Braaf. — datacatalog
type: DataCatalog
description: All structured data of this site as a DataCatalog: one Dataset per type with the entities in JSON-LD form. Filter with ?q= (word match across all values).
creator: Braaf.
language: en
date modified: 2026-08-17T06:40:41+00:00
potential action: SearchAction
  target: https://hallobraaf.nl/en/datacatalog.json
  query-input: required name=query
dataset: blogposting
  type: Dataset
  main entity: ItemList
    number of items: 18
    item list element: What the AI Act requires of you now
    item list element: Increasing conversion in your web shop: what actually works?
    item list element: Having a logo designed: what to look out for?
    item list element: Does AI make the CMS obsolete?
    item list element: Shopify or WooCommerce: which is better?
    item list element: The difference between a logo and a brand identity
    item list element: VPS vs shared hosting: what's the difference?
    item list element: Why is my website so slow?
    item list element: When is it time for a rebrand?
    item list element: What does implementing AI in your business cost?
    item list element: What does a visual identity cost?
    item list element: What does a web shop cost?
    item list element: What does a website cost?
    item list element: Starting a web shop: a level-headed plan
    item list element: Website security: why take it seriously?
    item list element: Having a website made in Dordrecht
    item list element: Improving website speed: what actually works?
    item list element: WordPress or bespoke: which suits you?
dataset: creativework
  type: Dataset
  main entity: ItemList
    number of items: 3
    item list element: Drycoating Company wraps itself in a new brand identity.
    item list element: RPO brochures for students and mentors.
    item list element: Design your own chocolate bar wrapper with the help of AI.
dataset: faqpage
  type: Dataset
  main entity: ItemList
    number of items: 9
    item list element: Frequently asked questions about advice and support
    item list element: Frequently asked questions about the AI CMS
    item list element: Frequently asked questions about AI for business
    item list element: Frequently asked questions about automation
    item list element: Frequently asked questions about branding
    item list element: Frequently asked questions
    item list element: Frequently asked questions about hosting
    item list element: Frequently asked questions about web shops
    item list element: Frequently asked questions about websites
dataset: offer
  type: Dataset
  main entity: ItemList
    number of items: 1
    item list element: AI CMS
dataset: organization
  type: Dataset
  main entity: ItemList
    number of items: 1
    item list element: Braaf.
dataset: person
  type: Dataset
  main entity: ItemList
    number of items: 1
    item list element: Joey den Braven
dataset: service
  type: Dataset
  main entity: ItemList
    number of items: 7
    item list element: Advice and support
    item list element: AI for business
    item list element: Handy automations
    item list element: Creative concepts and design
    item list element: Blazing-fast hosting
    item list element: Web shops that convert
    item list element: Websites that communicate

What the AI Act requires of you now
type: BlogPosting
description: Since 2 August 2026 the AI Act applies to virtually every business. What must you be able to demonstrate you've arranged, and what can still wait?
image: It all comes together here
  type: ImageObject
  caption: The law doesn't look at what kind of business you are, but at what you do with AI.
date published: 2026-08-14T00:00:00+02:00
date modified: 2026-08-14T00:00:00+02:00
article section: AI
keywords: AI Act, AI regulation, AI policy, small business
time required: PT8M
author: Joey den Braven
publisher: Braaf.
citation: EU AI Act voor het MKB: wat moet u doen vóór 2 augustus 2026?
  type: CreativeWork
  author: ActCheck
citation: EU AI Act mkb: verplichtingen en deadlines 2026
  type: CreativeWork
  author: ThrAive
citation: AI-regelgeving Nederland 2026: EU AI Act, toezicht & ethiek
  type: CreativeWork
  author: AI Platform MKB
mentions: What does implementing AI in your business cost?
mentions: Website security: why take it seriously?
article body: More AI Act checklists have appeared this year than businesses that have done anything with them. That's a shame, because the essence fits on a beer mat and most of the work is an afternoon. Since 2 August 2026 the main obligations of the European AI Act apply, and they apply to virtually every business that uses AI — no exception for size, no transition period any more. Below: what you need to have on file demonstrably, what can wait a while, and where it goes wrong in practice. Who does it apply to? To you, probably. The regulation doesn't look at what kind of business you are but at what you do with AI. A chatbot on your website counts. Having text or images generated counts. A tool that sorts CVs or drafts quotes counts. Even an employee who signed up for a subscription on their own counts, because it happens within your organisation and under your responsibility. For small businesses, lighter requirements and lower maximum fines apply on some points. That's a softening, not an exemption. What you must be able to demonstrate An overview of your AI tools A list of every AI application running within your business: name, what it's for, who the provider is, what risk level it has and what data goes into it. A spreadsheet will do. The difficulty isn't in the format but in the completeness — nearly every business comes across tools during this inventory that management didn't know were in use. Policy: who may do what An internal document setting out how your organisation deals with AI. Who may use which tools, what data may and may not go into them, how you check the output before it goes out. Two pages that are right are worth more than twenty pulled off the internet. Demonstrable AI literacy Employees who work with AI must know what the risks are, and you have to be able to show it. An e-learning, a meeting record, an internal certificate — the proof can be light. For most small businesses an hour-and-a-half session with a short test is defensible. Transparency tow…
language: en

Increasing conversion in your web shop: what actually works?
type: BlogPosting
description: Your web shop has traffic but too few orders? These are the changes that actually raise conversion — tested and proven.
image: From visit to order
  type: ImageObject
  caption: Searching, comparing, judging — every step can be smoother.
date published: 2026-01-01T00:00:00+01:00
date modified: 2026-04-18T00:00:00+02:00
article section: Webshops
time required: PT9M
author: Joey den Braven
publisher: Braaf.
citation: Baymard Institute
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Baymard Institute
citation: Google/SOASTA Speed Study
  type: CreativeWork
  author: ThinkWithGoogle
citation: Thuiswinkel Markt Monitor
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Thuiswinkel.org
mentions: What does a web shop cost?
mentions: Improving website speed: what actually works?
article body: You have visitors. But they don't buy. Or not enough. The average conversion rate of a Dutch web shop is around 2-3%. That means 97 of every 100 visitors leave without buying anything. The question isn't whether you can improve, but where you start. Not with a new design or a different font — but at the places where you're actually leaving money on the table. The checkout: this is where you lose the most Forced account creation "Create an account to order." Five words, thousands of lost orders. Always offer a guest checkout. Anyone who wants to come back will create an account on their own. Too many steps Every step in your checkout is a moment to drop off. Address, shipping method, payment method, confirmation — four steps is standard, but three is better and one (one-page checkout) is best. Fewer clicks, more orders. Hidden shipping costs The number one reason for cart abandonment worldwide: unexpected costs in the checkout. Show shipping costs as early as possible — on the product page or in the cart. No surprises. Limited payment options iDEAL is a must in the Netherlands. But don't forget Bancontact for Belgian customers, credit card for international, and buy-now-pay-later (Klarna, Riverty) for those who hesitate. Every missing payment option is a lost customer. The product page: this is where you convince Good product photos One photo isn't enough. Multiple angles, detail shots, in-context photos (the product in use), and if possible a 360-degree view or video. People buy with their eyes — give them something to look at. Clear product information Sizes, materials, weight, fit, delivery time — the more relevant information, the less doubt. And less doubt means more conversion. Write product descriptions that answer questions before they're asked. Social proof Reviews, ratings, customer photos, the number of times ordered — people buy what others buy. If you have no reviews, start collecting them today. A product with five reviews converts dramatically better t…
language: en

