How to set up a consultant profile on Websta in Canada

What goes on a consultant profile

Your Websta profile is your shop window. Start with a clear heading that says what you do - for example, 'Business strategy consultant' or 'HR consultant for startups'. Add a photo of yourself, ideally a professional headshot, so people know who they are contacting.

Write a short description of who you are and what problems you solve. Keep it plain and specific. Say what kinds of clients you work with, what industries you know, or what results you typically help with. Avoid jargon that only other consultants would understand.

List your services as separate items. Each service should have a name, a brief explanation of what it includes, and any details about how you deliver it - for example, whether it is by video call, in-person, or email. Add a photo for each service if you can; this helps people understand what they are buying.

Languages and reach across Canada

Canada has two official languages, English and French. If you work only in one language, publish your profile in that language and say so clearly. If you speak both, consider publishing in both. This affects who can find you and who will contact you.

Websta works across Canada. When you set up your profile, you choose your location - your city or town, and your province. People search by service type and place, so make sure your location is correct. If you work with clients across Canada or remotely, mention that in your description so people know you are available to them even if they are far away.

How people search for consultants

On the Websta marketplace, people search by the type of service they need - 'management consultant', 'marketing consultant', 'financial consultant' - and by location. They can also post a task describing what they need, and you can make an offer on it.

Make sure your service titles match what people search for. If you call yourself a 'strategy advisor' but people search for 'business consultant', consider using the word they search for, or both. Look at similar profiles in your city to see what language they use.

Most people who search are in or near your town or city. If you are based in a small town but willing to travel or work remotely, say that in your profile. This opens you up to more inquiries.

Booking and payment when you work independently

Websta lets you offer either online booking (for fixed services with set times) or quote requests (for custom work). As a consultant, quote requests often work better because each client's needs are different. A client describes what they need, you make an offer, and you agree on a price before work starts.

Payments go through Stripe to your own bank account. You set the price for each service or quote. Make sure your bank account details are correct in your Websta settings so money reaches you.

Keep records of all work and payments for tax purposes. You will need this information when you file your taxes or register for GST or HST.

Working as an independent consultant in Canada

Canada treats independent consultants as self-employed. You are responsible for registering your business, paying taxes, and arranging insurance. The rules vary by province, so check with your provincial business registry.

Most provinces require you to register a sole proprietorship if you use a business name that is not your own legal name. Some provinces require this registration; others do not. Search your provincial government website for 'business registration' or 'sole proprietor' to find out what applies to you.

You must collect and pay GST or HST if your revenue is above a certain threshold. In 2026, the threshold is CAD 30,000 in a year. Check the Canada Revenue Agency website for current rules and registration requirements.

Consider getting liability insurance. Many clients ask for proof of insurance before they hire you, especially if you work with businesses. Check what your provincial insurance regulator recommends for consultants.

What to do in your first hour

Write a short bio - three to four sentences that say what you do, who you work with, and what you have helped people achieve. Be specific; 'I help small manufacturers improve their supply chain efficiency' is better than 'I am a business consultant'.

Choose a clear photo. A headshot in decent light works best. Avoid blurry photos or pictures taken in bad lighting.

List three to five core services you offer. For each one, write the name and one sentence explaining what it is. Add a price or say 'Quote' if you price each project separately.

Write down your location - your city and province - and decide whether you work remotely, in-person, or both. This matters because people search by location.

Create a simple contact message that clients see before they contact you. Something like 'Tell me about your business and what you are trying to solve. I will get back to you within one business day' sets expectations and builds confidence.

Photos and credentials

Add a professional photo of yourself. Clients want to know who they are working with. If you have a headshot, use it. If not, take a simple photo in natural light.

Add photos of your work if you can - for example, a photo of a workshop you ran, a document you created, or a team meeting you facilitated. These help people understand what working with you looks like.

Your Websta profile does not have a dedicated section for degrees or certifications, but you can mention them in your bio or in the description of a service. For example, 'I hold a certificate in change management from [organization]'. Only mention credentials that are relevant to the work you do and that are recognized in Canada.