Updated October 21, 2026
What to put on your profile page
Your profile is a simple website that shows who you are and what you offer. Start with a clear description of the languages you translate between, your specialisms if you have them (medical, legal, technical documents, subtitles, interpreting), and which direction you work in - from Dutch, French or German into English, for example, or vice versa. Clients need to know this upfront.
Add photos: a professional headshot works, but also a photo of your workspace if you work from home, or your office. This builds trust. You can also add images of certificates, qualifications or examples of your work if you have them - though never share confidential client content.
Set out your services clearly. Distinguish between written translation, proofreading, editing, interpreting, or other formats you handle. Link each service to a rate or a way for clients to ask for a quote. Websta lets you set fixed prices for services where that makes sense, or accept quote requests for larger or specialised jobs.
Decide which languages to publish your profile in. If you work in Brussels or Flanders, Dutch is important. In Wallonia, French. For clients in Belgium who speak English or German, add those too if you work in them. Your profile interface can be in one language, but your service descriptions should reach your actual market.
Booking and quote requests for translation work
Translation is not always a one-size-fits-all service. You can use Websta's online booking feature for services with fixed turnaround and pricing - for instance, certified translation of a standard document, or proofreading a specific number of words. Clients book a slot and you deliver by an agreed date.
For larger projects, unusual formats, or work where you need to discuss scope first, use quote requests. A client describes the job, you review it, and you send back a quote. This is common in translation work because a 5,000-word legal contract takes different time and skill than 5,000 words of website copy.
Make sure your profile clearly states your turnaround times and whether you work with files, email, or video calls. Some translators work synchronously with clients; others work asynchronously. Be explicit about this.
How people in Belgium search for translators
Websta has a marketplace where people nearby search for services by type and location. For translation, people search by the languages they need - English to Dutch, French to German - and by region or city. If you work in Antwerp, Brussels, Liège or Ghent, your profile will appear when someone in or near that city searches for your language pair.
The marketplace is small for this category in Belgium at the moment. This means less competition but also that you may need to reach clients through your own channels too - your website, network, or word of mouth. Websta is one tool in your toolkit, not the only way clients will find you.
What to check with the local authority
Belgium has different rules in Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels. If you work as a sole trader or independent contractor, you must register with the correct authority in your region. The process and the name of the authority differ.
You need to check: whether you need a business license or professional registration in your region, what tax registration is required, and whether translation is regulated in your area (some types of certified or sworn translation may be). Contact your regional chamber of commerce or the local business office in your town.
Payment: Websta handles payments through Stripe, which pays out to your own bank account. You set your own prices and rates. Make sure your tax and social security registration is in place before you start invoicing clients.
Languages and regions in Belgium
Belgium is multilingual. Dutch (Flemish) is spoken in the north and Brussels. French is spoken in the south (Wallonia) and in Brussels. German is spoken in a small region in the east. English is increasingly used in business and by younger people across the country.
Your profile should target the languages and regions you actually serve. If you translate into Dutch for a Flemish audience, your profile works well in Antwerp or Brussels. If you work with French and English for international clients, you can reach people across Belgium. Consider where your clients are and what languages they speak.
What to write and set up in your first hour
Start with the essentials: a short bio (two or three sentences about your background and languages), your language pairs clearly listed, and the types of translation you offer. Avoid jargon unless your clients use it. Write 'I translate legal contracts from French to English' rather than burying your service in dense description.
Add a professional photo of yourself. Add one or two photos of your workspace or your qualifications. These do not need to be glossy - honest and clear is better.
List three to five key services with either a fixed price or a note that you accept quote requests. For example: 'Standard document translation (€0.10 per word) - documents up to 2,000 words, turnaround 3-5 days' or 'Certified translation - quote on request based on document type and urgency'.
Set up a contact form so clients can ask questions. Decide whether you also want to offer online booking for any services, or whether you prefer quote requests for everything. Write clear information about how quickly you respond and how you prefer clients to send files.
Publish in at least Dutch and English if you work across Belgium. If you work mainly in one region, add French or German as needed.
Growing your profile over time
After your first hour, add more detail. Write about any specialisms - if you have experience translating medical documents, HR policies, e-commerce content or technical manuals, say so. Clients search for translators with domain knowledge.
Keep your rates and turnaround times up to date. If you take on new language pairs or services, update your profile. Respond promptly to quote requests and client messages - this builds your reputation on the platform.
Websta is a small marketplace in Belgium. It works best as part of a wider presence: a personal website, LinkedIn profile, or referral network. Use it to capture clients who search locally, but do not rely on it alone.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to be registered as self-employed to use Websta in Belgium?
- Yes. You must register with your regional authority before you start offering services and receiving payment. Check with your local chamber of commerce or business office for the exact requirements in your region - Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels have different processes. Websta pays you through Stripe to your bank account, but your tax and social registration is your responsibility.
- Can I set my own prices on Websta?
- Yes. You set the prices for your services. You can offer fixed rates per word or per hour, or accept quote requests where clients describe the job and you send a price. The platform does not dictate what you charge.
- How do clients find translators on Websta in Belgium?
- Websta has a marketplace where people search by service type - translation - and by location or city. If you work in Brussels or Antwerp, someone searching for an English-to-Dutch translator in that area will see your profile. The marketplace for translation in Belgium is currently small, so you may also need other ways to reach clients.
- What languages should I use on my profile?
- Use the languages your clients actually speak. If you work across Belgium, Dutch and English are important. Add French if you serve Wallonia or Brussels clients. Your profile interface can be in one or two languages, but your service descriptions should be clear in each language your clients use.
- Can I offer both fixed prices and quote requests on the same profile?
- Yes. You can set up some services with fixed pricing - for example, proofreading at a set rate per word - and other services where you accept quote requests, such as large projects or specialised work. Clients can then choose which option suits them.
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.