Deciding to build or upgrade a digital presence brings with it a series of questions — about timelines, pricing, technologies, the collaboration process and what is actually delivered at the end of a project. This page collects the most common questions clients ask before, during and after the development of a website, web shop, application or booking system, with answers that help in making an informed decision. For questions that do not find an answer here, the Prolink team is available for a no-obligation consultation.

Website development

How long does it take to build a website?

The timeline depends on the complexity of the project, the number of pages and the functionality the website needs to have. A simpler presentation website can be ready within a few weeks, while more complex projects with custom design, multilingual support and integrations take longer. The timeline is also affected by how quickly the client delivers materials — texts, photographs and other content elements. Prolink defines a realistic project plan at the start of every engagement that accounts for all phases from design through to testing and launch.

What is needed to start building a website?

To begin a project it is necessary to define the goals of the website, the target audience and the key features it needs to have. The client needs to prepare content — texts, photographs and a logo — or delegate this to Prolink, which can take over copywriting and visual identity as part of the project. Technical prerequisites such as a domain and hosting can be handled in collaboration with Prolink for clients who do not have experience with these aspects.

Will the website work correctly on mobile devices?

Yes, all websites developed by Prolink are adapted for display on mobile devices, tablets and desktop computers. Responsive design is not an option but a standard, because the majority of web traffic today comes from mobile devices and Google treats mobile responsiveness as a direct ranking factor in search results. Every website undergoes testing across different devices and browsers before launch.

Can I update the content on my website myself after it is built?

Yes, all websites built with a CMS allow the client to manage content independently without technical knowledge — adding new pages, editing texts, uploading photographs and managing a blog or news section. Prolink conducts training on the use of the administrative interface at the end of the project and provides documentation for day-to-day content management.

Is the website optimised for Google?

All websites developed by Prolink are delivered with a technical SEO foundation — correct heading and meta tag structure, optimised URLs, schema markup, a sitemap file and robots.txt configuration. A technical SEO foundation is a prerequisite for search engine visibility, but long-term rankings also require a continuous content strategy and link building, which Prolink offers as a separate service.

What is included in the price of a website?

The price of a website covers design, development, technical SEO foundation, testing and project launch. Content — texts and photographs — is generally not included unless specifically agreed, nor is long-term maintenance and support, which are contracted separately. The factors that most influence the price are design complexity, the number of pages and features, and the required integrations with external systems. Prolink produces a detailed proposal for every project that clearly specifies what is included.

What is the difference between a website and a web application?

A website primarily serves presentation — it informs visitors about the company, services or products and guides them toward a desired goal such as contact or purchase. A web application, on the other hand, allows users to perform actions, manage data and interact with a system at a level that goes beyond passive consumption of content. A booking system, CRM, intranet or order management platform are examples of web applications, while a company presentation page or a services information page is an example of a website.

Do I need my own domain and hosting and how do I get them?

Yes, every website needs a domain — the address by which it is accessible on the internet — and hosting — the server on which all its data is stored. The domain and hosting can be obtained by the client independently or in collaboration with Prolink, which advises on selecting the optimal solution according to the technical requirements of the project. Prolink also offers hosting services for the projects it develops, ensuring that the server environment is aligned with the technical requirements of the website.

What is an SSL certificate and why does it matter?

An SSL certificate ensures an encrypted connection between the website and its visitors, displayed in the browser as a padlock next to the address and the HTTPS protocol. SSL is not just a security measure — Google penalises websites without an SSL certificate in search results, and browsers flag them as insecure, which directly affects visitor trust and conversion. All websites developed by Prolink include an SSL certificate as a standard element.

Can a website be expanded with new pages and features later?

Yes, provided the system architecture was planned with that possibility in mind — which is the approach Prolink applies as standard. Adding new pages, sections, languages or features such as a web shop, booking module or user portal is possible at any stage of the website's lifecycle. The complexity and cost of expansion depends on how well the initial solution was architecturally prepared for growth.

What does the collaboration process with Prolink look like when building a website?

