Frequently Asked Questions
Below you'll find answers to questions I often receive. If your question isn't listed, feel free to contact me!
Hosting & email
What exactly does "Managed WordPress Hosting" mean?
It means I take most of the technical maintenance of your WordPress website off your hands. Think of automatic updates (for WordPress itself, themes, and plugins - from the 'Start' package onwards), security measures, backups, and speed optimizations. You can focus on your content; I ensure the technology runs smoothly.
I already have a website/email elsewhere. Can you migrate it for me?
Yes, certainly! With the Managed WordPress Hosting packages, I offer free migration assistance for one existing WordPress website. For email migrations or more complex website migrations, we can discuss the best approach together; this is custom work and needs consultation. Please contact me for this.
How long does a website migration take and will my site be offline?
After I receive all necessary details from your old hosting provider, we schedule a suitable moment together for the migration. During the process, you might not be able to make changes to your website for a day or two to prevent data loss, but your website itself will remain online and accessible to visitors.
Do you also offer domain name registration?
Yes. With the Email Hosting package, a .NL domain name is included for free. With the Managed WordPress Hosting packages, you can order a domain name separately or connect your existing domain name. I can register various domain extensions for you.
Where are the servers located?
My hosting servers are located in a Dutch data center. This is beneficial for speed for Dutch visitors and ensures your data remains within the EU.
I don't have a WordPress website. Can I still get hosting from you?
Absolutely! The Webhosting Basis package (and the higher tiers) support all common PHP versions and, of course, regular HTML websites too. You can easily install other PHP software on it, such as Joomla, Drupal, or your own custom PHP application. Webhosting Basis isn't "managed" regarding application updates, but it does offer the same stable foundation and my personal support for hosting-related questions.
What if my website gets hacked or something goes wrong?
Security is a top priority. I use multiple layers, including Imunify360 which blocks attacks and, for certain infections, can even automatically restore files. Should a larger issue occur requiring a full restore, I also make separate daily backups (Acronis) of your website, databases, and mailboxes, which I can quickly use to restore everything.
What's the difference between the Email Hosting package and the email addresses included with web hosting?
Technically, the email functionality is the same. The difference lies in the package composition and price: the Email Hosting package is specifically designed (and lower priced) for people who only need professional email, without web hosting. Additionally, the .NL domain name is included for free with this package, making it a complete and cost-effective start for your email.
Web development & custom work
How does a custom web development project work? What are the steps?
Every project is unique, but typically I follow these steps: first an intake to fully understand your requirements, then I provide a quote. After approval, development begins, followed by thorough testing, and finally the launch (delivery). I keep you informed throughout the process.
Do you work with fixed prices or hourly rates for custom work?
Both are possible, depending on the project and your preference. For clearly defined projects, a fixed price can be suitable. For more flexibility or projects where the scope is difficult to estimate upfront, I work on an hourly basis. We discuss beforehand what works best.
How long does it typically take to develop a custom plugin/theme/application?
That heavily depends on the complexity and scope of the project. A simple modification might take a few hours, whereas a complex application could take weeks or months. After the initial intake, I can provide a realistic estimate.
Can I also hire you for just a small component or modification?
Yes, absolutely! I'm also happy to help with smaller, well-defined tasks or modifications to your existing website or application. Just get in touch to discuss it.
How are changes or new requirements handled during a project?
Requirements can change, I understand that. If new ideas or changes arise during the project, we'll discuss it together. We'll then assess if we can adjust the current plan or if it's better to deliver the initially agreed-upon version first and tackle the new requirements afterward. Communication is key here.
Which programming languages and frameworks do you primarily use?
My expertise lies primarily in PHP, with extensive experience in modern frameworks like Symfony and Laravel. For WordPress, I develop custom themes and plugins. Naturally, I also work with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and databases like MySQL/PostgreSQL.
Do you have experience connecting websites to other systems (APIs)?
Yes, I have extensive experience building and integrating API connections to link websites with external systems such as CRMs, payment providers, accounting software, etc.
Can I have an existing website, developed by someone else, modified or taken over by you?