Having a logo designed: what to look out for?
type: BlogPosting
description: Having a logo designed? These are the things that really matter — from brief to delivery.
image: Choosing on character
  type: ImageObject
  caption: Designers lay logo variants and colour swatches side by side.
date published: 2026-01-01T00:00:00+01:00
date modified: 2026-04-18T00:00:00+02:00
article section: Branding
time required: PT7M
author: Joey den Braven
publisher: Braaf.
citation: Logo Design Love
  type: CreativeWork
  author: David Airey
citation: The Logo Creative
citation: BNO Terms
  type: CreativeWork
  author: BNO
mentions: What does a visual identity cost?
mentions: The difference between a logo and a brand identity
article body: Having a logo designed sounds simple. Send a brief, get three options, pick one, done. But if it were that easy, half of all startups wouldn't be replacing their logo again after two years. A good logo isn't decoration. It's the most compact translation of your brand — and that takes more than a nice shape. What makes a good logo? Recognisability over beauty A logo doesn't have to be "beautiful" in the classic sense. It has to be recognisable. Think of the Nike swoosh or the Apple apple — not necessarily complicated, but unmistakable. Simplicity beats complexity, almost always. Scalability Your logo has to work on a business card and on a building facade. On a 16×16 pixel website favicon and on a three-metre-wide exhibition stand. If it only works at one size, it isn't a good logo — it's an illustration. Timelessness vs. trends Gradients, 3D effects, ultra-thin lines — every era has its trends. The problem: trends are by definition temporary. A logo that feels hyper-modern now looks dated in five years. Choose character over fashion. Context and applicability Does your logo work on a dark background? In black and white? On fabric? In neon? A professional logo is delivered in multiple variants — full colour, monochrome, horizontal, vertical — so it works everywhere. The process: from brief to delivery Step 1: The brief A good brief is half the work. What does your business do? Who is your audience? What are your values? Which brands do you admire — and which not? The more concrete the input, the sharper the result. Step 2: Research and positioning Before a single sketch is made, a good agency looks at your market, your competitors and your positioning. Not to copy, but to know where you can stand out. Step 3: Concept development Not three random options, but reasoned directions. Each concept tells a different story about your brand. The choice isn't "which do you like most?" but "which best fits who you are?" Step 4: Refinement and variants The chosen concept is work…
language: en

Does AI make the CMS obsolete?
type: BlogPosting
description: WordPress and Drupal are building AI in as fast as they can. But what happens when the AI no longer needs the dashboard? Why the CMS structure is being torn up — and what replaces it.
image: The screen out of the middle
  type: ImageObject
  caption: The dashboard was scaffolding around one limitation — and that limitation has gone.
date published: 2026-08-14T00:00:00+02:00
date modified: 2026-08-14T00:00:00+02:00
article section: AI
keywords: AI CMS, WordPress, Drupal, content management
time required: PT7M
author: Joey den Braven
publisher: Braaf.
citation: AI Building Blocks for WordPress
  type: CreativeWork
  author: WordPress AI Team
citation: Drupal's AI Roadmap for 2026
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Drupal Association
citation: WordPress Market Share
  type: CreativeWork
  author: W3Techs
mentions: AI CMS
mentions: WordPress or bespoke: which suits you?
mentions: What does implementing AI in your business cost?
article body: The big CMSes take AI dead seriously. Since 2025 WordPress has been working on official AI building blocks for the whole ecosystem — an SDK, an Abilities API, an adapter for AI agents. Drupal has its own AI initiative with dozens of partners and a roadmap that literally states that every action a user can take must also be doable by an AI agent. That's not marketing talk; it's really being built. And that's exactly where the discomfort is: they're building AI into a structure that only exists because AI wasn't around. What a CMS is actually for A content management system bundles three things: a place where the content lives, a screen to edit that content, and a layer that turns it into pages. Two of those three are indispensable — content has to live somewhere and appear somewhere. But the screen in between exists for exactly one reason: people can't write directly into storage. Databases are unreadable, code is scary, so along came a dashboard with input fields, previews, media libraries and an update button. Everything else hangs off that screen. Roles and permissions exist because there's a login. Plugins exist because the dashboard has to be extensible. Updates exist because all those layers have to be maintained. It's scaffolding around one limitation — and that limitation is disappearing. What WordPress and Drupal are building now Look at what the platforms themselves are doing and you see the same move everywhere: AI becomes an extra user of the existing system. The agent gets the same buttons you have. It can create a post, add alt text to an image, start a workflow — neatly within the permissions and approval steps designed for people. Drupal names that explicitly as a design principle: AI under the same governance as the human editor. That's defensible. WordPress runs on more than forty per cent of the web; those installations aren't switching to a different architecture because something more elegant is possible. Anyone dragging along hundreds of editors…
language: en

Shopify or WooCommerce: which is better?
type: BlogPosting
description: Shopify or WooCommerce? An honest comparison of both platforms — no affiliate links, no hidden agenda.
image: The platform behind the boxes
  type: ImageObject
  caption: Packing and shipping — your platform has to carry the work around it.
date published: 2026-01-01T00:00:00+01:00
date modified: 2026-04-18T00:00:00+02:00
article section: Webshops
time required: PT8M
author: Joey den Braven
publisher: Braaf.
citation: Shopify Pricing
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Shopify
citation: WooCommerce
  type: CreativeWork
  author: WooCommerce.com
citation: BuiltWith Ecommerce Usage
  type: CreativeWork
  author: BuiltWith
mentions: What does a web shop cost?
mentions: Starting a web shop: a level-headed plan
article body: You want a web shop. Two names always come up: Shopify and WooCommerce. Google it and you drown in comparison articles — written by parties who get an affiliate commission if you order through their link. No hidden agenda here. Just an honest comparison of two platforms that are both good — but not for the same situation. Shopify in brief Shopify is a hosted platform. You pay a monthly subscription and get everything in one package: hosting, security, updates, a CMS and a web shop environment. You don't have to install or maintain anything. Sounds ideal — and for many entrepreneurs it is. Strengths Plug-and-play: Online within a day, without technical knowledge. Reliable infrastructure: Hosting, SSL, uptime — Shopify handles it. App ecosystem: Thousands of apps for reviews, email, fulfilment, upsells. Payment integrations: Shopify Payments, iDEAL, Apple Pay — out of the box. Scalable: From ten products to ten thousand, Shopify grows with you. Weaknesses Monthly costs: €36/month (Basic) to €384/month (Advanced), plus transaction fees if you don't use Shopify Payments. Limited customisability: Liquid (Shopify's template language) is less flexible than PHP/WordPress. Custom functionality requires a Shopify developer. Vendor lock-in: Your data sits on Shopify's servers. Migrating to another platform isn't impossible, but it isn't painless either. Ongoing app costs: Those handy apps? Many cost €10-50 a month each. It adds up quickly. WooCommerce in brief WooCommerce is a free open-source plugin for WordPress. It turns your WordPress website into a web shop. You have full control over hosting, design and functionality — but that also means you're responsible for maintenance. Strengths Free base: The plugin is free. You pay for hosting, a theme and any premium extensions. Full control: Your own hosting, your own code, your own rules. No platform dictating what you can and can't do. Flexibility: Everything is customisable — design, checkout flow, product layouts, integratio…
language: en

