Health practitioner profile page in New Zealand: what to include

What goes on your profile page

Your Websta profile page works as a basic website. It shows your name, the town or area where you work, the services you offer, photos, and a way for people to contact you or book time with you. You set your own prices and decide how you want people to reach you - through a contact form, a booking system, or both.

Include a clear description of what you do. If you specialise - for example, sports injury treatment, fertility counselling, or postnatal massage - say so. Write in plain language about what your clients can expect. Add your qualifications and how long you have been practising. If you have liability insurance or professional registration, mention it.

Photos matter. Include at least one photo of yourself and photos of your workspace if clients visit you in person. If you work on-site at a clinic or practice, show that space. The photos help people decide whether they are comfortable working with you.

Services and booking options

List each service you offer separately. For each one, write a short description - what it is, who it suits, and how long it takes. Add the price you charge. If you offer different lengths of session (for example, a 30-minute and a 60-minute option), list both.

Decide how you want to take bookings. Websta lets you set up online booking so people can reserve time with you directly. You can also choose to ask for a quote request - people describe what they need, and you reply to them. Some practitioners use both: online booking for regular appointments and quote requests for one-off or complex work. If you do not want online booking, people can contact you through a contact form.

Make clear where you work. Do clients come to you, do you travel to them, or both. If you see people online via video call, say that too.

Language and location

Publish your profile in English, the language most people in New Zealand search in. If you also work in te reo Maori or another language, you can add that information in your service descriptions or your profile text.

Websta lets you set your location. You can pick one town or suburb where you work, or if you work across a wider area - for example, you travel to clients in several towns - you can note that in your profile description. People search by location, so being clear about where you are or where you travel helps them find you.

How people find health practitioners in New Zealand

On Websta, people search for health practitioners by the service they need and the place they are in. If someone in Auckland searches for 'massage', they see practitioners who offer massage in or near Auckland. If someone in Christchurch searches for 'counselling', they see counsellors in or near Christchurch.

Most people also search online using Google or other search engines. They search for phrases like 'acupuncturist near me' or 'physiotherapist in Wellington'. Having a Websta profile that shows up when people search on Google, and being listed on Websta's marketplace where people look for local services, helps you reach people who are actively looking for what you offer.

People in New Zealand also ask friends and family for recommendations, and they look at online reviews and ratings. Once you have a profile, encourage clients to leave feedback if they are happy with your work.

What you need to sort out as an independent provider

Before you set up your profile, check what legal requirements apply to your work. Some health practitioner roles are regulated by law in New Zealand - for example, registered nurses, midwives, and psychologists must be registered with their professional body. Check with your regulatory authority to confirm whether your role is regulated and what you need to do.

You will need a business bank account where Websta can pay out the money your clients pay you. Websta processes payments through Stripe, which transfers the funds to your own bank account. Your bank will tell you what you need to open a business account.

Check whether you need business insurance. Many health practitioners carry liability insurance to cover claims from clients. Talk to an insurance broker or your professional body about what cover you need. You may also need to register for tax purposes - check the Inland Revenue website or talk to an accountant.

Make sure your workspace complies with health and safety standards if clients visit you. If you work from home, check that your setup is safe and hygienic. If you work in a shared clinic space, the clinic operator is usually responsible for overall compliance, but you are responsible for your own area.

What to write in your first hour

Start with your name, your location, and a one-sentence description of what you do. For example: 'I offer remedial massage in Dunedin for people with work-related muscle tension and sports injuries.' This takes five minutes and helps people understand immediately whether you can help them.

Next, list your main services with a brief description and price for each. Do not overthink the wording - describe what you actually do. Write the time each service takes and note any contraindications or restrictions (for example, 'not suitable during pregnancy' or 'best for people over 18').

Add a few sentences about your qualifications and experience. How long have you been practising. What training did you do. Are you a member of a professional body. This builds trust.

Upload one photo of yourself and, if you have it, one photo of your workspace. If you do not have good photos yet, take a few on your phone or plan to add them soon. The profile works without photos, but they help.

Write a short sentence about where and how people can meet you - for example, 'I see clients at my clinic in central Wellington, Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm' or 'I travel to clients' homes in the greater Auckland area.' This saves time for people checking whether you work in their area.

After you set up your profile

Once your profile is live, you can add more detail gradually. Build up a portfolio of before-and-after photos if your work involves visible changes. Add testimonials from clients who are happy to be quoted. Update your availability if your hours change. Keep your profile current so people see accurate information.

Websta sends you notifications when people contact you or request a quote. Respond promptly - people are usually looking for a provider they can reach soon. If you use online booking, manage your calendar so your availability stays up to date and people do not book time you are not available.