Yes, that's possible. I can certainly look into existing codebases to make modifications or take over management. However, it's important to note that I can only provide a warranty on code that I have written myself. When taking over existing work, a technical analysis beforehand is often wise.
Who owns the code that is written for me?
Very simple: you, the client. Once the invoice for the development work is paid in full, you are the full owner of the delivered custom code.
Do you also provide documentation for custom work?
Standard practice is that I walk through the functionality together with you after delivery so you know how everything works. Comprehensive technical documentation is possible, but I usually do this upon request and include it in the quote if desired.
Do you also offer maintenance for custom applications after delivery?
Yes, I offer various options for maintenance and support after launch. This can be through a maintenance contract for proactive management and updates, or based on my regular hourly rate for incidental modifications or support.
I want some small things changed on my website, can you do that?
Yes, certainly. Small adjustments or help with content fall under my standard Web Development hourly rate. We always discuss this beforehand, so you know what to expect. If you have the WordPress Pro package, it already includes half an hour per month (the "Pro Check-in") which you can use for this purpose.
Tech & features
What is SSL and why is it free?
SSL provides a secure (HTTPS) connection between your website and your visitors, recognizable by the padlock icon in the browser. This is essential for trust and findability (Google). I believe this should be standard, which is why a Let's Encrypt SSL certificate is always included for free with all hosting packages.
Can I use my email on my phone and computer?
Yes, absolutely. You can set up the email addresses included with your hosting package (or via the Email Hosting package) in your favorite email client (like Outlook, Apple Mail) using IMAP/POP3, and of course, use webmail. I also offer support for automatic configuration on many devices.
Do I get access to a control panel like cPanel myself?
Yes, with all web hosting packages, you get access to the cPanel control panel. You can reach it via https://cpanel.yourdomainname.nl
. This allows you to manage things like email addresses, databases, files, etc., yourself if you wish. For WordPress-specific management, there's also the handy WordPress Toolkit (from 'Start' onwards).
Support & contact
How do I get support if I need help?
You can reach me directly via e-mail or phone (see contact page). No ticket systems or call centers; you get personal contact with me.
What exactly does the included support cover?
The support included with the hosting packages focuses on the hosting environment itself: questions about email settings, server accessibility, restoring backups, control panel (cPanel/WordPress Toolkit), etc. Help with modifying your website's content, writing custom code, or in-depth WordPress theme issues falls under Web Development, for which you can hire me separately.
Payment & Contract
Are there any hidden costs?
No, I believe in transparency. The package prices are clear. The only potential additional costs could be: a domain name for Webhosting Basis/Start/Groei, extra email addresses beyond the limit in the Email package, or a non-.NL domain extension. All prices exclude VAT.
How does payment work?
For Web Hosting and Email Hosting, I work exclusively with monthly payment via automatic debit. This is the only way to subscribe to these services. You will receive the invoice in advance for your records; the payment will be debited automatically. For project work (Web Development, DevOps), you will receive an invoice which you can pay within 30 days via manual bank transfer, unless otherwise agreed in the quote.
Am I tied into a long contract?
No, absolutely not. All Web Hosting and Email services are cancellable monthly, precisely because I work with monthly automatic debit. You're not tied into anything. For project work, the agreements from the quote apply.
How can I cancel? (Hosting/Email)
Very simply. You can cancel your hosting or email service via the link/button in the email accompanying your monthly invoice, or by just sending me an email or giving me a call. There's a notice period until the end of the current billing month.
What happens if I exceed my storage limit (GBs)?
When your storage limit is reached, you won't be able to upload new files (like new images or emails). Your website will continue to function normally. In that case, please contact me. Then we'll look together if your website can be cleaned up, or if we (possibly temporarily) need to increase your limit to a more suitable package.
Is there a limit to the number of visitors my website can handle?
There's no hard limit on data traffic; I operate on a 'fair use' basis. The hosting packages are generously sized for most websites of freelancers and SMEs. Thanks to CloudLinux, occasional high traffic from 'neighbors' has little impact. If you structurally expect or receive extremely high visitor numbers (e.g., due to a major marketing campaign), please contact me so I can ensure your package is equipped for it.