The difference between a logo and a brand identity
type: BlogPosting
description: A logo isn't a brand. Read what brand identity really means — and why a logo alone isn't enough.
image: More than a logo
  type: ImageObject
  caption: A brand guide on the table: colour, rhythm and typography do the real work.
date published: 2026-01-01T00:00:00+01:00
date modified: 2026-04-18T00:00:00+02:00
article section: Branding
time required: PT5M
author: Joey den Braven
publisher: Braaf.
citation: Designing Brand Identity
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Alina Wheeler
citation: Brand identity vs. brand image
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Marq
mentions: What does a visual identity cost?
mentions: When is it time for a rebrand?
article body: "We have a logo, so we have a brand." It's one of the most stubborn misconceptions in business. A logo is a part of your brand — an important part — but it isn't your brand. That's a bit like saying a front door is a house. Understanding the difference saves you money, frustration and a lot of inconsistency. What is a logo? A logo is the most recognisable visual element of your brand. It's a symbol, a wordmark, or a combination of the two. The purpose: recognition. At a glance, people know who they're dealing with. A good logo is simple, scalable and timeless. It works on a business card, a website, a facade and an Instagram profile picture. But on its own it doesn't tell the whole story. What is a brand identity? A brand identity — or visual identity — is the complete system behind your visual communication. It's the collection of all the elements that together determine how your brand looks, sounds and feels: Logo and variants — the mark in all its forms Colour palette — primary and secondary colours, with exact colour codes Typography — which typefaces you use and how Imagery — photographic style, illustration style, graphic elements Tone of voice — how you write and communicate Applications — business cards, letterhead, social media templates, signage Together these elements form a coherent system. Consistency across every point of contact. Why a logo alone isn't enough Inconsistency Without guidelines, everyone goes their own way. One employee picks blue, another green. The website uses typeface A, the brochure typeface B. The result: a brand that looks different every time. Not professional, not recognisable. No scalability You start with a website and a business card. Then comes a brochure, an exhibition stand, social media, packaging. Without a system connecting all those applications, you build from scratch every time. Missed opportunities A strong brand identity makes every expression more powerful. A quote in your own house style feels more professional t…
language: en

VPS vs shared hosting: what's the difference?
type: BlogPosting
description: VPS or shared hosting? The difference in speed, security and control — explained without jargon.
image: Where your site really lives
  type: ImageObject
  caption: A hall full of servers — the difference is in what you rent from it.
date published: 2026-01-01T00:00:00+01:00
date modified: 2026-04-18T00:00:00+02:00
article section: Hosting & techniek
time required: PT7M
author: Joey den Braven
publisher: Braaf.
citation: DigitalOcean Tutorials
  type: CreativeWork
  author: DigitalOcean
citation: NGINX vs Apache Performance
  type: CreativeWork
  author: NGINX
citation: Hosting Benchmark
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Bitcatcha
mentions: Improving website speed: what actually works?
mentions: Website security: why take it seriously?
article body: Hosting is the most underestimated part of a website. As long as everything works, nobody thinks about it. But the moment your site is slow, crashes or gets hacked, hosting is suddenly the only thing on your mind. The difference between shared hosting and VPS hosting is the difference between a student room and your own apartment. Both a roof over your head — but not the same experience. Shared hosting: what is it? With shared hosting you share a server with dozens to hundreds of other websites. Everyone uses the same processor, the same memory and the same disk space. The hosting provider manages everything — you don't have to do anything. Advantages Cheap: From €3-10/month. The lowest entry. Simple: cPanel, one-click WordPress install, no technical knowledge needed. Managed: Updates, backups and security are (in theory) the provider's job. Disadvantages Shared resources: If another site on your server has a spike, you feel it. Slowness, time-outs, sometimes even downtime. Limited control: No root access, no custom server configuration, no choice of PHP version or web server. Security risks: One hacked site on the server can affect the rest. You're as safe as your weakest neighbour. Scalability: As your website grows, you hit limits quickly. VPS hosting: what is it? A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a virtual server with reserved resources. You share the physical hardware, but your CPU, memory and storage are yours. No one else can use them. Advantages Dedicated resources: Consistent speed, regardless of what other sites do. Full control: Root access, your own web server (NGINX, Apache), your own configuration. Security: Your environment is isolated. No trouble from neighbours. Scalability: Scaling up resources is often a matter of moving a slider. Disadvantages More expensive: From €10-50/month for a basic VPS. More resources = higher costs. Technical knowledge required: You manage your own server. Updates, firewalls, backups — your responsibility. Maintenance: No…
language: en

Why is my website so slow?
type: BlogPosting
description: A slow website costs you visitors, conversions and Google rankings. These are the real causes — and what you can do about them.
image: Looking for the brake
  type: ImageObject
  caption: Behind one slow page there are usually several small causes.
date published: 2026-01-01T00:00:00+01:00
date modified: 2026-04-18T00:00:00+02:00
article section: Websites
time required: PT7M
author: Joey den Braven
publisher: Braaf.
citation: Google PageSpeed Insights
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Google
citation: Core Web Vitals
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Google
citation: HTTP Archive
  type: CreativeWork
  author: HTTP Archive
citation: GTmetrix
  type: CreativeWork
  author: GTmetrix
mentions: Improving website speed: what actually works?
mentions: VPS vs shared hosting: what's the difference?
article body: Your website loads slowly. Visitors click away, Google ranks you lower, and you don't know why. "It's the hosting," says one. "You have too many plugins," says another. "Install a caching plugin," shouts the internet. But before you start twisting knobs at random, it helps to understand what's making your website slow. The cause determines the solution. The most common causes Poor hosting The most underestimated factor. If you host for €3 a month with a provider that crams hundreds of sites onto the same machine, slowness isn't a bug — it's a feature. You're paying for a shared toaster and expecting an oven. Upgrade to a VPS or managed hosting. The difference is immediately noticeable. Too many or poor plugins Every plugin adds code. Some plugins load scripts on every page, even when they're only needed on the contact page. Twenty plugins isn't necessarily a problem — twenty badly coded plugins is. Quality over quantity. Unoptimised images A photo straight from the camera is 4 MB. On your website it only needs to be 200 KB. If you don't compress your images and serve them in the right format (WebP, AVIF), every page loads as if you're downloading the whole photo album. No caching Without caching, your server rebuilds every page on every visit. That's like re-arranging your whole shop every time someone walks in. Server-side caching, browser caching and a CDN make the difference between milliseconds and seconds. Too many external scripts Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, Hotjar, chat widgets, Google Fonts, embedded videos — every external script is an extra request to another server. Those servers aren't always fast, and your visitor waits. Render-blocking CSS and JavaScript If your browser loads the HTML but has to wait for a CSS or JavaScript file before anything appears on screen, that's called render-blocking. It's like not being able to open the front door until the curtains are hung. What can you do about it? Switch to better hosting Shared hosting is for hobby…
language: en

When is it time for a rebrand?
type: BlogPosting
description: Rebranding isn't an impulse buy. These are the signs your brand is ready for a new phase — and when you're better off waiting.
image: Back to the drawing board
  type: ImageObject
  caption: Sketches, swatches and notes — the brand is being weighed up again.
date published: 2026-01-01T00:00:00+01:00
date modified: 2026-04-18T00:00:00+02:00
article section: Branding
time required: PT6M
author: Joey den Braven
publisher: Braaf.
citation: When to Rebrand
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Harvard Business Review
citation: Rebrand vs. Refresh
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Column Five Media
mentions: The difference between a logo and a brand identity
mentions: What does a visual identity cost?
article body: Rebranding is one of those words that either scares entrepreneurs or gets pulled out of the drawer too quickly. "The logo doesn't feel fresh any more" is not a reason for a rebrand. But a brand that no longer fits who you are or who you want to reach — that is a reason. The difference is in the diagnosis. Signs it's time You've grown, your brand hasn't You started as a freelancer with a logo your cousin made. Now you have a team, bigger clients, and ambitions that reach further than your current image conveys. Your brand feels like a coat that no longer fits — not wrong, but too small. Your audience has changed Maybe five years ago you focused on startups and now you work for corporate clients. Or the other way round. If your audience shifts but your brand stays the same, you're speaking the wrong language. You no longer stand out Take a look at your competitors. If your websites, logos and communication are interchangeable, you have a problem. Not because your competitor is better, but because no one can see any more why you're different. You're embarrassed by your own materials A solid gauge: do you dare show your website at a networking event? Do you send a quote with confidence? If you're apologising as you hand over your business card, the answer is clear. Merger, acquisition or name change Sometimes rebranding is purely practical. Two companies become one, the name changes, or your legal structure shifts. Then a rebrand isn't a choice but a necessity. When you're better off waiting You're tired of the logo Personal logo fatigue is no reason for a rebrand. You look at it every day — your customers don't. If the logo still works and is recognisable, "I don't like it any more" isn't a business reason. A competitor has something new Reactive rebranding is rarely good. If you rebrand because a competitor has a hip new logo, you're making an emotional decision. Focus on what sets you apart, not on what someone else is doing. You've just started your business In the …
language: en

