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

What sections your profile should have

Your Websta profile works like a small website. It has a main profile page where people see who you are, where you work, and what you offer. The core sections are your services, photos of your work, your location or service area, a way for people to contact you or request a quote, and online booking if you want to offer it.

Start with a clear description of what you do. Are you offering hedge trimming, garden design, lawn care, tree work, planting, or a mix. List the specific services you provide so people know what to expect. Websta lets you set prices for services or leave them open for quote-based work - many gardeners in Ireland use quotes because jobs vary so much by size and scope.

Photos are essential for gardening work. Include before-and-after shots of gardens you have worked on, close-ups of plants or finished beds, and landscape views of the space you designed or improved. People choose gardeners largely by seeing previous work, so upload your best images.

Your location or service area tells people where you work. You can serve one town or travel across a county or region - set what fits your schedule and travel time. People in Ireland search by place, so being clear about where you cover helps the right customers find you.

• Services list with descriptions
• Photos of completed work
• Service area or towns you cover
• Contact form for quote requests
• Online booking option (if you want it)

Languages to publish in

Publish your profile in English. Most customers and other providers in Ireland search and communicate in English, so that is the practical choice. If you work with speakers of other languages, you can note that in your profile description, but the main content should be in English so people can find and understand your services easily.

How people in Ireland search for gardeners

People in Ireland find gardeners on Websta by using the marketplace at /marketplace/garden. They enter their location - a town or county - and browse gardeners nearby. They can also post a task describing a specific job they need done, and gardeners in that area can make offers on it.

Because customers search by place, the location and service area you set on your profile are important. A gardener in Cork who covers Cork city and surrounding villages should say so clearly, because someone searching for a gardener in Kinsale will want to know if you travel that distance.

Customers also look at photos, services listed, and how you describe your experience. A profile with clear images and a straightforward service list will stand out. If you have been working in the area for years, mention that - it builds trust.

What to sort out as an independent gardener in Ireland

As an independent gardener working for yourself, check the following with your local authority or Revenue Commissioners to make sure you are set up correctly.

You will need a PPS number and must register as self-employed with Revenue if your gardening income is above the threshold. Contact your local Revenue office or check revenue.ie for current rules.

Check if you need public liability insurance for gardening work. Many customers expect this, and it protects you if someone is injured or property is damaged while you work. Talk to an insurance broker who covers tradespeople.

Some garden work requires specific qualifications or certificates - for example, if you use pesticides or work with chainsaws for tree work, there may be training or licensing requirements. Your local authority or relevant trade body can tell you what applies to your work.

Set up a business bank account separate from your personal account so your finances are clear for tax purposes. When customers pay through Websta using card payments, the money goes to your own bank account via Stripe - you keep the money, minus Websta's service charge.

Check if you need any permits for the type of garden work you do, especially if you work on public land or protected areas. This varies by county, so ask your local council.

What to write in your first hour

When you open your Websta profile, focus on the essentials to go live quickly, then improve it over time.

Write a short paragraph about yourself and what you do. For example: 'I am a gardener based in Galway with 8 years of experience in garden design, planting, and maintenance. I work with small gardens and larger landscaping projects across Galway city and surrounding areas.' Keep it honest and specific.

List your main services. Write three to five services you offer most often: lawn care, hedge trimming, garden design, planting, garden cleanup. Add a short description to each so people understand what it includes.

Add your location or service area. Say the town or county you cover and, if relevant, how far you travel.

Upload at least three photos. They can be from your phone - show a garden before and after work, or a completed planting project. Even a few clear images help more than no photos.

Set up a contact form or quote request option so people can reach you. Websta handles this for you.

Do not worry about perfect wording at this stage. As you get inquiries, you will learn what questions people ask and can update your description to answer them. Many successful profiles evolve over weeks and months as you add more photos and refine what you offer.

Payments and keeping money you earn

When a customer pays for your service through Websta, the payment is processed by Stripe and goes into your own bank account - the bank account details you provide when you sign up. You handle the money, not Websta. Websta takes a service charge for connecting you with the customer and handling the payment system, but the rest is yours to manage and declare to Revenue as income.

Keep records of all work and payments for tax purposes. Because you are self-employed, you will need these records when you file your tax return.

Next steps

Set up your profile with the basics, go live, and start responding to inquiries. As you work with customers, ask if they would mind if you photograph their garden - this gives you real examples to add to your profile. Over time, a portfolio of your work becomes your strongest marketing tool.

If you are unsure about any legal or tax requirement, contact your local Revenue office, local authority, or a business advisor in Ireland. Websta support can help you with profile setup, but questions about registration, insurance, and permits are best answered by the relevant Irish authorities.