Webdesign. Small, fast, and framework-free
To get a website online you need three things:
- The website itself, the code (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP …). That's what I make.
- A domain name, your unique address, like rol.be, ninasfluffytrim.be or rust-en-energie.be . You request it from a domain provider.
- Hosting, a computer that makes your site publicly accessible. Hosting providers offer that.
Often 2 and 3 go together: with most hosting companies you can also order your domain name straight away (sometimes the first year is free with a hosting package). You pay an annual fee, directly to the provider. I'm happy to help you choose a suitable provider and set everything up, but the payment goes through you.
What I do is number 1: I build websites with PHP, HTML, CSS and pure JavaScript. No expensive frameworks, no complicated constructions. Just clean code that works. Perfect for anyone who wants a simple, fast site that looks good and lasts for years.
What this site already shows you
On this page you can immediately see what's possible. You can:
- switch the theme to dark (that sun icon top right);
- choose a completely different colour palette (the blob next to the sun);
- even change the entire look of the site without altering functionality (that's the Erlenmeyer flask, the chemical flask next to the blob). Try it.
What matters is the structure of the site. Once the foundation is solid, colours and styling are not that hard. Your site will have the same solid base, with all these possibilities if you want them.
What I do – and what I don't
I do:
- Custom websites, from a single page to an extensive business site. No hard limit – for larger projects just contact me.
- Contact forms that actually work (and block spam).
- Multilingual sites (European: Dutch, French, German, English …).
- Light/dark theme and extra colour variants.
- Accessibility for everyone: your site is built according to WCAG guidelines. That means it's usable for people with visual, hearing or motor impairments. Think sufficient contrast, keyboard navigation, screen reader support, and a clear heading structure. This is not an afterthought, but an essential part of quality.
- Search Engine Optimisation (SEO): each page gets unique titles and meta descriptions, images have descriptive alt texts, and the code is clean and fast. This helps search engines (and visitors) to find and understand your site.
- Help finding a domain and hosting provider, plus installation.
- Also: advice and help setting up a site with systeme.io . Systeme.io is an all‑in‑one platform with which you can build landing pages, courses, memberships, digital products (such as e‑books) and simple shops, without worrying about updates or technical maintenance. You can even start for free and the free version already offers plenty of functionality: ample storage, unlimited pages and support for various digital products. It's not a CMS, but a user‑friendly alternative for those who want to go online quickly with digital products. My own site Den Ingenieur runs on it, and I'm happy to help you get started.
I don't (or do differently):
- E‑commerce with hundreds of products, inventory management and complex payments. Specialised platforms are better suited for that.
- Content Management Systems like WordPress, Joomla or Drupal. You don't want monthly updates? Then custom‑made is exactly what you're looking for.
- Etsy, Bol.com or other marketplaces. There you sell through their system, not through your own website.
Why a website?
You might be wondering: do I really need a website? The answer is: probably yes, and here's why. A website is much more than just an online business card. It's the place where people find you, get to know you, and trust you. Depending on what you do or sell, a website can fulfill different roles:
- Digital business card, for freelancers, self-employed or small business owners: a simple page with your name, photo, contact details and a short description of what you do. Professional and always findable.
- Portfolio, for artists, photographers, designers or writers: showcase your work in a gallery or blog. Potential clients get an immediate impression of your style and quality.
- Informative business site, for shops, associations or local entrepreneurs: opening hours, services, news and contact information in one clear place.
- Blog or magazine, share your knowledge, experiences or passion with the world. Build a community and become an authority in your field.
- Course or membership platform, with systeme.io you can easily offer courses, memberships or digital products. Ideal if you want to share knowledge or build an online community.
- Simple webshop, for a limited number of products, without complicated inventory management. That too is possible with systeme.io .
In short, a website gives you visibility, credibility and your own place on the internet that's entirely yours. And you don't need to be a tech expert to have one – I'll guide you every step of the way.
No subscriptions, no hidden costs
Since I don't use a CMS, you don't need to keep anything up to date. You pay once, and the site is yours. (Excluding hosting and domain, as mentioned before.) That doesn't mean you can't call on me later for extensions, of course.
Try first, then buy
I work with a demo server. Before you make a final decision, I'll put an example of your site online. You'll have seven days to test, give feedback and see if you like it. Only then will the site be transferred to your own domain. Any small changes within the agreed scope will be incorporated during that week. That way you know exactly what you're getting, no surprises.
Workflow & payment
- Non‑binding contact, we discuss your wishes. Free.
- Quote, you receive a clear price agreement.
- Deposit (40%), after agreement you pay 40% of the total amount. Then I get started.
- Demo on server, within the agreed time I put an example online. You have 7 days to test and give feedback.
- Delivery, after your approval and payment of the remaining 60%, the site is transferred to your final domain. The source code is entirely yours.
Portfolio
On my portfolio page you'll find a collection of ideas and techniques: from playful artist sites to practical business websites, all built on the same solid foundation.
Got a question or another idea?
Feel free to contact me. We'll look together at what's possible, no obligation, just a good conversation.