Consultant profile page on Websta: how to set one up in New Zealand

What goes on your Websta profile

Your profile page is your online shop front. Clients in New Zealand search for consultants by service type and location, so you need to be clear about what you offer and where you work. Start with a short summary of who you are and what you do - this is the first thing someone sees when they land on your page.

Add a photo of yourself. This builds trust more than text alone. Clients want to know who they will be working with.

List the services you offer, written in plain language. If you offer strategy consulting, financial advisory, business coaching, or any other specialist service, describe each one so someone unfamiliar with your work understands what they are paying for.

Include photos of your workspace if you meet clients in person, or of materials you use (reports, frameworks, examples of past work - not identifiable client data). If you work entirely online, photos might be less relevant, but at least include your headshot.

Add your contact form so clients can get in touch. You can also set up online booking if you offer fixed-length sessions, or quote requests if your work is bespoke.

• A professional headshot
• A summary of your expertise and approach
• A list of specific services
• Your location or the areas you serve
• Contact form and booking or quote request options
• A brief note about your availability or turnaround time

Languages for your profile

Most clients in New Zealand search in English, so publish your profile in English. If you speak te reo Maori and want to reach Maori-owned businesses or clients who prefer that language, add te reo Maori as well. Check Websta's language options to see what you can publish in.

How clients find consultants on Websta

Websta has a marketplace where people search for local service providers by service type and location. When someone in New Zealand searches for 'consultant' or a specific type of consulting service - such as 'business strategy consultant' or 'marketing consultant' - they see profiles sorted by relevance and location. A profile with complete information, a photo, and a clear service list ranks better in these searches.

Clients can also post a task in the marketplace asking for quotes from consultants. You can then make an offer on their job. This is useful if you want to reach people who have not yet looked for you but have a specific need.

Your profile URL stays the same. Clients can find you through marketplace search, or you can share your profile link directly on your website, email signature, or business cards.

What to check about working independently in New Zealand

As an independent consultant, you are responsible for your own tax and legal obligations. New Zealand has different rules depending on whether you are a sole trader, in a partnership, or operating as a company. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) website has guidance on these structures.

You will need to register for GST if your turnover is above the threshold - check the current threshold on the IRD website as it changes. Keep records of your invoices and expenses.

Some consulting work may require professional qualifications or membership of a professional body, depending on your field. For example, financial advisors must be licensed. Check whether your specialty has these requirements with the relevant regulatory authority.

You need a way to accept payments from clients. Websta uses Stripe for card payments, which pays the money into your own bank account. Make sure your bank account is set up for business use.

What to write in your first hour

Do not try to make your profile perfect before you publish it. Start with the essentials and refine it as you go.

First, write a one-sentence summary of what you do. For example: 'I help small businesses develop growth strategy.' This goes at the top of your profile.

Second, list three to five services you offer. Be specific. Instead of 'consulting', write 'business strategy development' or 'financial planning advice for startups'.

Third, write a short note about how clients can work with you. Do you work by the hour, by project, or by retainer? How long does an initial consultation take? Can they book directly or should they send a message first?

Fourth, upload a clear photo of yourself and one photo of your workspace if relevant.

That is enough to launch. You can add testimonials, case studies, or more photos later as you work with clients.

Booking or quote requests

Decide which method suits your work. If you offer one-off advice sessions of a set length - such as a one-hour strategy call - use online booking. Clients can see your available time slots and book directly. If your work is always different - such as a three-month consulting project that requires a custom proposal - use quote requests. Clients fill in a form describing what they need, and you send them a price.

Getting found across New Zealand

Websta's marketplace covers the whole country, not one city. When you set your location on your profile, make sure it matches where you are based or where you work. If you travel to meet clients or work online with clients across New Zealand, you can note this in your service description. Clients will see your profile in local search results and in marketplace task listings wherever they are in the country.