Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about working with Mezokuru, pricing, timelines, and web development services.

General Questions

What services do you offer?

I help small businesses and individuals get online with websites that actually work for them. Whether you're a construction company needing to showcase your work, a service provider wanting to attract local clients, or someone with a unique idea for a web app - I've got you covered.

Services include:

  • Custom Website Development - Built specifically for your business, not cookie-cutter templates
  • Business Websites - Professional sites that represent your brand well
  • Web Applications - Interactive experiences (like the wedding portal I built for a couple's special day)
  • Template Customization - Quick, affordable options if you need something fast
  • Ongoing Support - 6 months free because I want to see your site succeed

More importantly, I'll guide you through the whole process. Tech can be overwhelming, and I get that.

Where are you located?

I'm based in the beautiful Overberg region of South Africa, but distance isn't a barrier. I've worked with clients across the country, and we make it work through email, WhatsApp, and video calls.

Actually, working remotely has its advantages - you can reach me when it suits you, and we can collaborate without you having to drive anywhere. Plus, I'm pretty responsive (my clients will tell you I sometimes reply embarrassingly fast).

Do you work with international clients?

Absolutely! The internet is kind of my thing, so working across borders is no issue. I've collaborated with people in different time zones, and we make it work.

Communication happens through whatever works best for you - email, WhatsApp, video calls, carrier pigeon (okay, maybe not that last one). Payment is flexible too - international transfer, PayPal, whatever makes sense.

If you're worried about the distance, don't be. Some of my best working relationships have been with people I've never met in person.

Pricing & Payment

How much does a website cost?

Here's the truth: you wouldn't judge a book by its cover, so why would I quote a price without understanding your story?

Every project is unique, and honestly, throwing out random numbers would be doing you a disservice. A simple landing page has different needs than a full web application with user accounts and real-time features. What I really need to understand is:

  • What problem are you solving?
  • Who are your users?
  • What features do you actually need?
  • What's your timeline?

Let's have a conversation about your goals. I'll give you an honest assessment of what's needed and a fair quote based on the actual scope - not a number pulled from thin air. And if it's outside your budget, I'll tell you straight up and maybe suggest some alternatives.

What I can promise: Transparent pricing, no hidden costs, and every project includes 6 months of free support because I genuinely want to see your business succeed. Get in touch and let's discuss your specific needs.

What's included in the price?

Whatever your project needs to succeed - I'm not trying to upsell you on features you don't need. Standard inclusions:

  • Custom design and development tailored to your brand
  • Mobile-responsive layout (works flawlessly on all devices)
  • SEO optimization so people can actually find you
  • Contact form setup
  • 6 months free support and maintenance (because I stand behind my work)
  • Training so you can update content yourself
  • Deployment to fast, reliable hosting

What you'll need separately: Domain name (~R150/year) and hosting (I'll help you choose - free options available or premium for R50-200/month).

The quote I give you will be comprehensive - no surprise charges later.

Do you offer payment plans?

Of course! I understand cash flow is real, especially for small businesses. I'm not here to drain your bank account in one go.

Standard approach:

  • Deposit to start - Secures your spot and kicks off development
  • Milestone payments - As we hit major project stages
  • Final payment on delivery - Before going live

For larger projects, we'll work out a payment schedule that makes sense for your situation. The goal is to build something great together, not create financial stress. If you're worried about budget, just be upfront with me - we'll figure something out.

Are there any ongoing costs?

Minimal. I build sites that don't bleed you dry every month.

  • Domain name: ~R150-300/year (your website address - unavoidable)
  • Hosting: Often FREE (yes, actually free) or R50-200/month if you need premium features
  • Maintenance: First 6 months FREE, then you choose:
    • Manage it yourself (I'll train you)
    • Pay-as-you-go when you need help
    • Monthly retainer if you want ongoing support

Unlike WordPress sites that need constant plugin updates and security patches, modern sites I build are lean and low-maintenance. Many clients pay nothing beyond their domain after the first 6 months.

Process & Timeline

How long does it take to build a website?

Timeline depends on project complexity:

  • Template-based sites: 1-2 weeks
  • Custom business websites: 2-4 weeks
  • Web applications: 4-8 weeks

Timeline starts after receiving all content (text, images, branding). Delays usually happen waiting for client content, not development.

What's the development process?

