Tailors and stylists in the United Kingdom: build your Websta profile

What goes on your Websta profile

Your Websta profile is a dedicated page that replaces the need for a separate website. It shows your name, location, services, photos of your work, and a way for customers to contact you or book time with you.

Start with a clear description of what you do. State whether you do alterations, bespoke tailoring, repairs, styling consultations, or a mix of these. Be specific about the garments you work with - trousers, jackets, dresses, wedding wear, or everyday items. If you work with particular fabrics or styles, mention that.

Add photos of finished work. These are the main way customers decide whether to contact you. Include before-and-after images if you do alterations, or photos of completed pieces if you do bespoke work. Make sure the images are clear and well-lit.

List your services with a brief description of each one. You set the prices yourself. For each service, decide whether customers can book a time slot directly through Websta or whether you prefer to give them a quote first. Many tailors use the quote option because the work is individual.

Write in English, which is the main language customers will search in across the UK.

• Description of your trade and what you specialise in
• Clear photos of your work
• List of services with descriptions
• Prices you set
• Booking slots or quote request form
• Contact information and location

How people in the UK search for tailors and stylists

On Websta, customers find tailors and stylists by searching for the service - such as 'alterations', 'bespoke tailoring', or 'styling' - and their location or the town they are in. The marketplace shows results by service and place, so someone searching for 'alterations near Manchester' or 'tailor in Edinburgh' will see profiles of providers in that area.

People also post tasks on Websta describing what they need - for example, 'I need hemming on three pairs of trousers' - and providers can make offers. This happens across the UK marketplace, so you can see tasks from customers in your region.

Many customers will also search Google or other search engines for 'tailor near me' or 'seamstress [town name]'. A Websta profile helps with this because it appears in local search results and gives you a professional web presence with booking or contact options.

Working as an independent tailor or stylist in the UK

If you are self-employed as a tailor or stylist, you must be registered with HMRC for tax purposes. Check the HMRC website for the current rules on self-employment and tax registration thresholds, as these can change.

You will need a business bank account to receive payments from Websta. Websta uses Stripe to handle card payments from customers, and the money goes into your own bank account, which you control.

Check with your local authority or your professional body about any requirements specific to your type of work. For example, if you work from home, check whether your local planning rules allow a business to run from a residential address. If you rent your workspace, check your lease or tenancy agreement.

You will need public liability insurance if you handle customers' clothing or work in other people's homes. Check what level of cover is recommended for your type of work.

If you employ staff, there are separate rules about employment, National Insurance, and workplace requirements. If you are working alone, these do not apply.

Payment and money in your account

When a customer pays for a service through Websta, the money is processed through Stripe and paid into your bank account. You set the price for each service. Websta takes a transaction fee when you receive a payment; check the Websta website for the current rate.

You are responsible for keeping records of the money you receive and declaring it to HMRC as part of your self-assessment tax return. Keep copies of invoices and receipts for work you do.

What to write in your first hour

Start with the essentials. Write a short description of what you do - for example, 'Bespoke tailoring and alterations for men's and women's clothing' or 'High-street alterations and repairs'. Say what kind of work you specialise in and what you enjoy doing.

List three to five main services you offer and add a short description of each one. Decide whether to offer booking slots or quotes. If you do bespoke or complex work, quotes usually work better because each job is different.

Add at least three clear photos of your work. If you don't have before-and-after photos yet, take some now of work you have already completed.

Fill in your location - the town or area in the UK where you are based. This is how customers find you.

Write your contact information and check that it is correct. Give customers a way to reach you directly if they prefer.

Languages and reaching customers

Publish your profile in English. This is the main language customers across the UK will search in. If you speak other languages and work with communities that use those languages, you can mention that in your description - for example, 'I speak Urdu and can discuss bespoke orders in Urdu' - but the main profile should be in English so it appears in UK-wide searches.

Completing your profile over time

Your profile does not need to be perfect on day one. Add more photos as you complete work. Write more detailed descriptions of your services. Add information about how you work - for example, turnaround times, minimum order values, or fabrics you prefer.

Ask customers who book through Websta whether you can photograph their finished items for your profile. Over time, your gallery of work will show potential customers what you can do.