort out before you start

Before you set up your profile, check what applies to you as an independent barber in Australia.

Confirm your business registration. If you work as a sole trader, you may need an ABN (Australian Business Number) from the Australian Taxation Office. Check the ATO website for the current requirements - they differ depending on your income and business structure. Keep your ABN details current on your profile if you have one.

Check if you need a license or training certificate. Barber requirements vary by state and territory. Some states regulate hairdressing and barbering, others do not. Contact your state or territory's relevant authority - such as a skills or training regulator - to confirm what you need. Some states may not have mandatory licensing for barbers, but this can change, so verify your local rules.

Confirm your insurance situation. Public liability insurance is common for service providers in Australia but is not mandatory everywhere. Check with your state or territory authority or an accountant whether it applies to your business.

If you accept card payments through Websta, you will need a Stripe account connected to your own Australian bank account. Set that up separately before you activate online booking or payments on your profile.

Check the local council rules if you work from home. Some councils require notification or approval if you run a business from a residential address. Contact your local council if you are unsure.

What to write in the first hour

Start with the basics: your name or business name, location (suburb and postcode), phone number and email. Add your opening hours for each day of the week. Even if you do not offer online booking yet, customers need to know when you are available.

List the services you offer in plain language. Write one or two sentences about what you do - for example, 'Men's haircuts, fades, trims and beard grooming. Walk-ins welcome, or book ahead.' Be honest about what you offer and how long each service takes if you know it.

Add a few photos. If you do not have polished photos yet, take a clear phone photo of your workspace and one example of your work. You can add more photos later.

Choose whether to offer online booking or quote requests, or both. If you choose booking, set your available time slots. If you choose quote requests only, customers can message you and you reply directly.

Write a short description of yourself if you want - for example, how long you have been cutting hair or what you specialize in. Keep it straightforward.

Keep your profile current

Update your profile regularly so customers see you are active. Change your opening hours if you take a day off, add new services, or refresh photos every few months. A current profile gets more inquiries.