Collaboration begins with an introductory conversation in which the goals, target audience and key requirements of the project are defined. This is followed by the creation of a design proposal that the client reviews and approves, then development phases in which the website is built on a development server accessible to the client for review and feedback. After development is complete, testing takes place, followed by launch to the production infrastructure. After launch Prolink conducts training and remains available for support under the agreed model.

Web shop development

What is the difference between a website and a web shop?

A web shop is a specialised type of website that, in addition to standard presentation elements, includes a product catalogue, shopping cart, payment processing, order and delivery management and user accounts. A web shop is a system that must reliably operate 24 hours a day because every error in the purchase process directly means lost revenue. The complexity of a web shop can range from a simple catalogue with a few products to a complex system with thousands of items, a B2B module and integrations with ERP and logistics systems.

What payment options are available on a web shop?

A web shop can support multiple payment methods selected according to the market and the habits of the target audience. In Croatia, CorvusPay, WSPay, Monri Payments and PayWay are most commonly used for card payments, with the option of integrating PayPal, cash on delivery, bank transfer and digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Prolink integrates payment systems according to the client's requirements and ensures that all financial flows are technically stable and compliant with security standards.

Is fiscal compliance required on a web shop?

The obligation for fiscal compliance depends on the client's business model and applicable legal regulations. If there is an obligation to issue fiscal receipts, Prolink implements fiscal compliance as part of the web shop — integrated with the chosen fiscal service or ERP system. The technical solution must comply with regulations so that all issued receipts are valid, which is an aspect defined during the project analysis phase.

Can I manage products, prices and orders myself?

Yes, the web shop administrative interface gives the client full control over the product catalogue, prices, inventory, discounts and orders without technical knowledge. Prolink conducts training on the use of the administration panel at the end of the project and delivers documentation covering all daily operations. For larger catalogues, Prolink also develops tools for bulk import and update of products via XLS or CSV files.

What is required for a legally compliant web shop?

A legally compliant web shop must have clearly visible terms of use, a GDPR-compliant privacy policy, information about the right to return goods, seller identification data and transparent pricing information including VAT and delivery costs. Prolink advises the client on all legal requirements and ensures the web shop is technically set up in a way that supports compliance, but recommends consultation with a legal professional for the legal aspects themselves.

Can the web shop be integrated with an existing ERP or warehouse system?

Yes, Prolink has experience integrating web shops with ERP systems, inventory management systems and logistics platforms. Integration ensures that data about inventory, prices and orders automatically synchronises between the web shop and the business systems the company already uses, eliminating manual data entry and the risk of data inconsistency. The complexity and cost of integration depends on the type of system and the depth of data exchange required.

How is inventory availability managed on a web shop?

The inventory management system automatically updates product availability based on sales and manual entries, can block purchase when inventory reaches zero and send notifications to the administrator when inventory reaches a defined minimum. For businesses with physical sales locations it is possible to synchronise inventory between online and offline channels through integration with a POS or ERP system, preventing overselling which is a common problem in multichannel retail.

How is payment security ensured on a web shop?

Payment security is ensured through multiple layers — SSL encryption protects communication between the user and the web shop, while card payments are processed through certified payment gateway systems that are PCI DSS compliant and never store card data on the web shop server. Users enter card details directly on the secure pages of the payment gateway, meaning the web shop never comes into contact with sensitive financial data.

What happens to the web shop if it goes down?

Web shop downtime directly means lost revenue and damaged customer trust, which is why availability monitoring and rapid incident response are critical aspects of maintenance. Prolink offers monitoring that detects unavailability and initiates an intervention procedure, while regular backups ensure that in the event of a serious incident the system can be restored to a working state in the shortest possible time. This level of support is contracted as part of a maintenance package.

Can a web shop be expanded with marketplace functionality with multiple sellers?

Yes, a web shop can be expanded to a marketplace model that allows multiple independent sellers to sell through the same platform, with centralised management and a defined revenue sharing model. Such a project is significantly more complex than a standard web shop because it requires special user systems for sellers, commission management, separate seller administration panels and more complex financial logic. Prolink treats such projects as a separate development category and approaches them through a detailed analysis phase.