What does implementing AI in your business cost?
type: BlogPosting
description: What does implementing AI cost in 2026? From an afternoon of policy to a fully set-up way of working — what drives the price and where the money leaks away.
image: Everything that hangs off it
  type: ImageObject
  caption: The licence is the start — the integrations around it set the price.
date published: 2026-08-14T00:00:00+02:00
date modified: 2026-08-14T00:00:00+02:00
article section: AI
keywords: implementing AI, cost, small business, automation
time required: PT8M
author: Joey den Braven
publisher: Braaf.
citation: AI en privacy: zo automatiseer je AVG-proof in 2026
  type: CreativeWork
  author: ZeroCode Ventures
citation: Welke AI-trends zullen het MKB beïnvloeden in 2026?
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Finnovate
mentions: What the AI Act requires of you now
mentions: WordPress or bespoke: which suits you?
mentions: What does a website cost?
article body: A lot gets written about AI and little gets priced. Every provider talks about possibilities, nobody names a figure. That's understandable — it depends on things — but it's no reason to stay vague. The cost of AI in a business is set by a handful of concrete things, and once you know those, you also see why one quote comes to €2,000 and another to €40,000. What determines the price? What you actually want to achieve This is the biggest factor, and the most skipped question. "Doing something with AI" is not a goal. Saving two hours a week on quotes is a goal. Answering customer questions outside office hours is a goal. The sharper the goal, the smaller the project — because then there's no need to spend six months exploring first. Licences: the layer that keeps running Reckon on €20 to €60 per employee per month for a business AI subscription. That seems little, until you multiply it by your team and add two years. For ten people that's €5,000 to €14,000 over two years, and that's separate from anything that gets built. The setup Here's the real work: figuring out which data may go where, making connections with the systems you already have, and making the output reliable enough to lean on. One process that actually works costs more than five that half-work — but it's also the only one that delivers. Getting the rules in order Since August 2026 the AI Act requires a register, policy and demonstrable AI literacy from virtually every business that uses AI. Bought separately, that's a manageable line item. Taken along in a project you're doing anyway, it largely disappears into the whole. Bringing your team along The most expensive AI is the AI nobody uses. Explanation about your own processes costs a session or two and determines whether the rest of the investment pays off. This is the item that gets cut first and is most often the reason a project delivers nothing. Rough guidelines Rules in order (register, policy, session): €1,500 – €3,500 One process automated and w…
language: en

What does a visual identity cost?
type: BlogPosting
description: What does a visual identity cost? From a few hundred to tens of thousands of euros. Read what sets the price — without the sales pitch.
date published: 2026-01-01T00:00:00+01:00
date modified: 2026-04-18T00:00:00+02:00
article section: Branding
time required: PT6M
author: Joey den Braven
publisher: Braaf.
citation: Creative sector rate survey
  type: CreativeWork
  author: BNO
citation: Wat is een huisstijl?
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Enstilar
mentions: Having a logo designed: what to look out for?
mentions: The difference between a logo and a brand identity
mentions: When is it time for a rebrand?
article body: "What does a visual identity cost?" is a bit like "what does a house cost?" — it depends. From a logo with two colours to a complete brand system with templates, imagery and guidelines for ten channels: the range is enormous. And that's exactly where it often goes wrong. Not because agencies are deliberately vague, but because the question behind the question isn't clear. What do you really need? And what can wait? What determines the price of a visual identity? The scope: logo or brand system? The difference between a logo and a visual identity is the difference between a front door and a whole house. A logo is one element — recognisable, compact. A visual identity is the complete system: logo, typography, colour palette, imagery, tone of voice, and applications. The more parts, the more hours, the higher the investment. A standalone logo design usually sits between €750 and €2,500. A complete brand system with guidelines and templates? Then you're quickly between €3,000 and €15,000 — depending on the scale. The complexity of your brand A local restaurant with one location has different needs than a tech company operating internationally. More audiences, more channels, more applications — that calls for more research, more variants, more coordination. Complexity costs time, and time costs money. Logical. The agency: freelancer, studio or Fiverr? A logo from Fiverr costs €50. A visual identity from a renowned agency costs €10,000+. The difference isn't only in the price, but in what you get back for it. A freelancer or small studio like Braaf. sits in between: personal attention, craftsmanship, fair prices — without the overhead of an office with 40 people. What to watch for The difference between cheap and good value A cheap logo is rarely good value. If you have to redo everything after two years because it doesn't scale, doesn't work in print, or doesn't suit your brand, you end up more expensive. Invest in something that grows with you. What's in the price — and…
language: en

What does a web shop cost?
type: BlogPosting
description: What does a web shop cost? From a few thousand to tens of thousands of euros. Read what sets the price — transparent and without gimmicks.
image: One shop, every screen
  type: ImageObject
  caption: The same web shop on laptop, tablet and phone — that's the standard.
date published: 2026-01-01T00:00:00+01:00
date modified: 2026-04-18T00:00:00+02:00
article section: Webshops
time required: PT7M
author: Joey den Braven
publisher: Braaf.
citation: E-commerce in Nederland
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Thuiswinkel.org
citation: Ecommerce Foundation
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Ecommerce Foundation
mentions: Shopify or WooCommerce: which is better?
mentions: Increasing conversion in your web shop: what actually works?
mentions: Starting a web shop: a level-headed plan
article body: A web shop is more than a website with a shopping cart. It's a sales channel that runs 24/7, processes payments, tracks stock and leads customers through a journey that ends in an order. The cost doesn't depend on "how pretty" you want it, but on how complex your sales processes are. And that complexity is different for every entrepreneur. What determines the price? The platform The choice of platform is the first big cost factor. Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento — each platform has its own cost structure. Shopify costs monthly, WooCommerce is free but requires hosting and extensions, Magento is powerful but expensive in development. Rough guidelines: Shopify web shop (standard): €2,000 – €8,000 WooCommerce web shop (bespoke): €3,000 – €12,000 Magento / bespoke e-commerce: €10,000 – €50,000+ The number of products and variants Ten products with two variants each is a different story than five hundred products with sizes, colours and materials. More products means more attention to navigation, filtering, search functionality and product-page structure. Integrations Shipping software, accounting system, stock management, email marketing, payment provider — every integration costs development hours. Standard integrations are relatively cheap. Custom API integrations with your ERP? That's a different price tag. Design and user experience A standard Shopify theme with some tweaks is affordable. A fully custom design with an optimised checkout flow, cross-sell modules and personalised product pages is an investment. The return on investment is in the conversion: 0.5% higher conversion on 10,000 visitors a month is directly measurable in revenue. Content and product photography Writing copy that sells, product photos that convert, category descriptions that rank in Google — content is often forgotten in the budget but determines a large part of the success. Ongoing costs A web shop keeps running. That costs money structurally: Hosting: €20-150/month (depending on platform and…
language: en

