How to set up a Websta profile as a cleaner in Australia

What to include in your Websta profile as a cleaner

Your profile page is where customers learn about you and decide whether to contact you or request a quote. Fill in every section that applies to your work. Start with a description of what you do: residential cleaning, office cleaning, carpet cleaning, end-of-lease cleaning, or a mix. Be specific about the types of cleaning you offer and the kinds of spaces you work in, because customers search for cleaners by the service they need.

Add photos of your work if you have them. A few clear photos of cleaned spaces, your equipment, or your team at work build trust. Avoid photos that show customers' faces or private details without permission.

List your services with a brief description of each one. For example, weekly house cleaning, one-off deep cleans, window cleaning, or commercial office cleaning. Customers browse by service type and location, so being clear helps them find you.

Set up your contact details and location. You can serve multiple towns or suburbs, or one area - enter the main areas where you work. The booking and quote request systems let customers reach you directly from your profile.

• Profile description: what you clean and where
• Photos of your cleaned spaces
• List of services with descriptions
• Contact details and service areas
• Booking or quote request option

Languages for your profile in Australia

English is the default language for profiles in Australia. Write your profile in English to reach the widest audience. If you work in areas with large communities that speak other languages, you can translate key sections of your profile into those languages as well, but English should be your main text. Check Websta's language options when you set up your profile.

How customers search for cleaners in Australia

Customers on Websta find cleaners by searching the marketplace for their service and location. They can search for 'cleaning' in their suburb or town, or browse nearby providers. Some customers post a task describing the job - the size of the space, type of cleaning, preferred dates - and providers make offers. Others look at profiles directly and contact the cleaner.

People also search for specific types of cleaning: house cleaning, end-of-lease cleaning, office cleaning, or carpet cleaning. The more clearly you describe what you do, the easier it is for the right customers to find you. Your profile appears in search results for your service areas across Australia.

What you need to know about working as an independent cleaner in Australia

If you work as a sole trader or self-employed cleaner in Australia, you need an ABN (Australian Business Number) to operate legally. You can apply for an ABN through the ATO (Australian Taxation Office) website. Most customers will ask for your ABN before hiring you.

You must register for GST (Goods and Services Tax) if your turnover reaches the threshold set by the ATO. Check the current threshold on the ATO website because it changes. If you register, you add GST to your prices and pay it to the ATO.

Public liability insurance is not legally required in all states, but many customers - especially commercial clients and property managers - will ask for proof of it before they hire you. Check your state's requirements and ask about insurance when you set up your business.

Keep records of your income and expenses for tax purposes. You must lodge tax returns each year if you're self-employed. The ATO website has guides for small business owners.

Payment terms depend on you and your customer. Websta uses Stripe to handle card payments, and money goes to your own bank account. You set your own prices and payment arrangements with each customer.

What to write in your first hour

When you set up your profile, start with the essentials so customers can find you quickly.

First, write a short description of your cleaning business in 2-3 sentences. Say what you clean (houses, offices, rental properties) and where you work (one suburb, multiple areas, or 'across Australia').

Second, list 3-5 core services you offer. For each service, write one sentence about what it includes. Examples: 'Weekly house cleaning - bathrooms, kitchens, living areas, vacuum and mop', or 'End-of-lease cleaning - complete clean of all rooms, ready for inspection'.

Third, add your main contact details and the suburbs or towns where you work. This ensures customers in your area can reach you.

Fourth, upload 2-4 photos of your work if you have them. They do not need to be professional - clear photos of cleaned rooms or spaces matter more than style.

Fifth, choose whether customers can book directly (if you offer set times) or request a quote (if jobs vary). Most cleaners prefer quote requests so they can discuss the job first.

Profile completeness and visibility

The more information you add to your profile, the more likely customers will contact you. Profiles with photos, clear service descriptions, and contact details get more inquiries than empty ones. After your first hour, spend time refining your photos and adding details about your experience or special skills - for example, eco-friendly cleaning, pet-safe products, or ability to work after hours.