FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Web Design and Development

Get answers to the most common questions about website design, development, pricing, and the process of working with Design by Karina in Rotterdam. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact me for personalized answers.

How long does it take to build a website?

The timeline for your website project depends on its complexity, your responsiveness with feedback, and content preparation. As a general guideline:

  • Landing pages: 2-3 weeks
  • Business websites (5-10 pages): 4-6 weeks
  • E-commerce websites: 6-8 weeks

Each project begins with a detailed timeline so you’ll know exactly what to expect and when.

While you know your business best, I offer flexible content solutions:

  • You provide everything: Perfect if you have specific messaging and content ready
  • Collaborative approach: You provide key information and I help structure and enhance it
  • Content creation service: For an additional fee, I can create professional content for your site

Most clients choose the collaborative approach, where we work together to ensure your website content is both authentic to your voice and strategically effective.

Absolutely! Every website I create is fully responsive, meaning it automatically adapts to look and function beautifully on all devices—smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.

Mobile optimization isn’t just a feature—it’s a fundamental part of every project. With over 60% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, your site will be designed for mobile users from the ground up.

Yes! All websites include essential on-page SEO setup:

  • Strategic keyword implementation
  • Proper heading structure
  • Optimized meta titles and descriptions
  • Image optimization with alt text
  • Schema markup where appropriate
  • Mobile-friendly, fast-loading design
  • XML sitemap creation

While this foundation gives you a strong start, ongoing SEO is a long-term process. For businesses wanting comprehensive SEO services beyond the initial setup, I offer additional SEO packages.

Absolutely! I build websites with user-friendly content management systems (WordPress or Shopify) that make it easy for you to update content, add blog posts, change images, and more—no technical knowledge required.

Every project includes:

  • A personalized training session
  • Custom video tutorials specific to your site
  • A written guide for future reference
  • 30 days of post-launch support for any questions

Many clients enjoy the independence of managing their own content while knowing I’m available for technical support when needed.

WordPress powers over 40% of all websites online for good reason:

  • Flexibility: Virtually unlimited customization possibilities
  • Scalability: Easily grows with your business
  • User-friendly: Intuitive content management for non-technical users
  • SEO advantages: Built-in features that search engines love
  • Robust security: When properly maintained
  • Extensive functionality: Thousands of plugins for added features
  • Cost-effective: No monthly platform fees (just hosting)

For most small businesses, WordPress offers the perfect balance of professional capabilities, customization options, and cost-effectiveness.

This is an important distinction:

WordPress.org (what I use for client websites):

  • Self-hosted solution with complete control and ownership
  • Full customization capabilities
  • No WordPress branding or ads
  • Ability to monetize however you choose
  • Access to premium themes and plugins
  • Complete data ownership

WordPress.com:

  • Hosted service with limitations on free/lower tiers
  • Restricted customization options
  • WordPress branding on free/lower plans
  • Limitations on monetization
  • Restricted plugin access on lower plans

All Design by Karina websites use WordPress.org (self-hosted) for maximum flexibility, ownership, and growth potential.

When properly set up and maintained, WordPress is very secure. Every WordPress website I build includes:

  • Premium security plugin implementation
  • Secure hosting configuration
  • Regular updates management
  • Malware scanning
  • Firewall protection
  • Login security enhancements
  • Backup systems

The key to WordPress security is proper setup and maintenance. Many security issues stem from outdated software or poor implementation—problems you won’t have with a professionally developed site.

Yes, regular updates are essential for security and functionality. WordPress, themes, and plugins receive regular updates that should be applied to keep your site secure and functioning properly.

You have three options for handling updates:

  1. DIY management: Handle updates yourself with guidance
  2. Care plan: I manage all updates for you monthly
  3. As-needed basis: Contact me when updates are required

Most clients choose a care plan for peace of mind, knowing their site is professionally maintained.

Shopify is my recommended e-commerce solution for most small businesses because:

  • Ease of use: Intuitive interface for managing products and orders
  • Reliability: 99.99% uptime and handles traffic spikes
  • Built-in payment processing: No complicated payment gateway setup
  • Security: PCI compliance handled by the platform
  • Marketing tools: Abandoned cart recovery, discount codes, etc.
  • Scalability: Grows from your first sale to thousands
  • App ecosystem: Extensive add-ons for additional functionality
  • 24/7 support: Direct from Shopify

While WooCommerce (WordPress) is another excellent option I offer, Shopify provides the most streamlined solution for most e-commerce businesses.

