FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Answers on websites, digitalisation and AI — especially for associations, trades, hospitality and SMEs ready to go digital.
Topics
About Hercoon
Who we are and who we work for.
What exactly does Hercoon do?
Hercoon is a startup and IT service provider in one: we design and build websites, digitalise processes and implement practical AI solutions — for associations and SMEs across Germany.
Our focus is custom code instead of template builders, fast delivery and a direct contact person without agency overhead.
Who do you work for?
Typical clients are sports clubs, hospitality businesses, trades, cultural associations and SMEs who want to improve their online presence or simplify internal workflows.
Startups and founders with web apps or AI features are welcome too — as long as the project fits our focus on web design, web, digitalisation and AI.
Are you only active in North Hesse?
No. We are based in North Hesse and work remote-first across Germany. On-site meetings are possible when it makes sense — for most projects video calls and async coordination are enough.
Web Design & Online Presence
Common questions on web design, websites and online presence — from trades, hospitality, associations and local businesses.
Do you also handle the web design?
Yes — web design is part of our package, not just technical implementation. We develop layout, colours, typography and UI concept to fit your brand and audience.
You do not need to bring a finished design. In the intro call we clarify style, references and requirements — then we deliver design and code from one source.
Does my business really need its own website?
Social media alone is often not enough: your own website is your shop window on Google, looks more professional and belongs to you — without algorithm risk.
Especially for trades, hospitality and associations, clear info (opening hours, services, contact), trust and findability in local search matter.
What does a website cost with you?
Every project is individual — the following amounts are guidance, not fixed prices out of thin air.
A simple presence with around five pages (home, about, services, contact, legal/privacy) is typically €560–840.
SMEs with more pages, CMS, blog or multilingual support we usually plan at €1,260–1,750. After a free intro call you get an honest estimate with a range.
Do we provide the text and images?
Text usually comes from you — you know your business best. We help with structure, wording and SEO basics.
Images: we provide initial sample images you can replace. Your own photos are welcome and often the better choice.
Can I change content myself later?
Yes, if you need that — e.g. with a CMS for news, menus or dates. If you prefer not to maintain anything yourself, we handle changes via our website care plans or on an hourly basis.
In the intro call we clarify what makes more sense for your day-to-day: self-service or delegating to us.
What happens after go-live?
Every web project includes one month of support after launch. After that you can choose our website care — from pure technical coverage (from €99/month) to regular content hours and priority support.
Without a plan, ad-hoc requests are possible subject to availability — with no guaranteed response time.
Why not WordPress or Webflow?
We use custom code: faster, leaner, without plugin chaos and with full control over performance, security and privacy.
For most SME websites that is the better long-term solution — less maintenance, no builder look and no update surprises.
Digitalisation
When Excel, paper and email chaos slow down daily work.
What does digitalisation mean for a small business?
Not “everything digital at once” — but simplifying concrete workflows: enquiries instead of paper chaos, automatic notifications instead of manual emails, one central database instead of scattered Excel lists.
Typical for SMEs: membership applications, orders, appointment booking, internal overviews or connecting two systems that did not talk before.
Which processes can typically be digitalised?
Digital forms (applications, orders, contact enquiries), email flows and notifications, booking systems for courses or rooms, simple CRMs or admin panels for your data.
Also automations with tools like n8n or Make — or bespoke solutions when standard tools are not enough.
Do I have to switch everything at once?
No. We work in phases: first the most urgent problem, then the next step. That way you keep control over budget and priorities.
Combined projects (e.g. website plus member management) we split into separate phases — you can choose stages and invest step by step.
AI & Automation
Practical, privacy-conscious — without hype.
Is AI worth it for an SME?
Often yes — but not everywhere. Useful examples: FAQ chatbots on the website, automatic email drafts, summaries of long documents or processing form data.
We start with an honest analysis: where does AI really save time, where is the effort too high? Our AI consulting (analysis document plus roadmap) gives you a clear basis for decisions.
How do you handle privacy with AI?
Privacy is not an add-on for us. We rely on GDPR-compliant, EU-based solutions where possible — especially important with sensitive customer data (e.g. lawyers, tax advisors, doctors or associations with member data).
For especially sensitive cases there are on-premise options. We clarify which setup fits in the project — transparent and without a black box.
Process & Costs
From intro call to ongoing operation.
How does a project start with you?
1. Free intro call (approx. 20 minutes) — we learn about your project.
2. Rough effort estimate with lower bound and cost range.
3. Written cost estimate with range (within 2–4 hours after the call).
4. Free deep dive (45 min) to clarify scope — then fixed price tied to an agreed delivery list.
5. Contract, deposit (50%), implementation with regular feedback.
Do you work with fixed prices?
Every project is individual — the right approach (estimate or fixed price) we clarify in the intro call.
We bill transparently by effort. A binding fixed price comes after the deep dive when scope and delivery list are clear — so we avoid scope stress on both sides.
With digitalisation and AI scope is especially variable; there we almost always start with an estimate, then fixed price after clarification.
How does website care work?
Three plans: Basic (€99/month) for secure operation, Active (€199/month) with content hours and priority, Partner (€399/month) with more hours, analytics and quarterly SEO technical check.
Details and scope are on our services page. Minimum term three months, then cancellable monthly.
Still open? See our services page or book a free intro call.
Question not listed?
Tell us about your project — we will get back to you quickly and without fuss.
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