What does a website cost?
type: BlogPosting
description: What does it cost to have a website built in 2026? From €500 to €50,000 — read what drives the price and what to watch for.
image: Hours × craft
  type: ImageObject
  caption: Where your budget really goes: screens full of bespoke work.
date published: 2026-01-01T00:00:00+01:00
date modified: 2026-04-18T00:00:00+02:00
article section: Websites
time required: PT7M
author: Joey den Braven
publisher: Braaf.
citation: SME IT spending research
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Netherlands Chamber of Commerce
citation: Web Development Pricing
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Website Planet
mentions: WordPress or bespoke: which suits you?
mentions: Why is my website so slow?
mentions: Having a website made in Dordrecht
article body: It's the question every entrepreneur asks and that no agency gives a straight answer to. "What does a website cost?" It depends. But that's no reason to be vague about it. The price of a website comes down to a handful of concrete factors — and once you understand those, you also see why one quote is €1,500 and another €15,000. What determines the price? Type of website A simple one-pager for a freelancer is a different story than a multilingual company website with a CMS, contact forms and integrations with external systems. The complexity of what you need drives most of the price. Rough guidelines: One-pager or landing page: €500 – €2,000 Company website (5-15 pages): €2,500 – €8,000 Bespoke website with a CMS: €5,000 – €15,000 Complex web application: €10,000 – €50,000+ Design: template or bespoke? A WordPress theme costs €60 and looks fine after a few tweaks. But it's an off-the-rack suit. Bespoke design is tailored — unique, true to your brand, and distinctive. That costs more, but it also returns more in recognition and conversion. Content and copy The most beautiful website without good copy is like an expensive shop window with empty shelves. Writing content takes time: research, structure, SEO, tone of voice. Some agencies charge this separately, others build it in. Ask about it. Functionality Contact form? Simple. Booking system with calendar integration? More complex. A link to your accounting software? Bespoke. Every extra feature adds hours — and hours cost money. Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves up front. Ongoing costs A website isn't a one-off investment. Hosting, domain registration, an SSL certificate, updates, maintenance — reckon on €50 to €300 a month, depending on your setup. Always ask what happens after launch. Where does it go wrong? Choosing the cheapest quote The cheapest quote is almost never the best deal. If agency A asks €1,500 and agency B €6,000 for the same brief, there are reasons behind that. Maybe A doesn't include SEO.…
language: en

Starting a web shop: a level-headed plan
type: BlogPosting
description: Starting a web shop? No hype, no "passive income" promises. This is what you really need to know — step by step.
image: Buying from the couch
  type: ImageObject
  caption: Card in hand, order in three taps — that's how your customer shops.
date published: 2026-01-01T00:00:00+01:00
date modified: 2026-04-18T00:00:00+02:00
article section: Webshops
time required: PT10M
author: Joey den Braven
publisher: Braaf.
citation: KvK Stappenplan starten
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Kamer van Koophandel
citation: Mollie
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Mollie
citation: Thuiswinkel.org
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Thuiswinkel.org
citation: Google Keyword Planner
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Google
mentions: Shopify or WooCommerce: which is better?
mentions: What does a web shop cost?
mentions: Increasing conversion in your web shop: what actually works?
article body: The internet promises you'll be financially independent within three days of starting a web shop. Dropshipping! Passive income! From your armchair! The reality is more level-headed. Starting a web shop is a serious undertaking. It takes time, money, knowledge and perseverance. But if you approach it well, it's one of the most powerful ways to get your product to your customer. Step 1: Validate your idea Who is your customer? Not "everyone." Who buys your product? Why? Where do they search? What do they pay for it at a competitor? The more specific your answers, the sharper your web shop. Is there demand? Use Google Trends, keyword research (Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest) and marketplaces like Bol.com and Amazon to check whether people are actively searching for what you want to sell. No search volume = no demand = no sales. What sets you apart? If you sell exactly the same thing as ten others, you compete on price. And competing on price is a race to the bottom. Find your edge: better quality, better service, a specific niche, faster delivery, or a stronger story. Step 2: Choose your platform Shopify Best choice if you want to start quickly, aren't technical, and want a reliable platform that scales. Monthly costs, but you don't have to worry about hosting and security. WooCommerce Best choice if you already have a WordPress site, want maximum control, or need specific integrations. Technically more complex, but more flexible and often cheaper in the long run. Other options Magento for large catalogues and complex B2B. Lightspeed if you also have a physical shop. Etsy or Bol.com as a marketplace starting point. Choose based on your situation, not on what's popular. Step 3: Sort out the basics Chamber of Commerce registration In the Netherlands you have to be registered with the Chamber of Commerce. As a sole trader, partnership or private limited company — depending on your situation and risk. Do this before you go live. Payment provider Mollie is the standard…
language: en

Website security: why take it seriously?
type: BlogPosting
description: Hacked websites, data breaches, ransom attacks — it doesn't only happen to big companies. This is what you need to know about website security.
image: Four eyes on the code
  type: ImageObject
  caption: Security isn't a tick-box but a habit — review, patch, repeat.
date published: 2026-01-01T00:00:00+01:00
date modified: 2026-04-18T00:00:00+02:00
article section: Hosting & techniek
time required: PT8M
author: Joey den Braven
publisher: Braaf.
citation: NCSC
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Nationaal Cyber Security Centrum
citation: OWASP Top 10
  type: CreativeWork
  author: OWASP
citation: Sucuri Website Threat Report
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Sucuri
citation: GDPR Guide
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens
mentions: VPS vs shared hosting: what's the difference?
mentions: Improving website speed: what actually works?
article body: "Who would want to hack my website?" It's the most common question from entrepreneurs who treat security as a nice-to-have. The answer: bots. Automated scripts scanning the internet for known vulnerabilities. They're not looking for specific websites — they're looking for weak spots. And they find them. Every day. The risks Your website gets hacked The most obvious one. Your site shows spam, redirects to phishing pages, or gets used to spread malware. Your visitors see it — and so does Google. Result: blacklisting, reputational damage, and a long road back. Data breaches If your website processes customer data — contact forms, orders, accounts — you're responsible for that data. A breach means not just reputational damage, but a possible GDPR fine. And those can run up. Ransomware Your website gets locked. Pay €2,000 in Bitcoin or you lose everything. It sounds like a bad film, but it happens to thousands of websites a year. Without a backup you depend on the goodwill of criminals. Not an ideal position. SEO spam A subtler attack: hackers inject invisible links and pages into your website. You don't notice, but Google does. Your SEO positions plummet, your domain authority drops, and it can take months to recover. The most common vulnerabilities Outdated software WordPress not updated? Plugins three versions old? PHP 7.2 while 8.x is available? Outdated software is the number one cause of hacks. Every update contains security patches — not updating is leaving the door open. Weak passwords "Admin123" as the password for your WordPress admin isn't security. Use strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA). Always. Unsecured forms Contact forms without validation and protection are an open invitation for SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). Sanitise all input. Always. No SSL certificate HTTPS is no longer a luxury — it's a requirement. Without SSL, all data between your visitor and your server is unencrypted. Chrome warns visitors, Google ranks…
language: en