Shopify operates on a subscription model with several tiers:

  • Basic Shopify: $29/month (€26/month) – Perfect for new stores
  • Shopify: $79/month (€72/month) – For growing businesses
  • Advanced Shopify: $299/month (€272/month) – For scaling businesses

Additional costs to consider:

  • Apps: €0-50/month depending on functionality needed
  • Transaction fees: 2% if not using Shopify Payments
  • Theme costs: One-time fee of €0-180 (my development includes this)

My Shopify development packages include the first month of subscription, theme costs, and essential apps setup.

Yes! Shopify handles both physical and digital products excellently. For digital products, the platform automatically delivers secure download links after purchase.

You can sell various product types:

  • Physical products with multiple variants
  • Digital downloads (PDFs, videos, audio files)
  • Services and bookings
  • Subscriptions (with an app)
  • Memberships (with an app)

Your Shopify store can evolve with your business, adding new product types as you grow.

Absolutely! Shopify integrates perfectly with preferred Dutch payment methods:

  • iDEAL
  • Bancontact
  • SOFORT Banking
  • Credit cards
  • Apple Pay/Google Pay
  • AfterPay/Klarna

All my Shopify implementations include setup of the appropriate payment methods for the Dutch market, ensuring a smooth checkout experience for your local customers.

My transparent pricing structure is designed to fit different business needs:

  • Landing Pages: Starting at €699 Single-page websites perfect for specific campaigns or simple business presence
  • Business Websites: Starting at €1,399 Multi-page websites for established businesses with content management
  • E-commerce Websites: Starting at €1,950 Online stores with product management, secure checkout, and payment processing

Each project is unique, and pricing depends on specific requirements. Contact me for a personalized quote based on your needs.

All website packages include:

  • Strategy session to understand your business goals
  • Custom design tailored to your brand (no templates)
  • Mobile-responsive development
  • Content management system setup
  • Basic SEO implementation
  • Contact form & Google Maps integration
  • Social media integration
  • Google Analytics setup
  • Browser testing
  • Training session for website management
  • 30 days of post-launch support

Additional services available:

  • Content creation
  • Advanced SEO implementation
  • E-commerce functionality
  • Membership areas
  • Booking systems
  • Custom functionality

Yes! I understand that investing in a professional website is significant for small businesses. Standard payment structure:

  • 50% deposit to secure your project slot and begin work
  • 50% final payment upon project completion, before site launch

For projects over €2,000, I offer an optional 3-payment plan:

  • 40% initial deposit
  • 30% at project midpoint
  • 30% upon completion

While you know your business best, I offer flexible content solutions:

  • You provide everything: Perfect if you have specific messaging and content ready
  • Collaborative approach: You provide key information and I help structure and enhance it
  • Content creation service: For an additional fee, I can create professional content for your site

Most clients choose the collaborative approach, where we work together to ensure your website content is both authentic to your voice and strategically effective.

Typical annual costs for maintaining a professional website:

  • Domain name: €10-20/year
  • Website hosting: €120-240/year
  • SSL certificate: Free with recommended hosting
  • Maintenance/updates: €300-600/year (optional care plan)
  • Plugin licenses: €0-200/year depending on functionality

For Shopify stores, instead of hosting and maintenance:

  • Shopify subscription: €312-864/year depending on plan
  • App subscriptions: €0-600/year depending on needs

I’m transparent about all costs involved and can recommend the most cost-effective solutions for your specific situation.

My 6-step collaborative process ensures a smooth, transparent experience:

  1. Discovery & Strategy
    • Initial consultation
    • Business goals discussion
    • Target audience definition
    • Competitor analysis
    • Project scope definition
  2. Planning & Architecture
    • Sitemap creation
    • User journey mapping
    • Content planning
    • Functionality requirements
  3. Design & User Experience
    • Wireframe development
    • Visual design concepts
    • Revision rounds
    • Final design approval
  4. Development & Content Integration
    • Technical development
    • Content management system setup
    • Content population
    • Functionality implementation
  5. Testing & Refinement
    • Cross-browser testing
    • Mobile responsiveness verification
    • Functionality testing
    • Performance optimization
    • Final revisions
  6. Launch & Support
    • Website launch
    • Training session
    • Documentation provision
    • 30 days of support

Each step includes your feedback and approval before moving forward.

Your involvement is crucial for an authentic website that truly represents your business. Typically, clients need to:

  • Participate in an initial strategy session (1-2 hours)
  • Provide brand materials (logo, photos, existing content)
  • Complete a detailed questionnaire about your business
  • Review and provide feedback at key milestones (2-3 review points)
  • Gather/create content (if not using content creation services)
  • Attend a training session before launch (1 hour)

Most clients spend 5-10 hours total on their project, spread over the development timeline. I handle all the technical aspects while ensuring your vision and voice are perfectly captured.

