Repair and handyman services in Ireland: how to build your profile

What sections to add to your profile

Your Websta profile page acts as your own website. You control what goes on it and how you present your work. Start with the core sections that customers in Ireland expect to see when they search for someone to fix or build something.

Add a services section that lists what you do. Be specific: instead of 'general repairs', write 'kitchen tap repairs', 'fence panel replacement', 'internal wall painting' or 'boiler servicing calls'. Customers search by the exact task they need done, so naming the services clearly helps them find you and understand what you offer.

A photo section matters. Show your finished work - repaired kitchens, painted walls, replaced gutters, installed shelving. Customers want to see the quality of what you deliver. If you have only a small portfolio now, add photos as you complete jobs.

Add a contact form so people can ask questions before they book or request a quote. Many customers in Ireland prefer to ask about timescales, costs or what's involved before committing. A quote request section lets people describe their job and ask for your price - you reply with an offer, and the customer can decide whether to book.

Use online booking if you offer services that have a standard duration and price - for example, a one-hour consultation or a specific repair. For larger or more complex jobs, a quote request form works better because you need to see the work before you can price it.

Photos and descriptions that work for repair services

Good photos show the before-and-after of your work or the finished result. Take photos in good light. Include wide shots so the customer sees the whole job, then closer shots if there are details worth showing.

For each service, write a short description of what it covers. For example, under 'bathroom tiling', you might note whether you do wall tiles, floor tiles, grouting, or full bathroom refits. Under 'painting', say if you prep surfaces, do exterior work, or specialise in period properties. This helps customers understand whether you can help with their specific task.

If you work with certain materials or brands - timber, slate, particular paint ranges - mention it. Customers sometimes have preferences or constraints, and knowing what you work with saves back-and-forth messages.

How people in Ireland search for repair services

On Websta, customers search by service type and location. They might search for 'plumber Dublin', 'painter Cork' or 'general handyman' followed by their town. They can also post a task on the marketplace - for example, 'I need someone to repair my garden fence in Limerick' - and providers can make offers.

This means your profile needs a clear location. Set it to the town or county you work in. If you travel across several counties, pick the main area where you base yourself; customers will still find you through the marketplace if they're nearby.

Many customers also search online more broadly before they turn to Websta - they use Google or ask neighbours. Make sure your profile is complete and professional so that when they do find you, they see a working business, not an empty page.

Language on your profile

Publish your profile in English. That is the working language for business and customer contact in Ireland. If you work with Polish, Lithuanian or other language communities and want to reach them, you can add a second language to your profile, but English is essential.

What to check as an independent provider in Ireland

Before you start taking jobs through Websta or anywhere else, confirm your tax status. If you are self-employed, you must register with Revenue. Check the Revenue website for current requirements - rules can change. You will need a tax number to issue invoices and to receive payments.

Confirm whether your work needs certification or licensing. Electricians must be registered with the relevant body if they do certain work. Plumbers and gas engineers have registration schemes. Carpenters and general handymen have fewer restrictions, but if you work on electrical or gas systems, check what qualifications or registration you need. Contact your local authority or the relevant trade body to be sure.

Insurance is strongly advised. Public liability insurance protects you if you accidentally damage a customer's property or someone is injured. Get a quote from an insurance broker who knows the repair and handyman trade in Ireland.

Payments come to your own bank account through Stripe. You set your own prices for services and quote requests. Make sure your bank account is in your business name or that you have a clear agreement with your bank about receiving business payments.

What to write in your first hour

You do not need everything perfect before you publish. Start with the essentials:

Add your location - the town or county where you work.

Write a short description of the main services you offer - for example, 'General handyman work including painting, basic plumbing, carpentry and fence repair.' This gives new customers an immediate sense of what you do.

List three to five specific services you are confident about, with brief descriptions.

Add at least one photo of finished work if you have it. If not, add one as soon as you complete your next job.

Set up either a quote request form or online booking, depending on how you prefer to work.

Write a sentence or two about yourself - how long you have been working, the area you serve, any specialism you have.

Activate your profile so it appears when customers search. You can add more photos, refine descriptions and add services as you go. A profile that is live and bare is better than a perfect one that is not published yet, because customers can find you and contact you.

Getting found in the marketplace

The Websta marketplace lets customers post tasks and providers make offers. If someone in Galway needs a kitchen tap fixed, they can describe the job and ask for offers from plumbers and handymen nearby. You can respond with your quote and the customer chooses who to book.

To be visible in the marketplace, make sure your profile is complete and your location is accurate. Check the marketplace in your area regularly so you see new tasks posted near you. Respond quickly - customers are often looking to get work done soon, and a fast reply improves your chances.