How to build a gardener profile on Websta in Belgium

What your profile page should contain

Your profile page is where customers learn who you are and what you do. It replaces the need for a separate website and sits in the Websta marketplace at /marketplace/garden.

Start with a clear description of your gardening services. Say what you actually do - for example, lawn maintenance, hedge trimming, garden design, planting, weeding, or seasonal cleanup. Be specific rather than general. Customers search for particular tasks, so mention the types of work you take on.

Add photos of your work. Show gardens or specific tasks you have completed. Photos matter more than words for this trade. Include images that show the before state if possible, or the finished result. Customers want to see what quality looks like to you.

Set up a contact form so people can ask questions. Many customers will want to discuss their garden before booking or requesting a quote. Make sure you can be reached by phone or email and respond within a day.

Decide whether to offer online booking for standard services (like a lawn cut) or quote requests for custom work (like garden redesign). Most gardeners in Belgium use quote requests because each garden is different. Websta lets you choose what works for your business.

Languages to publish in

Belgium has three official language communities: Dutch in Flanders (north), French in Wallonia (south), and German in a small eastern region. Where you work and who your customers are will guide your choice.

If you work in Flanders, use Dutch. If you work in Wallonia, use French. If you work near the German-speaking region or serve both communities, you can publish in both languages on Websta. English can help if you serve expat communities, but it is not necessary for most local work.

Keep your description simple and clear in whichever language you choose. Avoid technical jargon. A customer should understand immediately what you offer.

How people search for gardeners in Belgium

Customers in Belgium look for gardeners by entering the type of work they need and their location into the Websta marketplace. They search by service - 'lawn mowing', 'garden maintenance', 'tree trimming' - and by town or neighbourhood.

Many customers do not know exactly what they need, so they post a task describing their garden situation and asking for offers. This works well for custom jobs. You would see their task and decide whether to make an offer.

Others browse profiles of gardeners near them and click to see your photos and services. This is why a clear profile with good images is important. If someone lives in your area and your photos show work similar to theirs, they are likely to contact you.

Working as an independent gardener in Belgium

As an independent gardener (self-employed, sole trader, or 'indépendant'), you need to register with the local authorities in Belgium. The process and rules differ slightly between the Flemish region, Wallonia, and the German-speaking community. Check with your local town hall or consult the relevant regional government office for exact requirements.

You will need a business registration number (Numéro d'entreprise / Ondernemingsnummer). This is required to legally offer services and invoice customers. You also need to register for VAT (TVA / BTW) unless you are below the turnover threshold - check the current threshold with your regional tax authority.

You are responsible for your own insurance. Public liability insurance is important in case you damage a customer's property. Some customers may require proof of insurance before you start work.

As an independent, you keep control of your prices. You set the rate for each service or quote. Websta does not take commission on what you earn; payments from customers go directly to your own bank account through Stripe.

Keep records of your income and expenses for tax purposes. You will file an annual tax return and may owe income tax and social security contributions depending on your earnings. A bookkeeper or accountant can help, especially in your first year.

What to write in your first hour

You do not need perfection to start. Set up your profile with the basics and improve it as you go.

First, write a short description of what you do - aim for three to five sentences. Example: 'I offer lawn maintenance, hedge trimming, and garden cleanup for residential gardens in [your town and nearby areas]. I work year-round and focus on neat, healthy results.' Say where you work geographically.

Second, upload two to four clear photos of your completed work. These can be from a phone camera. Show a lawn, a trimmed hedge, a planted bed, or a cleared garden space. Photos do more than words.

Third, add your contact information and say how quickly you respond. Example: 'Call or message me to discuss your garden. I reply within 24 hours.'

Fourth, choose whether you want customers to book directly (if you offer standard services at fixed prices) or request a quote (if each job is custom). Most gardeners use quote requests.

That is enough to start. You can add more photos, list specific services with descriptions, and refine your text over the next few weeks as inquiries come in.

Payment and money matters

When a customer books or pays through Websta, the payment goes through Stripe into your own bank account. You receive the money directly; Websta does not hold it. Make sure your Stripe account is set up and linked to your Belgian bank account before you take bookings.

You can set your own prices for each service or quote. You decide the rate. If you work on quote requests, you make an offer to each customer based on the job scope.

Keep track of what you earn for tax and accounting purposes. Your income counts toward your annual tax return.

Getting found by customers near you

Your location is key. When you create your profile, specify your town and the areas you serve. Customers search by location first, so being clear about where you work helps people find you.

Your photos are your best advertisement. A portfolio of your work is more persuasive than a long description. Take time to photograph results that matter to you - neat lawns, healthy plantings, cleared spaces.

A full, complete profile (with description, photos, and contact details) ranks higher in customer searches than an empty one. Fill in all sections, even if you start simple.