Having a website made in Dordrecht
type: BlogPosting
description: Looking for a web agency in Dordrecht? Braaf. builds websites that work — no templates, no hassle, just results.
image: Made round the corner
  type: ImageObject
  caption: Working over the design together: choosing imagery, refining, deciding.
date published: 2026-01-01T00:00:00+01:00
date modified: 2026-08-14T00:00:00+02:00
article section: Websites
time required: PT7M
author: Joey den Braven
publisher: Braaf.
citation: Dordrecht in Cijfers
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Gemeente Dordrecht
citation: Ondernemersklimaat Drechtsteden
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Drechtsteden
mentions: AI CMS
mentions: What does a website cost?
mentions: WordPress or bespoke: which suits you?
mentions: Why is my website so slow?
article body: You're looking for someone to build a website for you. In Dordrecht, or at least nearby. Someone you can talk to, who understands what you do, and who doesn't disappear after launch. That's a reasonable wish — and a rarer find than you'd think. Because the internet is full of web agencies, but a partner who genuinely thinks along? You have to look for that. Why work locally? Short lines An agency in Dordrecht means: popping by for a cup of coffee and a whiteboard session. No waiting three weeks for a Zoom link. Working locally is more personal, faster, and you get a better sense of whether it clicks. Context An agency from the region knows the market. Not every website is for an Amsterdam startup with Series A funding. Dordrecht has small businesses, family firms, local service providers — and those have different needs than a SaaS company in Silicon Valley. Availability If something goes wrong — and sooner or later something goes wrong — you want someone who picks up. Not a ticket system, not a chatbot, but a person. Local agencies are generally more reachable. They have a reputation to lose in their own city. What to look for when choosing an agency Portfolio and references Don't just look at how the websites look, but also whether they're still live, how fast they load, and whether they work well on mobile. A nice screenshot says little if the live site is slow and unusable. Process and communication How does the agency work? Is there a fixed point of contact? How are changes made? What does the timeline look like? A professional agency has clear answers to this — and doesn't have to improvise them. What's in the price? One quote is all-inclusive, another is a starting rate with extra work for every change. Ask specifically: how many pages, how many revision rounds, is content included, is basic SEO included, what are the ongoing costs? Maintenance and support The website is live. And then? Who runs the updates? Who makes backups? Who's there when the site goes d…
language: en

Improving website speed: what actually works?
type: BlogPosting
description: No vague tips but concrete steps to make your website faster — from server to frontend, tested and proven.
image: Every millisecond counts
  type: ImageObject
  caption: Leaner files, fewer requests — speed is in the details.
date published: 2026-01-01T00:00:00+01:00
date modified: 2026-04-18T00:00:00+02:00
article section: Hosting & techniek
time required: PT9M
author: Joey den Braven
publisher: Braaf.
citation: Google PageSpeed Insights
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Google
citation: Web.dev Performance
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Google
citation: HTTP Archive
  type: CreativeWork
  author: HTTP Archive
citation: NGINX Performance Tuning
  type: CreativeWork
  author: NGINX
mentions: VPS vs shared hosting: what's the difference?
mentions: Why is my website so slow?
article body: Google it and you get lists. "Ten tips to make your website faster!" Install a caching plugin. Compress your images. Use a CDN. Not wrong, but they're plasters. The real speed gains are in the foundation: how your server is configured, how your code is written, and how your assets are loaded. Let's talk about that. The server: where it all begins Choose the right hosting Everything below is irrelevant if your server itself is the bottleneck. A €5/month hosting package at a bulk provider undermines every optimisation. Start at the foundation: a server with reserved resources and a decent configuration. NGINX over Apache Apache is the default at many hosting providers. NGINX is faster at serving static files and better at handling many simultaneous connections. The difference is measurable: NGINX serves the same page in a fraction of the time. Server-side caching A page rebuilt on every visit by PHP and the database is always slower than a page that's ready as a static HTML file. NGINX FastCGI Cache, Redis or Varnish — server-side caching is the biggest single step you can take. PHP version Every new PHP version is faster than the last. PHP 8.x is up to twice as fast as PHP 7.0. Check your version. Upgrade if you can. It takes five minutes and delivers measurable speed. The frontend: what the browser has to load Optimise images Images account for 50-70% of page size. Three steps: Compress: Tools like ShortPixel, Imagify or Squoosh. Right format: WebP or AVIF instead of PNG/JPEG. Smaller file, same quality. Lazy loading: Off-screen images only load when they come into view. Standard in modern browsers with loading="lazy". Minimise CSS and JavaScript Every kilobyte counts. Minify your CSS and JS (remove whitespace, comments, unused code). Bundle where possible. Load non-critical scripts with defer or async. Remove what you don't use — that jQuery library you added three years ago but no longer call anywhere? Get rid of it. Render-blocking resources If the browser has to…
language: en

WordPress or bespoke: which suits you?
type: BlogPosting
description: WordPress or a bespoke website? An honest comparison — without pushing a platform. Read which choice fits your situation.
date published: 2026-01-01T00:00:00+01:00
date modified: 2026-08-14T00:00:00+02:00
article section: Websites
time required: PT8M
author: Joey den Braven
publisher: Braaf.
citation: WordPress Market Share
  type: CreativeWork
  author: W3Techs
citation: Headless CMS comparison
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Jamstack.org
citation: WordPress Security Statistics
  type: CreativeWork
  author: Wordfence Research
mentions: AI CMS
mentions: What does a website cost?
mentions: Improving website speed: what actually works?
article body: It's one of the first decisions on a new web project: do you go for WordPress or bespoke? The internet is full of articles that either praise WordPress or trash it — usually written by parties with a stake in it. No sales pitch here. Just an honest comparison, so you can make the choice that fits your situation. WordPress: what is it exactly? WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that runs on around 40% of all websites worldwide. It's open-source, free to install, and extensible with thousands of themes and plugins. From a simple blog to a complete company website: WordPress can do it. But that "can do it" comes with a caveat. WordPress can do a lot — but not everything equally well. And the flexibility it offers is at the same time its biggest pitfall. Bespoke: what does that mean exactly? Bespoke means your website is built from the ground up, specifically for your situation. No theme as a starting point, no plugin for every feature, but code that does exactly what you need — and nothing more. That can be in PHP, in React, in Vue, in Next.js — the technology depends on the application. The point is: everything is deliberately chosen and made to measure. The honest comparison Speed WordPress with a few plugins is perfectly fast. WordPress with twenty plugins, a page builder and a heavy theme is not. Bespoke is as fast as you build it — and if you build it well, it's blazing fast. No ballast, no unnecessary code, no plugin overhead. Management and updating content Here WordPress scores. The admin environment is intuitive, you can edit pages, publish posts and upload media yourself without technical knowledge. With bespoke, the ease of management depends on what's built — a headless CMS can be just as user-friendly, but it takes more setup. Cost WordPress is cheaper up front. A theme, a few plugins, a day of configuration — you're online. Bespoke costs more initially, but you only pay for what you use. In the long run bespoke can be cheaper if you don't have…
language: en

Drycoating Company wraps itself in a new brand identity.
type: CreativeWork
description: Drycoating Company wraps itself in a new brand identity.
date created: 2024-01-01
date published: 2024-01-01
keywords: branding
keywords: house style
contributor: Drycoating Company
language: en

RPO brochures for students and mentors.
type: CreativeWork
description: RPO brochures for students and mentors.
date created: 2025-01-01
date published: 2025-01-01
keywords: branding
keywords: house style
contributor: RPO Rijnmond
language: en

Design your own chocolate bar wrapper with the help of AI.
type: CreativeWork
description: A short but punchy description of the case itself will go here, not to be confused with the actual full textual content.
video: Tony's Chocolonely AI Wrapper
  type: VideoObject
  description: Design your own chocolate bar wrapper with the help of AI.
  upload date: 2024-01-01T00:00:00+01:00
  duration: PT36S
date created: 2024-01-01
date published: 2024-01-01
keywords: UI
keywords: UX
keywords: API
keywords: React
contributor: Tony Chocolonely
contributor: Uni_Verse Studio
language: en

