You've decided: your business needs a new website. Or maybe a refresh of your current site that no longer does the job. You want someone nearby - someone you can talk to, who knows the local market and understands what entrepreneurs in this region need.
But how do you choose the right web developer? The market is overwhelming. Large agencies in the Randstad (the central urban belt of the Netherlands), freelancers around the corner, and everything in between. In this article, I share what to look for as a business owner in Drenthe or Overijssel.
Why build locally?
It may sound old-fashioned in an era of Zoom and Teams, but there are good reasons to choose a web developer in your region:
Personal contact works better. Building a website isn't a one-way street. You need to communicate your wishes, give feedback on designs, and make decisions together. That goes faster and more precisely when you occasionally sit down at the same table.
Knowledge of the local market. A web developer from Drenthe or Overijssel knows how entrepreneurs here work. The culture is down-to-earth and direct - and that applies to expectations around communication and delivery too.
Short lines when problems arise. If your site goes down on Monday morning, you want someone you can call directly. No ticket system, no queue - just a phone call.
5 things to watch for
1. Look at the real work
Don't just ask for a portfolio - visit the sites the developer has built. Open them on your phone. Click through the pages. Does the site load quickly? Is the design professional? Does everything work?
A good web developer shows you live results, not just screenshots.
2. Ask about the technology
This may sound technical, but it determines whether your site will still hold up in two years:
- Where is the site hosted? Dutch hosting is faster for Dutch visitors.
- Can you update the site yourself? Or are you dependent on the developer for every small change?
- What about security? SSL certificate, security headers, backups - these are basics, not extras.
- Is the site fast? Google rewards fast websites with better rankings. A load time under 2 seconds is the standard.
3. Watch for fixed-price agreements
Many agencies work on an hourly basis. That sounds flexible, but it also means the final bill can be higher than expected. Always ask for a fixed amount or a clear range with a maximum.
A good proposal includes:
- Exactly what will be delivered
- When it will be ready
- What it costs - including everything
4. Ask about aftercare
Delivery isn't the finish line. Websites need maintenance: updates, security patches, small adjustments. Ask upfront:
- Is there an aftercare period after delivery?
- What does maintenance cost on an annual basis?
- How quickly are problems addressed?
5. Check findability
A beautiful website that nobody finds delivers nothing. Ask whether basic SEO is included:
- Are pages optimized for keywords?
- Are meta titles and descriptions filled in?
- Is the site technically ready for Google (speed, mobile, structured data)?
What should a website cost in this region?
Prices in Drenthe and Overijssel are generally lower than in the Randstad. A rough guide:
| Type of website | Price range |
|---|---|
| Simple brochure site (Starter) | from €197/month |
| Business website with forms and SEO | €3,000 - €6,000 |
| Webshop with product management | €4,000 - €10,000 |
| Custom web application | €7,500 - €25,000+ |
Prices vary significantly based on complexity, design, and functionality. A fixed price upfront gives you certainty.
Summary
- Choose a web developer you can meet in person who knows the local market
- Look at real, live work - not just screenshots
- Ask about fixed prices, aftercare, and technical details
- Make sure basic SEO is included
- Compare on quality, not just price
ultimAItech is based in Wanneperveen (Overijssel) and builds custom websites and software for entrepreneurs in Drenthe and Overijssel. Schedule a no-obligation call →