I stand behind my work and want you to be completely satisfied:

  • First 30 days: Minor adjustments and fixes are included at no additional cost
  • Content updates: You’ll be trained to make these yourself
  • Design changes: Available at my standard hourly rate after the initial 30 days
  • New features: Quoted based on scope and complexity

Many clients choose a maintenance plan for ongoing support and updates, while others prefer to contact me as needed for specific changes.

Yes! I offer several care plans to keep your website secure, updated, and performing optimally:

Essential Care: 

  • WordPress/plugin updates
  • Security monitoring
  • Weekly backups
  • Monthly performance report

Premium Care: 

  • Everything in Essential
  • Monthly content updates (up to 1 hour)
  • SEO monitoring
  • Performance optimization
  • Priority support

Business Care: 

  • Everything in Premium
  • Monthly content updates (up to 3 hours)
  • Monthly strategy consultation
  • Google Analytics reporting
  • Conversion optimization

All plans include peace of mind that your website remains secure and up-to-date.

Absolutely! Website speed is crucial for both user experience and SEO. Every website I create is optimized for performance:

  • Efficient, clean code
  • Image optimization
  • Browser caching implementation
  • Content delivery network (for larger sites)
  • Google PageSpeed optimization
  • Mobile-first development approach

My websites typically achieve Google PageSpeed scores of 85+ on mobile and 90+ on desktop, exceeding industry standards.

Yes, I specialize in designing and developing custom WordPress websites tailored to your brand and business goals. WordPress offers flexibility, scalability, and a user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for various website types.

Absolutely. Whether you’re looking to refresh your site’s appearance, improve functionality, or enhance user experience, I can help revamp your existing WordPress website to better meet your needs.

Yes, I provide Shopify design and development services to help you build a professional and user-friendly e-commerce store. Shopify is a robust platform that supports various features essential for online selling.

Certainly. I can customize your Shopify theme to align with your brand identity and enhance the shopping experience for your customers.

 

Yes, all websites I design are optimized for search engines, including proper meta tags, responsive design, and fast loading times. I also offer additional SEO services to help improve your website’s visibility.

Absolutely. I can integrate various tools and plugins, such as email marketing services, analytics, and social media platforms, to enhance your website’s functionality.

Yes! WordPress is perfect for small businesses because it’s flexible, SEO-friendly, and easy to manage. I customize each WordPress site to reflect your brand and business goals.

I typically work with Elementor for its speed and design flexibility.

Absolutely! I build WordPress sites with an easy-to-use backend. I’ll also give you a short training so you feel confident making updates on your own.

Yes, WordPress is one of the best platforms for SEO. I set up all my websites with SEO-friendly structure, fast loading speeds, and optimized metadata to help you rank better on Google.

With the right setup, WordPress is very secure. I always install security plugins, set up backups, and guide you on keeping your site safe.

Yes, I can help move your existing site (from Wix, Squarespace, or another platform) to WordPress while keeping your content and improving design and performance.

Yes! I create fully customized Shopify webshops, from homepage to product pages — including payment setup, shipping rules, and more.

Definitely. Shopify is super user-friendly. After launch, I’ll give you a short walkthrough so you can manage your store with confidence.

Shopify is best for online stores and product-based businesses, while WordPress is ideal for service-based sites or blogs. Not sure which fits you best? I’ll help you choose.

Yes! I can set up a Shopify store with multiple languages, perfect for reaching international customers.

 

Of course — I can install and configure apps for reviews, email marketing, upsells, subscriptions, and more to improve your store’s performance.

 

Yes. Whether you’re using a free or premium theme, I can customize the design, layout, and features to match your brand perfectly.

 

It depends on the size and complexity of your project, but most websites I build start at €750 for a professional one-pager or landing page. For full websites or webshops, I’ll give you a clear, custom quote based on your goals. No hidden fees — just honest pricing.

Yes, all my websites are fully responsive and optimized for speed. Whether it’s a WordPress or Shopify site, I make sure your pages look great and load fast on mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Absolutely! I love working with small businesses and zzp’ers in the Netherlands — from freelancers to boutique shops. Your website will reflect your unique story and help you grow online.

Yes! After the launch, I’m still here for you. Whether you need small updates, technical support, or want to grow your site over time, I offer flexible care packages or hourly support.

Yes. For Shopify webshops or Woocommerce, I can set up popular Dutch payment methods like iDEAL, Klarna, PayPal, and more — fully integrated, tested, and ready to go.

Still Have Questions?

I’m here to help! If you didn’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact me directly. I’m happy to answer any questions about your specific project needs.