Frequently asked questions about advice and support
type: FAQPage
main entity: Can I ask for advice without starting a whole project?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Yes, that's exactly the idea. An hour of sparring about your website, an SEO quick scan, or a second opinion on a quote — it doesn't have to be bigger than needed.
main entity: How does ongoing support work?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Depending on your needs: on call or through a set number of hours a month. Small changes, updates and questions are picked up quickly. You have a direct line, not a ticket system.
main entity: Are there SEO projects too?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: SEO advice and technical optimisation are part of it. For ongoing content creation and link building you'll get a referral to trusted specialists.
main entity: What does an advisory session cost?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: A first introduction is always free and without obligation. After that it's an hourly rate or a fixed arrangement, whichever fits. No surprises on the invoice.
language: en

Frequently asked questions about the AI CMS
type: FAQPage
main entity: Do I need to be technical to manage this?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: No. You describe in plain language what needs to change — the way you'd ask a colleague. The structure is fixed, so there's little to get wrong. What you don't get is a screen full of buttons; what you get back is not having to hunt for where something lives.
main entity: Won't a site like this look like every other AI site?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: No — quite the opposite. The design isn't generated: layout, tone and brand identity are made by hand, fully bespoke, and then set down as instructions. The AI works within that. Whatever gets added or changed, it happens in your style — the creativity is the foundation, and it doesn't run through AI.
main entity: Does a change go live straight away?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Only if you want it to. A change can also be staged: it sits ready next to the live site, and through a preview link you see the site as it will be — not a loose mock-up, but the real pages with the new content in them. It only goes live once you approve; rejecting it throws it away. You can forward that link to anyone who needs to look, without them having to log in anywhere.
main entity: What if something goes wrong?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Every change is recorded with an overview of exactly what changed. Undoing it is a single action, even a week later. That's a better way back than most CMSes offer.
main entity: Can more than one person work on it?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: It's possible, but this is built for a single owner. The building blocks for it are in place: every change lands in a readable log — who asked for what, and when — and changes can be staged so the owner reviews and approves them before they go live. That's the split between contributor and owner in its simplest form. What's still coming is the queue that handles simultaneous requests one by one. Until it's there: with several editors working on the same content at once, other tooling is wiser.
main entity: Is this suitable for a web shop?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: No. Stock, orders, payments and multiple editors call for exactly the management layer that's deliberately left out here. For a web shop you're better off with a platform built for that.
main entity: What does it cost?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: From € 6,750 for an interactive site: design, structure, schema and the rules you manage it with afterwards. What it comes to exactly depends on the number of pages, the integrations and how much content still needs writing. Not included: the AI subscription you manage the site with — you arrange that yourself, reckon on a few tens of euros a month. That sounds like a downside, but it also means there's no mandatory contract between you and your site.
language: en

Frequently asked questions about AI for business
type: FAQPage
main entity: Does my business really need to do something about the AI Act?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: If you use AI: yes. Since 2 August 2026 the AI Act applies to virtually every company that deploys AI, regardless of size. For a small business it comes down to three things: knowing which tools you use, a policy on who's allowed to do what, and staff who are demonstrably informed. The heavy requirements for high-risk applications have been postponed to December 2027.
main entity: Who manages it afterwards — do I have to keep coming back for that?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: No, that's exactly the point. The setup and the rules come with it, so your team can do it themselves. Questions are always welcome, but you're not tied to anything.
main entity: What if the AI provider disappears or gets more expensive?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Then everything stays in place. What you get is plain PHP and JSON: readable without any tool, editable by any developer. AI makes the management easier, but nothing depends on it.
main entity: Can my customer data go into an AI tool?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: That depends on which tool, and where it runs. The principle is simple: data you don't want out in the open doesn't go into a service whose processing you don't know. During the setup you decide per type of data what's allowed where, with a data processing agreement where that's needed.
main entity: What about security?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Better than you're used to. Most sites are hacked through an outdated plugin, a weak password on a login screen or a hole in the database — and those three aren't here. What's left is the server and the PHP version, and that's a manageable list that gets kept up to date.
main entity: Is this also something for a small business?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Especially so. The smaller the team, the more work is left lying around that a good setup picks up. And the law makes no exception for size.
language: en

Frequently asked questions about automation
type: FAQPage
main entity: Which systems can be integrated?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: In principle anything with an API — and these days that's almost everything. From accounting packages like Exact and Moneybird to e-commerce platforms, CRMs and email tools.
main entity: Is automation also worthwhile for small businesses?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Especially for small businesses. If you don't have a team to absorb administrative work, automation isn't a luxury but a necessity. One smart integration can already save hours a week.
main entity: What if something goes wrong with an automation?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Every integration comes with error handling and monitoring. If something fails, you'll know — and so will I. No silent errors that only surface weeks later.
main entity: Can I make changes to the workflows myself?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: That depends on the complexity. Simple changes in tools like Klaviyo or Make you do yourself. For bespoke integrations a quick word is wiser — it prevents silent breakage.
language: en

Frequently asked questions about branding
type: FAQPage
main entity: What does a house style cost?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: It depends on the scope. A logo with basic guidelines is a different project than a complete brand system with templates and guidelines for multiple channels. What fits your stage — I'm glad to think that through with you.
main entity: How long does a branding project take?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Reckon on 4 to 8 weeks for a full project, depending on complexity and feedback rounds. A logo-only project can be faster — though it almost always pays to look beyond just the logo.
main entity: Can I have my current house style refreshed?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Absolutely. Not every brand needs a complete overhaul — sometimes evolution is more powerful than revolution. The focus goes to what works, what no longer fits, and where the opportunities are.
main entity: Do you also deliver source files?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Yes, always. You get all the files in the formats you need — for print, web and social. It's your brand, and the keys come with it.
language: en

Frequently asked questions
type: FAQPage
main entity: What exactly does Braaf do?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Creation + code: branding, websites, web shops, hosting and automation — design and technology under one roof. You don't have to translate anything back and forth between parties; the idea and the execution sit at the same table.
main entity: Who does Braaf work for?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: For entrepreneurs and small businesses that take their brand and site seriously — from a first house style to developing an existing web shop further. Working since 2013, so most questions have come up here before.
main entity: How does a project start?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: With a conversation — the first introduction is always free and without obligation. Want a focused start? The intake is six short questions and gives a clear picture of your project straight away.
main entity: What does a project cost?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: It varies per project — a price only comes once it's clear what's needed. Always with clear agreements up front: a fixed price where that's possible, hourly where that's fairer. No surprises afterwards.
main entity: Where is Braaf based?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: In Dordrecht. A lot of work goes fine remotely, but for an introduction or a working session you're welcome — there's coffee, and there are biscuits.
language: en

Frequently asked questions about hosting
type: FAQPage
main entity: Can I host my existing website here?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Yes, provided the technology suits the server environment: primarily PHP, Node.js and static sites. When you switch, the migration is arranged, including DNS, SSL and a test period.
main entity: What's the difference with regular hosting?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Personal management. At most hosting companies you're a ticket number; here you're a project that's known. Faster responses, an understanding of your setup, and problems solved without you having to become technical yourself.
main entity: What about uptime?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: The guarantee is 99.9% uptime. Servers are monitored continuously, with alerts at the smallest deviation. Downtime isn't an option — certainly not for web shops.
main entity: Is my data safe?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Yes: daily backups, encryption, firewalls and regular security updates. Hosted within Europe, properly in line with the GDPR. Your data is yours.
language: en

Frequently asked questions about web shops
type: FAQPage
main entity: Which platform suits me?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: It depends on your situation. Shopify is ideal if you want to start quickly. WooCommerce suits anyone who wants more control and bespoke work. Magento is for larger catalogues and higher volumes. The advice follows your needs, not a favourite platform.
main entity: Can my existing web shop be improved?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Yes — often a full rebuild isn't even necessary. First the bottlenecks are mapped out, then what delivers the most is tackled first.
main entity: How do I know if my web shop is performing well?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: With data, not gut feeling: conversion rates, bounce rates, average order value and the full checkout path. Those figures tell you exactly where the gains are.
main entity: Is there hosting for web shops too?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Yes — fast, reliable hosting set up specifically for e-commerce, with the speed and uptime you should expect from a shop.
language: en

