Journal / How to Define Your Business on Cerca
Getting Started· 6 min read

How to Define Your Business on Cerca

Your Cerca profile is your storefront, your portfolio, and your first impression. All in one. Unlike a social media account, every detail you fill in directly affects whether customers find you, trust you, and hit that Book button. This guide walks you through setting it up right, from scratch.

Step 1: Choose your niche, not just your category

Cerca has dozens of service categories. Nail tech, hair stylist, dog groomer, personal trainer, and more. When you pick a category, go specific. A profile that says "I do all kinds of hair" is less compelling than one that says "I specialize in natural hair, locs, and braids for textured curls."

Why it matters: Cerca's search surfaces providers whose specialty matches what the customer typed. The more specific you are, the better your match rate.

Tip: Think about your best clients. The ones you loved working with and who left great reviews. What do they have in common? Build your profile for more of those people.

Step 2: Write a bio that sounds like you

Your bio should answer three questions in under five sentences: Who are you? What do you do best? Why should I trust you? Avoid listing every service you offer. That's what your services section is for. Instead, tell a micro-story.

Example bio
"I'm Maria, a certified lash artist based in East Austin. I specialize in classic and hybrid sets for clients who want a natural, low-maintenance look. After 5 years doing lashes full-time, I know every eye shape is different. And I take my time to get yours exactly right. Weekdays available, early morning slots often open."

Step 3: Set prices that feel good to charge

Pricing anxiety is real for new providers. Here's a simple framework: start with your cost (supplies + time), add your target hourly rate, then check what similar providers in your area charge on Cerca. Price yourself at or slightly below the median while your reviews build, then raise rates as demand grows.

Don't undersell to get clients. Clients attracted only by the lowest price rarely become loyal regulars.

Step 4: Upload portfolio photos that book for you

Photos are the single highest-impact thing you can do for your profile. Aim for 9 photos minimum. Cerca has a portfolio milestone at 9. Use natural lighting, consistent angles, and a mix of close-up detail shots and full-look photos. Your work should be front and center; the background shouldn't distract.

Always get your client's permission before posting their photo. See our guide on client photo permissions for details.

Step 5: Set your availability and slot duration correctly

Customers can only book you during windows you've marked available. Be realistic. Don't block off every evening if you take evening clients regularly. And make sure your slot duration matches your service time. A 30-minute slot for a 90-minute service will create double-bookings.

Step 6: Connect your payouts

Providers with Stripe connected collect a deposit before accepting any booking. This protects your time. No more no-shows without skin in the game. Go to Profile → Payments → Set Up Payouts. It takes about 2 minutes.

The fastest path to your first booking

Fill in every field. Upload at least 3 portfolio photos. Set a competitive opening price. Ask your first clients to leave a review. Even one 5-star review with text makes a measurable difference in how your profile performs.


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