Builders and renovators: set up your Websta profile in Ireland

What your Websta profile page should contain

Your Websta profile acts as a simple website that lives in the Websta marketplace and on the broader internet. It should include a clear description of what you do - for example, whether you handle full renovations, extensions, roofing, plumbing and heating, electrical work, decorating, or specialist trades. Customers in Ireland search by service type and by area, so specificity helps.

Add at least five to ten photos of your completed work. Include before-and-after shots where possible, photos of finished kitchens or bathrooms, exterior work, or structural projects. Photos are what make customers take you seriously. If you have recent work, use that; older photos still show capability.

Publish in English. Most customers in Ireland search in English, and it is the standard for business. Unless you specifically serve Irish-speaking communities, English is sufficient.

Include a services section where you list what you offer - for example, kitchen renovation, bathroom refitting, loft conversion, damp treatment, roof repair, joinery, plastering, tiling, or general contracting. You set the descriptions.

Add a contact form and booking or quote-request option. Most customers want to request a quote before committing, so offer a form where they can describe their project, upload photos or sketches, and ask you to get back to them. Some may also want to book a site visit or consultation directly if you prefer to manage availability that way.

How customers search for builders and renovators in Ireland

Customers in Ireland use the Websta marketplace by entering a service type (for example, 'kitchen renovation' or 'general builder') and a location - their town, county, or postcode. The marketplace then shows providers nearby.

Customers also post tasks describing their project - 'I need a bathroom fitted in Cork' or 'I'm looking for someone to repair my roof in Galway' - and providers can make offers on those tasks. This is a way for customers to get several quotes at once, and for you to find work.

Search engine visibility matters too. If your Websta profile ranks for searches like 'builder near Limerick' or 'kitchen renovator in Dublin', customers who use Google will find you. Your profile URL, service descriptions, and location information help with that.

What to sort out as an independent builder or renovator

Before you take on work through Websta or anywhere else, make sure your business status is clear with the Revenue Commissioners. If you are self-employed, you need a tax registration number (RIF). If you trade as a limited company, you need a company registration number with the Companies Registration Office. Check with the Revenue if you are unsure which applies to you.

Depending on the work you do, you may need specific qualifications or registrations. For electrical work, your electrician must be registered with Safe Electric Ireland (SEAI) or hold an equivalent qualification. For gas work, registration with the Gas Safe Register or a recognised equivalent is required. For other trades - plumbing, heating, carpentry, plastering - check with your local authority or industry body whether certification or registration is mandatory in your area.

Public liability insurance is essential. If something goes wrong on a customer's property - you damage something, someone is injured - liability insurance protects you and gives the customer confidence. Most providers in this trade carry it.

Payment through Websta uses Stripe, which processes card payments from customers and pays out to your own bank account. You will need a business or personal bank account in Ireland. Check that Stripe is available for your bank.

Keep records of your work - invoices, receipts, photos - for tax purposes and for building your portfolio on your Websta profile.

What to write in your first hour

Start with a clear headline and description of what you do. Write one or two sentences: 'I carry out full house renovations, extensions, and kitchen and bathroom installations across Cork and the surrounding area' or 'I specialise in roof repairs and maintenance for residential properties in Dublin and Meath.' Be honest about your service area - customers search by location, so it is better to be specific than to claim you serve the whole country if you do not.

List your main services as bullet points or short lines. Include the types of work you do most often. If you also take on smaller jobs - decorating, repairs, minor plumbing - mention that too.

Add a contact note if there is anything customers should know - for example, that you prefer to visit sites before quoting, or that you work mainly on residential projects, or that you are available for emergency work.

Upload at least three photos of your work. If you have recent job photos, use those. If not, start with photos that show quality work, even if they are a few years old. You can add more photos later.

Activate your quote request form or booking calendar. This is what lets customers get in touch. You do not need to have every detail perfect; customers will contact you if they are interested, and you can answer their questions then.

Building your profile over time

After you have set up your basic profile, add more detail as you take on work. Each completed project is a chance to take photos and add them to your portfolio. Over time, a strong photo gallery is what makes customers trust you.

Keep your service descriptions accurate and update them if your focus changes. If you start taking on a new type of work - say, renewable energy installations - add that to your services.

Respond to customer enquiries promptly. On Websta and elsewhere, people remember providers who reply quickly and professionally.

Where customers find you

Your Websta profile appears in the Websta marketplace when customers search for your services and location. The marketplace is live for builders and renovators in Ireland. You can also share your profile link with customers, on business cards, or in conversations with other tradespeople and property professionals who may recommend you.

Over time, your profile may also appear in search engines when someone searches for a builder or renovator in your area. This happens naturally as your profile gets indexed and gains visibility.