How to set up a repair and handyman profile in the United States

What your profile page should contain

Your Websta profile works like a website for your handyman business. Start with a clear headline that says what you do - for example, 'Plumbing, drywall repair, and general handyman services in the Denver area.' Include a short description of your work in plain language so people understand what jobs you take on.

Add a photo of yourself or your workspace. People want to know who they are hiring. If you have photos of past work - a repaired bathroom, a finished carpentry job, a patched wall - upload those too. Photos should show the finished result clearly.

List the specific services you offer. Common handyman services in the US include plumbing repairs, electrical work, drywall patching, painting, carpentry, appliance repair, flooring, tile work, and general maintenance. Be specific about what you do and what you do not do. If you do not do electrical work, say so.

Add your service area. Customers search for providers by location and will want to know if you travel to their town or neighborhood. List the towns or regions you cover.

Set up a way for people to contact you. Websta provides a contact form on your profile. You can also add your phone number or email if you want direct contact. Some providers use the platform's quote request system, where customers describe the job and you make an offer.

• Headline describing your main services
• Short description of your work in plain language
• At least one photo of yourself or your work
• Specific list of services you offer and do not offer
• Your service area or towns you cover
• Contact form or other way for people to reach you
• Option to accept quote requests or online booking

How people search for handyman services in the United States

Customers in the US use the Websta marketplace at /marketplace/repair to find repair and handyman services. They search by service type - for example, 'plumbing repair' or 'drywall repair' - and by location, often their town or neighborhood. Some search for a specific job and post a task asking providers to make offers.

People also search online using Google and other search engines with terms like 'handyman near me' or 'plumber in [town name].' Having a Websta profile gives you a web presence that can show up in those searches, especially if people search for repair services combined with your location.

Most customers want to reach a provider quickly. They may call, fill out a contact form, or send a message through the platform. Make it easy for them to get in touch and respond quickly to inquiries.

Working as an independent provider in the United States

As a self-employed handyman or repair provider, you need to check what licenses and permits apply to your work in your state and locality. Requirements vary widely. Some states require a license for plumbing, electrical work, or HVAC repair. Some do not. Some towns require a general business license or contractor license. Contact your state's department of labor or your city or county building department to find out what applies to you.

You will need a business structure - sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation. Many handymen operate as sole proprietors, but check with a tax professional or your state's secretary of state office about what makes sense for your situation.

You need a way to receive payments from customers. Websta processes payments through Stripe, which pays out to your own bank account. You set the prices for your services. Keep records of your income and expenses for tax purposes. Consult a tax professional about self-employment taxes and deductions.

Liability insurance is something to consider. If you damage a customer's property or someone is injured during your work, insurance can protect you. Check with an insurance agent about what coverage makes sense for your trade.

Which languages to publish in

Publish your profile in English. The United States does not have an official language, but English is the primary language for business and most online services. If you speak another language and want to reach a specific community, you can add a second language, but start with English to reach the widest audience.

What to write in the first hour

When you set up your Websta profile, spend your first hour on these tasks.

Write a clear headline with your main services and your town or region. Example: 'General handyman and plumbing repair in the Phoenix area.'

Write a short description of who you are and what you do. Two or three sentences is enough. Say how many years you have been doing this work if you have experience.

List your main services - plumbing, drywall, painting, carpentry, etc. Be specific.

Add your service area.

Upload one clear photo of yourself or your work.

Set up your contact method - either the Websta contact form, a phone number, an email, or a combination.

Set your availability for quote requests or bookings if you want to use that feature.

You can add more photos and refine your description later. The key is to get your profile live so people can find you.

Getting paid and managing your business

When a customer books your service or you agree to a job, they pay through Websta. The payment goes to your Stripe account, which transfers it to your own bank account. You set the price for each service.

Keep track of your income and expenses. Use a simple spreadsheet or accounting software to record what you earn and what you spend on tools, gas, materials, and other business costs. This helps with taxes and shows you how much your business is actually making.

Respond to customer inquiries quickly. The faster you reply to a request, the more likely you are to get the job. Be professional and clear about what you can do and when you can do it.