Do I have to pay a commission to Websta when I get a job?

Websta handles hosting and payments through Stripe. Card payments are processed by Stripe and deposited to your own bank account. You set your own rates. Check the Websta terms to understand any costs before you sign up.

Can I work across the whole UK on a Websta profile, or only in one city?

You can work across multiple areas. When you set up your profile, you link it to a town or region, but your description can say you work nationwide or offer remote services. Be clear about your coverage area so clients know whether to contact you.

Do I need a business licence or registration to work as an IT specialist in the UK?

You need to register with HMRC and handle tax and National Insurance correctly. Whether you are a sole trader, limited company, or partnership affects your obligations. Speak to an accountant or check HMRC guidance for your specific situation.

What should I photograph or show on my profile if I have not worked with clients yet?

Upload a professional photo of yourself and photos of any projects you have completed, even if for yourself or as practice. A screenshot of a website you built, a photo of your workspace, or images that show the type of work you do are better than an empty portfolio. As you gain clients, replace sample work with real projects.

How do clients find IT specialists on Websta in the UK?

Clients search by service type and location in the Websta marketplace at websta.ai/marketplace/tech. They can also post a task and wait for specialists to make offers, or browse the provider directory. Being clear in your profile description about what you do helps people find you.

IT and web specialist profile page on Websta in the United Kingdom

Updated October 21, 2026

What to include on your profile page

Your Websta profile is a dedicated page that acts as a lightweight website. You own the content and control how clients contact you. Start with a clear profile photo - a professional headshot works better than a logo or no image at all.

Add a short description of what you do. For IT and web specialists this might include website design, web development, SEO, hosting support, IT consultancy, network setup, cybersecurity, or software training. Be specific about the services you actually offer rather than listing everything. This helps clients find you when they search for something precise.

Your profile should have a services section where you list what you do. On Websta, you can describe each service and set your own rates. You can also enable online booking for fixed-rate services or ask clients to request a quote if your work varies in scope and price.

Add photos that show your work or your setup. For IT specialists this might be screenshots of websites you have built, photos of your office or workspace, or images that illustrate the type of work you do. Poor quality photos push people away; a phone camera in good light is fine.

Booking and quote requests

Decide which services work best with fixed pricing and online booking, and which need a quote. A web hosting setup or a website health check might have a set price and a quick turnaround - these suit online booking. A full website redesign or IT infrastructure review will vary per client - for these, ask clients to submit a task or quote request instead.

Websta has a built-in contact form where clients can request a quote or ask questions. When someone submits a request, you get notified and can reply directly. This is how most clients will reach out for larger or custom jobs.

Card payments come through Stripe, which deposits money into your bank account. You set your own rates and receive payment directly - there is no commission or hidden fee structure to check.

How clients find IT specialists in the United Kingdom

In the UK, people search for IT and web specialists in several ways. Some use Google with location terms - 'web developer London', 'IT support Manchester', or 'website designer near me'. Others look in local business directories and online marketplaces. Websta serves the second route: clients in the UK can search by service type and location to find providers.

Websta has a marketplace section where people can post a task - for example, 'I need a website built for my small business' - and specialists can make offers. Others browse the provider directory by service category and location. The marketplace is at websta.ai/marketplace/tech.

Because you control your profile content, make sure your description and services match what people actually search for. If you specialise in e-commerce sites, say so. If you focus on WordPress support or custom development, be clear about it.

Language and location on your profile

Publish your profile in English - that is the language most UK clients will use to search and communicate. You can include other languages if you work with multilingual clients, but English should be your main language.

Your profile will be linked to a specific town or region when you set it up. If you work across multiple areas of the UK - for example, if you offer remote services - make sure your profile description says so. Clients search by location, so being clear about your coverage area helps them find you or know you are outside their area.

What to sort out as an independent provider in the UK

Working as an independent IT specialist or web professional in the UK, you need to be registered with HM Revenue and Customs for tax purposes and comply with National Insurance contributions. The rules depend on whether you are a sole trader, a limited company, or run a partnership. Check the HMRC website or speak to an accountant about your specific situation.

Professional indemnity insurance is not legally required, but many clients - especially business customers - will ask if you have it. It covers you if your work causes them financial loss. Check with your insurance provider whether you need it for your client base.

Data protection is a legal requirement under the UK GDPR. If you handle client data, keep it secure and be transparent about how you use it. If you collect data through your Websta profile - for example, contact details from quote requests - make sure you have a privacy policy and follow the rules.

Your profile page itself is your responsibility. Websta provides the hosting and payment system, but what you write and claim about your services is up to you. Do not make promises you cannot keep - for example, about rankings or guaranteed results from SEO work.

What to write in your first hour

Start with your profile name and photo. Use your own name or your business name if you have one. A clear, professional photo is more effective than none.

Write a two or three sentence description of who you are and what you do. Example: 'Web developer specialising in WordPress sites for small businesses. I handle design, development, and basic SEO setup. Based in [town], working with clients across the UK.' This tells people immediately what you offer and your coverage area.

List three to five core services you want to start with. You can add more later. For each service, write one sentence explaining what it includes and set a starting rate or make it 'quote only' if the scope is unclear.

Add any professional qualifications, years of experience, or notable certifications if you have them. Do not invent credentials. If you are new to the field, say so honestly - many small businesses are happy to work with a reliable newcomer at a fair price.

Upload one or two photos of your best work. If you have no client portfolio yet, a clear photo of your workspace or a screenshot of a project is better than nothing.

Next steps after launch

Once your profile is live, keep it up to date. If you complete a project you can share, add a photo. If you develop a new skill, add it to your services. Respond quickly to quote requests and messages - most clients will assume slow replies mean you are not interested or not professional.

Ask satisfied clients for feedback if they are willing. Websta profiles can carry reviews and ratings, which help new clients trust you. You cannot create fake reviews, but genuine feedback from real work builds credibility over time.

Check your Websta notifications regularly. The marketplace moves quickly - if someone posts a task that matches your skills, respond within a few hours if you can.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay a commission to Websta when I get a job?: Websta handles hosting and payments through Stripe. Card payments are processed by Stripe and deposited to your own bank account. You set your own rates. Check the Websta terms to understand any costs before you sign up.
Can I work across the whole UK on a Websta profile, or only in one city?: You can work across multiple areas. When you set up your profile, you link it to a town or region, but your description can say you work nationwide or offer remote services. Be clear about your coverage area so clients know whether to contact you.
Do I need a business licence or registration to work as an IT specialist in the UK?: You need to register with HMRC and handle tax and National Insurance correctly. Whether you are a sole trader, limited company, or partnership affects your obligations. Speak to an accountant or check HMRC guidance for your specific situation.
What should I photograph or show on my profile if I have not worked with clients yet?: Upload a professional photo of yourself and photos of any projects you have completed, even if for yourself or as practice. A screenshot of a website you built, a photo of your workspace, or images that show the type of work you do are better than an empty portfolio. As you gain clients, replace sample work with real projects.
How do clients find IT specialists on Websta in the UK?: Clients search by service type and location in the Websta marketplace at websta.ai/marketplace/tech. They can also post a task and wait for specialists to make offers, or browse the provider directory. Being clear in your profile description about what you do helps people find you.

About the numbers

Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.

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