Here's how we'll work together:

  • 1. Discovery Call - Discuss your needs, goals, and budget (free, 30 minutes)
  • 2. Proposal & Quote - Detailed project scope and pricing
  • 3. Design Phase - Mockups and design approval
  • 4. Development - Building your site with regular updates
  • 5. Review & Revisions - Your feedback and adjustments
  • 6. Launch - Deploy to live hosting
  • 7. Training - Show you how to update content
  • 8. Support - 6 months free maintenance

How many revisions do I get?

Every project includes:

  • 2 rounds of design revisions - During the mockup phase
  • 1 round of development revisions - After initial build
  • Unlimited minor tweaks - During the 6-month support period

Major changes after approval may incur additional costs, but we'll discuss this upfront.

What do you need from me to get started?

Don't stress - I'll walk you through this. Ideally, I'd need:

  • Content: Text for your pages, business description (even rough notes are fine)
  • Images: Logo, photos, graphics - or I can help source stock images if you don't have any
  • Branding: Colors, fonts, style preferences (if you have them - if not, we'll figure it out together)
  • Examples: Websites you like, so I understand your taste
  • Goals: What you want the site to achieve for your business

Honestly, most people don't have everything ready, and that's completely normal. I'll guide you through gathering what we need, and we can work with what you have. The important thing is getting started.

Technical Questions

Will my website work on mobile phones?

Absolutely! Every website I build is fully responsive, meaning it automatically adapts to any screen size - phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops. Mobile-first design is standard practice, not an extra feature.

In fact, over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices, so mobile optimization is a priority for every project.

Can I update the website myself?

Absolutely! I want you to feel empowered to manage your own site. Here's how I make that easy:

  • Simple admin panel: Update text, images, and blog posts without touching code
  • Personal training: I'll walk you through everything, at your pace
  • Written guides: Step-by-step instructions for common tasks
  • Ongoing support: 6 months free support if you get stuck or forget something

I've worked with people who've never touched a website before, and they're managing their sites just fine now. If you can send an email, you can update your site.

For bigger changes (design tweaks, new features), I'm always here to help.

What technologies do you use?

I use modern, reliable technologies:

  • Frontend: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, React (for complex apps)
  • Backend: Node.js, Python (Django/Flask) when needed
  • Databases: Firebase, PostgreSQL for data storage
  • Hosting: Netlify, Vercel, Render (fast, reliable, affordable)
  • CMS: Netlify CMS for easy content management

I choose the right tool for each project - no unnecessary complexity.

Will my website be fast?

Speed is a priority! I optimize every site for performance:

  • Compressed images and assets
  • Minimal, clean code
  • Fast hosting on global CDNs
  • Lazy loading for images
  • Optimized for Google's Core Web Vitals

Fast sites rank better in Google, convert more visitors, and provide better user experience. I test every site with Google Lighthouse to ensure top performance scores.

Is SEO included?

Yes! Basic SEO is included in every project:

  • Proper HTML structure and semantic markup
  • Meta titles and descriptions
  • Optimized images with alt text
  • Fast loading speeds
  • Mobile-friendly design
  • Sitemap generation
  • Google Search Console setup

For advanced SEO (keyword research, content strategy, ongoing optimization), I can recommend specialists or offer it as an add-on service.

Do you use WordPress?

I specialize in modern, custom-built websites rather than WordPress. Here's why:

  • Faster: No bloated plugins or themes
  • More secure: Less vulnerable to hacks
  • Cheaper hosting: Can use free hosting platforms
  • Better performance: Optimized code, not generic templates
  • Easier maintenance: No plugin updates or compatibility issues

If you specifically need WordPress, I can recommend specialists. But for most small business sites, custom-built is better.

Support & Maintenance

What's included in the 6-month free support?

For 6 months after launch, you get:

  • Bug fixes and technical issues
  • Minor content updates (text, images)
  • Help with using the CMS
  • Performance monitoring
  • Security updates
  • Email/WhatsApp support

Not included: Major design changes, new features, or complete page redesigns. These can be quoted separately.

What happens after 6 months?

After the free support period, you have options:

  • Self-manage: You handle updates yourself (I've trained you!)
  • Pay-as-you-go: Contact me when you need help (R500/hour)
  • Monthly retainer: R500-1000/month for ongoing support and updates

Many clients manage their own sites after training. I'm here if you need me.

How quickly do you respond to support requests?

