Repair and handyman services in Canada: set up your Websta profile

What to include on your Websta profile

A Websta profile for repair and handyman services works as a basic website and a place where customers can contact you. Start with a clear description of what you do - for example, plumbing repairs, carpentry, electrical work, appliance repairs, or general maintenance. The more specific you are, the easier it is for people searching for that exact service to find you.

Add photos of your work. Before-and-after shots of completed jobs are especially useful. Customers want to see the quality of repairs you have done. If you are just starting out, you can add photos as you complete projects.

List the services you offer with brief descriptions. You set your own prices and can update them anytime. Include the towns or regions where you work - this helps people nearby find you.

Set up either online booking or a quote request form, depending on how you prefer to work. Many handymen use quote requests because each job is different and needs a site visit or discussion first. A contact form lets customers describe the problem and you can follow up with pricing.

Which languages to publish in

In Canada, publish your profile in English and French if you serve areas where both languages are common - particularly in Quebec, New Brunswick, and parts of Ontario. If you work only in English-speaking provinces and are not comfortable translating, an English-only profile is fine. Many customers will use their browser's translation tool if needed.

Keep descriptions simple and direct in whatever languages you choose. Customers searching for handyman services use plain language: 'plumbing repair', 'fix leaky tap', 'install shelves'.

How people in Canada search for handyman services

Customers search by service type and location. On Websta's marketplace, people can search by service category and town, and they can also post a task to request offers from providers nearby. Someone needing a leaky faucet fixed might search 'plumbing repair in Toronto' or post a task saying 'tap is dripping in my kitchen, need it fixed this week'.

Many customers also search online for 'handyman near me' or 'emergency plumber in [town]' using search engines, but a Websta profile puts you in front of people actively looking for services on the platform. Your profile URL can also be shared directly with customers.

Working as an independent repair provider in Canada

As an independent repair technician or handyman, you are likely self-employed. Here are the main things to sort out:

Business registration: In most provinces, sole traders must register their business name if they operate under a name other than their own legal name. Check the requirements with your provincial government office - rules vary. Some provinces have a simple online registration process.

Taxes: Register for a GST/HST account with the Canada Revenue Agency if your revenue meets the threshold, or if you choose to register voluntarily. Keep records of all income and business expenses. You will need to file an annual tax return. A bookkeeper or accountant can help you set this up correctly.

Insurance: Liability insurance for handyman work is not legally required in most cases, but it is strongly recommended. It protects you if someone is injured or property is damaged during a job. Check what your provincial trade association or insurance broker recommends for your type of work.

Payments: Websta processes customer payments through Stripe. Money is paid out to your own bank account. You handle invoicing and pricing.

Trade licences: Some provinces or municipalities require specific trade qualifications or licences for certain work - for example, electrical work often requires a certified electrician. Check with your local authority or provincial trade board if your service requires credentials.

What to write in your first hour

Start with these basics to get your profile live:

A one-sentence description of what you do: 'General handyman services including repairs, maintenance and small renovations.' Or be more specific: 'Plumbing and water damage repairs.'

Your service area: List the towns or regions you cover. This helps people find you and sets clear expectations.

Three to five main services you offer. You can add more later.

A photo or two of past work if you have them. You can add more as you go.

A working phone number or email where customers can reach you.

Set up either a booking system or a quote request form.

Once this is done, your profile is searchable on the Websta marketplace. You can refine it, add more photos and details, and update prices anytime.

Websta profile as your web presence

A Websta profile is not the same as a full website, but it serves the same purpose for handymen and repair providers: it gives you a public presence where customers can find you, see what you do, look at photos, and get in touch. You do not need to build or pay for a separate website. Your profile has a URL you can share on business cards, social media or word-of-mouth referrals.

The profile also puts you on the Websta marketplace where customers actively post tasks for services they need. This is a direct source of leads that you would otherwise have to chase through advertising.