Beauty specialist profile on Websta: what to include in Japan

What your Websta profile page should contain

Your profile acts as a basic website. It shows your registered trade name, the town or city where you work, and lets customers contact you or book time with you. Fill in every section that matches your work: add a short description of what you do, the specific services you offer (for example, nail care, skin treatments, hair styling, or makeup), and photos of your work or workspace.

Photos matter. Customers decide quickly whether to contact you based on what they see. Include clear images of services you provide, results of your work, or your workspace if it is clean and welcoming. A photo of yourself is useful so people know who they are booking with.

Add all the services you offer as separate items. For each one, write a clear description of what the customer gets and how long the appointment takes. If you offer different versions of a service (for example, basic and detailed nail work), list them separately so customers can choose.

Set up online booking if you want customers to reserve time slots themselves, or use the quote request option if you prefer to discuss details before confirming. Both options can work depending on how you like to take appointments.

Languages to publish in

Publish your profile in Japanese. Most customers searching for beauty services in Japan use Japanese, and you will reach more people this way. If you speak English and want to work with international customers (expatriates or tourists), you can add an English version of your key information - service names, descriptions, and how to contact you - but Japanese is essential.

Keep descriptions short and direct. Write what you do, not how special you are. For example: 'Nail care including manicure and gel extension' works better than longer marketing text.

How customers search for beauty services in Japan

People looking for beauty services in Japan search by the type of service they need (nail care, hair, skincare, makeup) and by location. Websta lets customers search the marketplace by service category and place. You appear in results when someone searches for a beauty specialist in your town or city.

Customers also look by posting a task in the marketplace: they describe what they need, and providers - including you - can make offers. This works well if you want to take on new types of work or reach people who are not yet sure who to book with.

What to sort out as an independent provider

Before you start taking customers through Websta, check the rules where you work. Japan has local business regulations, and requirements can differ between cities and prefectures. Contact your local municipal office (市役所 or 区役所) or chamber of commerce to confirm: whether you need to register as a business, whether your type of beauty work requires any license or training certificate, whether you need insurance, and what tax obligations you have.

If you work from home, check local zoning rules - some areas restrict home-based businesses. If you rent a space, check your lease for any limits on how you can use it.

Websta processes payments through Stripe. You will need a Japanese bank account where Stripe can deposit customer payments. Set this up before you start taking bookings.

Keep simple records of your work: who you saw, what service you provided, and when. This helps you manage your schedule and meet tax requirements.

What to write in the first hour

Start with the essentials. Write your name or business name, your location (city or town), and a one-sentence description of what you do: for example, 'Nail care and gel extensions' or 'Skin treatments and facials'. Add your contact details - phone number and email address - so customers can reach you.

List your main services. Write three to five core services you offer most often. For each one, write two or three sentences explaining what it includes and roughly how long it takes. Do not leave this vague.

Upload at least three clear photos. If you have photos of your work or workspace, use them. If not, take some now: good lighting matters. Photos do not need to be professional, but they should be clear and show what customers will get.

Set up how customers can contact you - choose online booking, quote requests, or both. If you choose quote requests, customers will send you a description of what they need and you can reply to discuss.

This basic setup takes about an hour and is enough to go live. You can add more details, more photos, and more services later.

After you go live

Respond to customer messages quickly. People decide whether to book based on how fast you reply. Aim to answer within a few hours.

Keep your photos and service descriptions up to date. If you add a new service or change what you offer, update your profile.

Ask customers for feedback. Over time, this helps you understand what works and what customers value most.