Beauty specialist profile on Websta: how to get started in Ireland

What your Websta profile should contain

Your Websta profile acts as your business page. It replaces the need for a basic website and gives you a direct link people can visit, share, or find through the Websta marketplace. For a beauty specialist, your profile should have clear sections that show what you do and how people can reach you.

Start with a profile photo - a professional headshot or a photo of you at work. Include a short description of your specialism: whether you do hairdressing, nails, makeup, skin treatments, waxing, threading, or another beauty service. List the specific services you offer, with descriptions clear enough that someone unfamiliar with beauty terminology understands what they are getting. For each service, you set the price and whether you require a booking or a quote request.

Add photos of your work - before-and-after images, your workspace, or products you use. Photos help people decide whether to contact you. Include a contact form so people can ask questions, and set up online booking or quote requests depending on how you prefer to work. If you do mobile services, mention the areas you travel to. If clients come to you, state your location.

Decide which languages to publish in. English is essential. If you serve speakers of other languages - Polish, Lithuanian, or others common in your area - you can add Irish or another language, though this is optional.

How people in Ireland search for beauty services

People looking for a beauty specialist in Ireland use the Websta marketplace to search by service type and location. They might search for 'hairdresser near me', 'nails Dublin', 'makeup artist Cork', or 'waxing Galway'. The marketplace shows profiles sorted by service and place, so your profile appears when someone searches for your service in your area.

Some people browse profiles directly on Websta. Others might find you through a search engine if they search for your service and town, or they might get your profile link from a friend or local recommendation. Having accurate location information and clear service descriptions helps people find you through all these routes.

Sole trader registration and legal setup

In Ireland, if you work as a self-employed beauty specialist, you are a sole trader. You must register as self-employed with Revenue if your income is above the threshold - check the current threshold with Revenue, as this changes. You will need to file tax returns each year and keep records of your income and business expenses.

Some beauty services require specific qualifications or insurance. For example, if you offer treatments that involve chemicals or invasive procedures, you may need relevant training and professional indemnity insurance. Hairdressing, nail work, and makeup have their own standards and training bodies in Ireland. Check with the relevant professional body for your specialism - there is no single regulator for all beauty services, so what applies depends on what you do.

If you work from home, check whether your local council has any rules about home-based businesses in your area. If you rent your space, check your lease or tenancy agreement - some do not allow business use. Websta payments go to your own bank account through Stripe, so make sure your bank account is set up for business use and that you can receive card payments.

Health and safety rules apply: you must maintain hygiene standards, handle waste correctly, and follow rules about cross-infection control if you touch clients' skin or hair. Specific guidance exists for different treatments - check the Health and Safety Authority website or contact your local environmental health office if you are unsure.

Getting started on Websta: the first hour

In your first hour on Websta, write a clear profile description. Do not assume people know what your service involves - explain it simply. If you do eyelash extensions, say so. If you offer gel nails, say gel nails, not just 'nails'. List three to five services you definitely offer and set prices for them. You can add more services later.

Upload at least one professional photo of yourself or your workspace. If you do not have photos yet, take some on your phone in good natural light. Add your location - your town or area - so people can find you by place. Set up your contact method: decide whether you want online booking (where clients book a time slot directly), quote requests (where clients describe what they want and you reply with a price), or both.

Write down the days and times you work. Even if your schedule changes week to week, give people an idea of your availability. Add your phone number and email so people can contact you if they prefer. These details go on your profile where clients can see them or use the contact form.

Building your profile over time

After the first hour, keep adding details. Take photos as you work - before-and-after shots, photos of your tools or setup, or images of products you use. Update your services list as you offer new treatments. Respond to inquiries quickly - people decide whether to use you based on how fast you reply and how helpful you are.

Think about what makes your service different. Do you specialise in a particular look or style. Are you trained in a specific technique. Do you use particular products. Write this down so people understand what to expect. If you get regular questions from clients, add a note to your profile answering them.

Keep your profile up to date. If you change your location, hours, or services, update it. If you stop offering something, remove it. An accurate profile builds trust.

Managing bookings and payments

If a client books through your Websta profile or sends a quote request, you will be notified. Through the platform, you can confirm the booking, answer questions, or send your quote. Keep communication clear - confirm exactly what service they are getting, where and when, and any preparation they need to do.

Payments for confirmed bookings come to your bank account through Stripe, the payment processor. You do not handle cash through Websta unless you choose to. Check Stripe's requirements for Irish bank accounts and make sure your account is set up correctly before your first client pays.

What to check before you start

Before you take your first Websta booking, go through this checklist. Register as self-employed with Revenue if you have not already. Check whether your service requires specific qualifications or insurance, and get these if they do. Make sure your workspace - whether a salon, mobile setup, or home - is suitable and complies with local rules. Set up your bank account for Stripe payments. Write down your services, prices, and availability. Take at least one good photo. Then set your profile to live and start accepting bookings or quote requests.