Response times:

  • Critical issues (site down): Within 4 hours
  • Urgent requests: Within 24 hours
  • General support: Within 48 hours

Most issues are resolved within 1-2 business days. I'm available via email, WhatsApp, or phone.

What if I want to add new features later?

No problem! Your website is built to grow with your business. New features can be added anytime:

  • Blog or news section
  • Online booking system
  • E-commerce functionality
  • User accounts and login
  • Integration with third-party services

I'll provide a quote for new features based on complexity. Your existing site won't need to be rebuilt - we just add to it.

Business & Legal

Why should I choose you over other developers?

Fair question. Here's what makes working with me different:

  • No BS pricing - I give you a real quote based on real scope, not inflated numbers
  • Modern tech - Fast, secure sites that don't need constant maintenance like WordPress
  • 6 months free support - Most developers disappear after launch. I stick around
  • You own everything - No lock-in, no holding your site hostage
  • Clear communication - You'll always know what's happening and why
  • Free hosting options - I'll show you how to keep costs low

I'm not the cheapest option (those sites look cheap, and you deserve better). I'm not the most expensive (you're not paying for fancy offices or account managers). I'm the option that delivers professional work at fair prices with genuine ongoing support.

Plus, I actually answer my phone and respond to messages. You're working directly with the person building your site, not going through layers of project managers. That matters.

Do I own the website after it's built?

100%. Once final payment clears, you own:

  • All source code
  • All design files
  • All content and images
  • Full access to hosting and domain

You're free to take your site elsewhere, modify it yourself, or hire another developer. No lock-in, no ransom situations, no "you need to pay us to make changes" nonsense.

I build your site, you own it. That's how it should be.

Do you sign contracts?

Yes! Every project includes a clear contract outlining:

  • Project scope and deliverables
  • Timeline and milestones
  • Payment terms
  • Revision policy
  • Ownership and rights
  • Support terms

This protects both of us and ensures we're on the same page.

Can you help with domain and hosting setup?

Absolutely! I'll handle the technical setup:

  • Help you choose and register a domain name
  • Set up hosting (free or paid options)
  • Configure DNS and SSL certificates
  • Deploy your site
  • Set up email forwarding if needed

You'll have full access and ownership - I just make the setup painless.

What if I'm not happy with the final result?

Honestly, this hasn't happened yet, and here's why:

  • We discuss your vision thoroughly before I write a single line of code
  • You approve the design before development starts
  • Regular check-ins mean no surprises
  • Revision rounds are built into the process
  • Clear communication at every stage

I don't disappear after taking your deposit. You're involved throughout, which means the final result is what you actually wanted - not what I assumed you wanted.

And look, if something's not right, we fix it. Simple as that. Your success is my success - when you're happy with your site and it's helping your business grow, that's what makes this work meaningful for me.

Learning Web Development

I want to learn web development. Where should I start?

Love this question! I've put together a complete 10-part developer journey guide specifically for people starting out. It covers everything from HTML basics to frameworks, deployment, and career advice - all pointing to free resources.

Here's where I'd start if I were beginning today:

The journey takes time (6-12 months to job-ready), but it's absolutely doable. Some days you'll feel like a genius, other days you'll want to throw your laptop out the window. Both are normal. Keep going.

Do you offer mentoring or tutoring?

Right now, I'm focused on client projects, but I remember how overwhelming learning to code can be. So I'm happy to:

  • Answer quick questions via email (seriously, just ask)
  • Review your code and give honest feedback
  • Point you to the right resources for what you're trying to learn
  • Give you a reality check on your learning path

I've also written a comprehensive blog series specifically to guide aspiring developers through the entire journey with free resources. Think of it as mentoring in written form.

The dev community helped me when I was starting out. Happy to pay it forward where I can.

Should I learn to code or hire a developer?

It depends on your goals:

Learn to code if:

  • You want a career in tech
  • You enjoy problem-solving and building
  • You have 6-12 months to dedicate to learning
  • You want complete control over your site

Hire a developer if:

  • You need a site quickly (weeks, not months)
  • You want to focus on your business, not tech
  • You need professional design and optimization
  • You want ongoing support

Both are valid! Many business owners hire developers while learning basics for simple updates.

Still Have Questions?

Can't find what you're looking for? Let's have a chat about your project. No sales pitch, no pressure - just an honest conversation about what you need and whether we're a good fit. Even if I'm not the right person for your project, I'll try to point you in the right direction.

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