Frequently asked questions about websites
type: FAQPage
main entity: What technology is used?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: It depends on the project. Marketing sites often run on PHP or WordPress, more complex applications on React or Vue. The technology follows what your project needs, not what's fashionable.
main entity: How long does it take to build a website?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: A compact website is ready in 4 to 6 weeks. Larger projects with bespoke work and integrations run up to 8 to 12 weeks. The planning is realistic and the communication clear — no surprises along the way.
main entity: Can I manage my website myself?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: That's the starting point: a website you can maintain yourself, with clear documentation and a CMS that suits you. And if you do get stuck, I'm one message away.
main entity: What if I already have a website that no longer works?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Then the first step is to see whether a touch-up will do or whether a rebuild is smarter. Sometimes a redesign is enough, sometimes the technical foundation is too shaky — you'll get an honest answer either way, even when that's the cheaper one.
language: en

AI CMS
type: Offer
description: A CMS without the content management. From schema to page — you say what needs to change and there it is.
availability: https://schema.org/InStock
price specification: PriceSpecification
  min price: 6750
  price currency: EUR
  value added tax included: false
seller: Braaf.
item offered: AI CMS — informational site
  type: Service
  description: An informational website, built to be managed afterwards in plain language. Design, structure, schema and the rules an agent works within on its own.
  service type: Website management without a CMS
  provider: Braaf.
  image: Agreements with the machine
    type: ImageObject
    caption: The schema is the agreement — and the agent keeps to it.
  category: AI CMS
  category: headless
  category: schema-driven
  category: informational websites
  category: management in plain language
  audience: Businesses with an informational website and a single owner
  is related to: AI for business
  is related to: Websites that communicate
  is related to: Blazing-fast hosting
  subject of: Does AI make the CMS obsolete?
  subject of: What does implementing AI in your business cost?
  subject of: WordPress or bespoke: which suits you?
language: en

Braaf.
type: ProfessionalService
legal name: J. den Braven
description: Creative studio for branding, web design and development. Working since 2013.
founding date: 2013-01-01
price range: €€
knows about: branding
knows about: brand identity
knows about: web design
knows about: web development
knows about: web shops
knows about: hosting
knows about: automation
address: PostalAddress
  street address: Lenghengang 26
  postal code: 3311 NP
  address locality: Dordrecht
  address region: Zuid-Holland
  address country: NL
vat ID: NL005424212B34
language: en

PropertyValue
property ID: KvK
value: 99996251

Joey den Braven
type: Person
job title: Creative Director
works for: Braaf.
language: en

Advice and support
type: Service
description: Strategic advice on online presence, SEO and optimisation — with fast, direct communication.
image: Back to the drawing board
  type: ImageObject
  caption: Sketches, swatches and notes — weighing up what's there once more.
provider: Braaf.
category: SEO
category: optimisation
category: documentation
category: high availability
is related to: AI for business
is related to: Creative concepts and design
is related to: Websites that communicate
is related to: Web shops that convert
is related to: Blazing-fast hosting
is related to: Handy automations
language: en
subject of: WordPress or bespoke: which suits you?
subject of: What does a website cost?
subject of: What does a visual identity cost?

AI for business
type: Service
description: AI set up around how your business actually works — the rules in order, the team on board, and a way of working you manage yourself afterwards.
image: It's already happening
  type: ImageObject
  caption: Somewhere in your business, someone is typing into an AI window right now.
provider: Braaf.
category: AI regulation
category: AI policy
category: AI literacy
category: privacy and GDPR
category: management with AI
category: bespoke setup
has offer catalog: Packages
  type: OfferCatalog
  item list element: Offer
is related to: Handy automations
is related to: Websites that communicate
is related to: Advice and support
is related to: Creative concepts and design
is related to: Web shops that convert
is related to: Blazing-fast hosting
language: en
subject of: What the AI Act requires of you now
subject of: What does implementing AI in your business cost?
subject of: Does AI make the CMS obsolete?

Handy automations
type: Service
description: Smart integrations and workflows that cut out manual work and streamline processes.
image: Looking for the brake
  type: ImageObject
  caption: Behind manual work that keeps coming back there's usually one missing integration.
provider: Braaf.
category: Klaviyo
category: MailChimp
category: API integrations
category: PaaS
category: bespoke integrations
is related to: AI for business
is related to: Creative concepts and design
is related to: Websites that communicate
is related to: Web shops that convert
is related to: Blazing-fast hosting
is related to: Advice and support
language: en
subject of: WordPress or bespoke: which suits you?
subject of: Improving website speed: what actually works?

Creative concepts and design
type: Service
description: From brand identity to print — logos, house styles, packaging and campaigns that stand out and stick.
image: More than a logo
  type: ImageObject
  caption: Colour, rhythm and typography do the work a logo alone can't.
provider: Braaf.
category: logo
category: concepts
category: design
category: brochures
category: packaging
category: house style
is related to: AI for business
is related to: Websites that communicate
is related to: Web shops that convert
is related to: Blazing-fast hosting
is related to: Handy automations
is related to: Advice and support
language: en
subject of: What does a visual identity cost?
subject of: Having a logo designed: what to look out for?
subject of: The difference between a logo and a brand identity
subject of: When is it time for a rebrand?

Blazing-fast hosting
type: Service
description: Reliable VPS hosting with NGINX, caching, security and backups — maintained by the same person who built the website.
image: Where your site really lives
  type: ImageObject
  caption: A hall full of servers — the difference is in what you rent from it.
provider: Braaf.
category: VPS
category: NGINX
category: caching
category: server maintenance
category: security
category: backups
is related to: AI for business
is related to: Creative concepts and design
is related to: Websites that communicate
is related to: Web shops that convert
is related to: Handy automations
is related to: Advice and support
language: en
subject of: VPS vs shared hosting: what's the difference?
subject of: Improving website speed: what actually works?
subject of: Website security: why take it seriously?

Web shops that convert
type: Service
description: Web shops built for revenue — with attention to the customer journey, speed and conversion optimisation.
image: One shop, every screen
  type: ImageObject
  caption: Laptop, tablet and phone: the same route to checkout.
provider: Braaf.
category: WooCommerce
category: Shopify
category: Magento
category: CTR
category: customer journey
category: modules
is related to: AI for business
is related to: Creative concepts and design
is related to: Websites that communicate
is related to: Blazing-fast hosting
is related to: Handy automations
is related to: Advice and support
language: en
subject of: What does a web shop cost?
subject of: Starting a web shop: a level-headed plan
subject of: Shopify or WooCommerce: which is better?
subject of: Increasing conversion in your web shop: what actually works?

Websites that communicate
type: Service
description: Websites that communicate, persuade and convert. From concept to live, including UX, UI and development.
image: Where the real work is
  type: ImageObject
  caption: Screens full of bespoke work — the form follows what you have to say.
provider: Braaf.
category: UX
category: UI
category: PWA
category: NodeJS
category: React
category: Vue
category: Wordpress
category: modules and plugins
is related to: AI for business
is related to: Creative concepts and design
is related to: Web shops that convert
is related to: Blazing-fast hosting
is related to: Handy automations
is related to: Advice and support
language: en
subject of: What does a website cost?
subject of: Having a website made in Dordrecht
subject of: WordPress or bespoke: which suits you?
subject of: Why is my website so slow?