Interior designer profile page in New Zealand: what to set up

What your profile page should contain

Your Websta profile is your storefront. Start with a clear profile photo - a professional headshot works better than a logo if you are a sole trader. Write a short description of who you are and what you do. Mention your experience, design style, or the types of projects you take on, whether residential, commercial, or both.

Add a services section. List the specific services you offer: full interior design, colour consultation, space planning, furniture selection, project management, or styling. Be honest about what you do and do not do. If you specialise in certain styles - minimalist, traditional, contemporary - say so.

Photos are important. Upload images of completed projects. Show before-and-after photos if you have them, or finished spaces that show your work. Interior design is visual, so the quality and relevance of your photos matters more than the number. Clients want to see whether your aesthetic matches what they are looking for.

Set up a booking or quote request option. Many interior design projects start with a consultation, so you might offer initial consultations by booking, or you might ask clients to submit a brief form describing their project so you can respond with a quote. Websta lets you choose what works for you.

Languages to publish in

Publish your profile in English. That is the main language clients in New Zealand will use to search. If you are fluent in te reo Maori or another language spoken in your area, you can add it, but English is the priority. Keep descriptions clear and straightforward.

How clients search for interior designers in New Zealand

Clients in New Zealand use Websta's marketplace to find interior designers by searching their location and the service. They can search by suburb or city. If you cover multiple areas - Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or regions - make sure your profile is visible across those locations. You can set your service radius or the towns you cover.

Some clients will also post a task describing their project and what they need. Interior designers nearby can then view the task and make an offer. This gives you a way to find work beyond people who search for you directly.

Word of mouth still matters. If you have built a reputation locally, clients may search for your name directly. A Websta profile means you show up when they do.

What to check as an independent interior designer

If you work as a sole trader or self-employed interior designer, confirm your tax obligations with Inland Revenue. Interior design typically requires you to register for GST if your turnover is above the threshold, and you must file tax returns. Check the current requirements on the Inland Revenue website.

If you offer any work that involves building advice or structural changes, be aware that certain services may require professional qualifications or membership in a professional body. Colour consultation and styling do not require specific credentials, but if your work overlaps with architecture or building design, verify what applies to your work.

Insurance is worth considering. Professional indemnity insurance covers your liability if a client is unhappy with your work. Check with an insurance broker about what coverage makes sense for your business.

Payments and payouts

When a client books or hires you through Websta, payment is processed through Stripe and paid to your own bank account. You set your own prices, and you receive the payment directly. Make sure your Stripe account is linked to a New Zealand bank account so payouts work smoothly.

What to write in your first hour

Start with your profile photo and a short bio. Write two or three sentences about what you do and what you specialise in. This should take ten minutes.

List your main services - the five to ten things you offer most often. Be specific. Instead of 'design services', write 'residential interior design', 'colour consultation', 'furniture specification'. This takes another ten minutes.

Upload your best three to five project photos. If you do not have photos of completed work yet, use images that show the style you work in or the spaces you have designed. Photos need a title or brief description so clients know what they are seeing. Allow twenty minutes for this.

Write a short paragraph on how you work with clients - whether you start with a consultation, require a brief, work on hourly rates or project fees, or how long typical projects take. This sets expectations. This takes ten to fifteen minutes.

Set up a way for clients to contact you. Choose whether you want a booking calendar for consultations, a contact form for quote requests, or both. Follow Websta's setup to connect your available times or email.

Once your profile is live, search for it yourself by location and 'interior designer' to see how it appears to clients. Make sure your phone number and email are correct.

After your profile is live

Check Websta regularly for client messages and task posts. Respond to inquiries within a day or two. If a client sends a task, you have a chance to describe your approach and make an offer.

Update your photos over time. As you finish new projects, add them to your profile. Fresh images keep your profile current.

Keep your description honest. If your style or services change, edit your profile to match. Clients respect accuracy.