Beauty specialist profile on Websta: guide for Malta

What your profile page should contain

Your Websta profile acts as your own website. It has a profile photo, your name or business name, location, and a description of what you do. Clients in Malta search the marketplace by service type and area, so they see your profile when they look for beauty specialists near them.

Add a clear list of the services you offer - for example: hair cutting, colouring, styling, nail extensions, gel manicure, pedicure, facials, waxing, or massage. Be specific about what you do. Each service can have its own description.

Upload photos of your work. For beauty services, this means before-and-after shots, close-ups of nails or skin, or photos of clients' finished hair (with permission). Quality matters more than quantity. Five to ten good photos work better than twenty blurry ones.

Set up either online booking or quote requests. Online booking lets clients book a time slot directly; quote requests let them describe what they need and you reply with a price and availability. You decide which suits your work - many beauty specialists use both.

Languages for your profile

Malta is bilingual: Maltese and English are both official languages. Most Websta users search in the language they prefer. If you speak both, publish your profile in both languages - your service descriptions, opening hours, and any text clients see. If you speak only one, choose English; it will reach more of the local search market.

Your name and location appear in both languages anyway, so add translations of your service titles and descriptions. Use clear, short language. Clients skim profiles quickly.

How clients search for beauty services in Malta

People use the Websta marketplace at /marketplace/beauty to find beauty specialists. They filter by service type (if they know what they need) and by location (their town or the whole country). They scroll through profiles, look at photos, read service descriptions, and check availability or send quote requests.

Because Malta is small, location matters less than in larger countries. A specialist in Valletta might work with clients from Sliema, Mosta, or Zejtun, especially for services that don't require a visit to a salon or studio. Your profile should mention where clients meet you - in a salon, at home, or on-site - and whether you travel.

Clients also post tasks in the marketplace, describing a job they need done and asking for offers from providers. If you opt in, your profile can receive these requests. Some beauty specialists respond to posted tasks; others prefer to use online booking only. You choose what works for you.

Working as an independent beauty specialist in Malta

As an independent provider - sole trader or self-employed - you need to register with the tax authority and get a business registration. Check the current requirements with Inland Revenue Malta or your accountant, as rules can change. You must pay income tax and, if your turnover exceeds the threshold, VAT. The threshold and rate should be confirmed with the tax authority.

If you work from home or rent a salon chair, check your local lease or tenancy agreement - some prohibit business activity. If you work in a salon, you may be employed rather than independent, which affects tax and social security.

Card payments through Websta go to your own bank account via Stripe. You receive the money, not Websta. Make sure your bank account is in your name and set up for business transactions. Keep records of all payments for tax purposes.

Professional indemnity or public liability insurance is worth checking - ask your insurer whether you need it for your specific service. Some beauty services have regulatory requirements; for example, if you use certain chemicals or procedures, there may be health and safety rules. Check with the health authority or your trade association.

What to do in your first hour

Start by uploading a clear profile photo - a professional headshot or a photo of you at work. Write a one-sentence description of what you do: 'Hairdressing, colouring and styling' or 'Gel nails and extensions' is enough.

Add your location and choose whether to offer online booking or quote requests. If online booking, set your available days and times. If quote requests, write a brief sentence inviting clients to describe their needs.

Upload three to five photos of your best work. If you're just starting, take new photos of a practice session or ask a friend to model. Even simple shots are better than none.

List your main services. You can add more detail later, but start with the core ones you do most. Write descriptions in the language or languages you use with clients.

Add your contact information - phone number, email, or a link to your other social media if you have them. Websta includes a contact form on your profile, but some clients prefer direct contact.

Review the profile as a client would see it. Read the text for typos, check the photo order, and test the booking or quote form. You can edit everything later, so don't wait for it to be perfect.

Why a Websta profile matters for beauty specialists

A profile on Websta is different from a social media account. It's a dedicated profile where clients specifically look for your service. Unlike Instagram or Facebook, where you compete with entertainment and advertising, the marketplace is where people go when they want to book or hire. They're actively searching.

You control your availability, pricing, and which services you offer. You own the direct relationship with the client - their contact information comes to you, not through a third party. Payments go to your bank account, not held by a platform.

For a beauty specialist in Malta, a small country where word-of-mouth is strong, being visible to people searching nearby makes a real difference. A profile with good photos and clear information lets clients find you when they're ready to book.