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

What your profile page should contain

Your Websta profile is the online version of your business card and booking system combined. It replaces the need to have a separate website built from scratch. The core sections you need are straightforward: a profile photo of yourself or your team, a description of what you do, a list of the cleaning services you offer, your contact details, and a way for people to get in touch or book your time.

Start with a clear profile photo. This should be a professional but natural photo of yourself, or if you work with others, a team photo. People want to know who they are inviting into their home. Add at least three to five photos of your work - these might show a clean kitchen, a tidy bedroom, a spotless bathroom, or a living room after you have finished. These photos should be real examples of spaces you have cleaned, not stock images.

Your service list is where you tell people what you actually do. Common services for cleaners in Ireland include domestic cleaning, deep cleaning, end-of-tenancy cleaning, office cleaning, carpet cleaning, window cleaning, and one-off cleans. Write out each service with a short description so people understand what is included. For example, if you offer deep cleaning, explain what that means - perhaps it covers cleaning inside appliances, skirting boards, and light fittings.

Photos, languages and booking options

Photos matter because people need to see the quality of your work before they contact you. Aim for clear, well-lit photos that show the finished result. You can add photos to individual services as well as to your overall profile. Make sure the spaces are recognisable - a kitchen, bathroom or office - so potential customers can see what kind of cleaning you do.

On the language question, Ireland is English-speaking. Write your profile in English. If you work in an area with a significant number of Polish, Lithuanian or other language speakers, you could add service descriptions in another language, but this is not essential. Focus on clear, plain English first.

Websta lets customers request a quote or book your time directly from your profile. For cleaning work, most people will want to get a quote first because the job size and scope vary - a one-off clean of a small flat is very different from regular weekly cleaning of a large house. Set up your profile so people can send you a message or request a quote through the contact form. You can also enable online booking if you prefer, though many cleaners find that a quote request first makes more sense for this trade.

How people in Ireland search for cleaners

On Websta, people search by service and location. If someone in Cork needs a cleaner, they go to the cleaning section of the marketplace and search for Cork. They will see profiles of cleaners operating in that area. This means you should make sure your profile clearly states the towns and areas you cover. If you clean homes and offices across Dublin, or you travel to Galway and surrounding villages, say so in your profile description.

People also search on Google and other search engines. When someone types 'cleaner near me' or 'cleaning service Dublin', general search results come up. A Websta profile helps, but it is one of many places where you might be found. The key is to be consistent - same name, same phone number, same description - across wherever you appear online.

Word of mouth still matters a lot in Ireland for this service. Many cleaning jobs come through recommendations from friends and previous customers. Your Websta profile should make it easy for satisfied customers to share your details with others, and it gives you a professional-looking page to send to people when they ask for your information.

Working as an independent cleaner in Ireland

As an independent cleaner, you are likely operating as a sole trader. You should check the current requirements with Revenue, which handles tax and self-employment matters in Ireland. The basics are that you need to register for income tax if your turnover reaches a certain threshold, and you must keep records of income and expenses. These rules can change, so contact Revenue or a local accountant to confirm what applies to your situation right now.

Insurance is important. You should have public liability insurance, which covers you if you accidentally damage someone's property while cleaning. Some customers will ask to see proof of insurance before you start work. Check with an insurance broker about cover that suits your business.

Payment through Websta works via Stripe. When a customer pays by card through Websta, the money goes to your own bank account. You set your own prices for each service. Make sure you understand how and when the payment reaches you, and keep track of all income for tax purposes.

What to write in your first hour

You do not need to have everything perfect before you go live. Start with the essentials. Write a short profile description - two or three sentences about who you are and what you do. For example: 'I offer domestic and deep cleaning across Dublin and surrounding areas. I work on a flexible schedule and can do one-off cleans or regular weekly visits. All cleaning is done to a high standard with attention to detail.'

Add your key services. List five to eight services you offer, with a single-line description of each. Do not overcomplicate it. Then add at least one good photo of yourself and one or two photos of your work. Set up your contact details and enable the quote request function so people can get in touch.

Once your basic profile is live, you can add more photos, refine your descriptions, and adjust your service list based on the enquiries you receive. Many cleaners find that getting online and visible matters more than having a perfect profile from day one.

Finding and serving your area

Ireland has 26 counties and many towns and villages. When you set up your profile, be clear about your service area. Do you cover one town, a whole county, or multiple counties. Do you travel to customers, or do customers come to you. Most domestic cleaners travel to their customers' homes, so state the towns and areas you serve. If you cover a large area, list the main towns and say you work in surrounding areas too.

Websta shows your profile to people searching in your area. If you clean in Limerick, set your location to Limerick. If you serve Cork city and nearby villages, say so in your description. The more specific and honest you are about your coverage, the more relevant enquiries you will get.