Web application development

What is a web application and how does it differ from a website?

A web application is a digital system that allows users to perform actions, manage data and interact with a system at a level that goes beyond passive consumption of content. While a website informs and presents, a web application processes — it receives user input, processes it according to defined business logic and returns a result that changes the state of the system. A CRM, booking platform, intranet, project management system or online learning platform are examples of web applications.

How long does web application development take?

Development time depends on the complexity of the business logic, the number of features and integrations, and the scope of design work. A simpler web application can be ready within a few weeks, while complex multi-user systems with integrations and advanced analytics require several months of development. Prolink structures development in sprints that give the client continuous visibility into progress, and the timeline is defined after a detailed requirements analysis in the first phase of the project.

How is it ensured that the application works correctly?

Application quality is ensured through a multi-layer testing process that accompanies every development phase. Automated tests cover critical business logic and prevent future changes from accidentally breaking functionality that was already working correctly. Manual testing verifies user experiences and edge cases that automated tests cannot adequately cover. The client has access to the development environment throughout the process and can test the application under real conditions before launch.

Can a web application also work as a mobile application?

Progressive Web App technology allows a web application to behave similarly to a native mobile application — it can be installed on a mobile device, work offline or with a limited connection and use certain native device functionalities. For applications that require full access to hardware capabilities such as camera, GPS, Bluetooth or push notifications, Prolink develops separate mobile applications distributed through the App Store and Google Play.

How are users and access managed in a web application?

User and access management is defined according to the business needs of each application — from simple authentication with a single user level to complex hierarchies with multiple roles, organisational levels and granular permissions that determine what each user can see and do. Prolink builds user systems that support registration and login, profile management, permission delegation and an administrative overview of all user activity.

What happens to data if a technical failure occurs?

All web applications developed by Prolink include a data backup strategy that ensures data can be restored from a recent copy with minimal loss in the event of a technical failure, attack or human error. The frequency of backups and the maximum acceptable data loss are defined according to the criticality of the application and the client's business requirements. Prolink offers monitoring and infrastructure management as part of contracted support.

Can the application be integrated with external services we already use?

Yes, web applications developed by Prolink can be integrated with virtually any external service that offers an API — CRM and ERP systems, payment services, email and SMS sending services, calendars, warehouse and logistics systems, analytics platforms and other tools the company already uses. Integration eliminates manual data transfer between systems and ensures the web application functions as an integral part of the business ecosystem rather than an isolated tool.

Who owns the code of the developed application?

The client owns all code, design and documentation developed within the project. Prolink delivers all source files, repository access and technical documentation at the end of the project. The client can continue development with any development team in the future and is not tied to Prolink as the sole provider of technical support unless this is specifically agreed as part of contracted support.

How does the application scale as the number of users grows?

Scalability is planned in the architectural phase of the project — applications developed by Prolink are built on infrastructure that supports horizontal scaling, meaning capacity can be added according to actual demand without a complete system redesign. For applications with variable traffic, cloud platforms are used that automatically adjust resources, avoiding both an oversized server that consumes budget at idle and insufficient capacity that causes problems during peak periods.

What is the difference between custom development and a ready-made SaaS solution?

Ready-made SaaS solutions offer speed of implementation and a lower initial investment, but impose limitations on customisation, integrations and data control, and carry an ongoing subscription cost that grows with the organisation. Custom development requires a larger initial investment but results in a solution fully tailored to business processes, without the compromises imposed by someone else's software, with full control over data and without dependency on an external provider whose business decisions can threaten the continuity of your operations.

Booking system development

What types of businesses benefit from a booking system?

A booking system is useful for any business that manages appointments, capacities or reservations — from health and beauty, sport and recreation, tourism and accommodation to educational institutions, business premises and coworking spaces. The common denominator is the need for organised real-time availability management, automated client communication and a reduction in the administrative burden that comes with manual scheduling.

Can the booking system accept online payments?

Yes, Prolink integrates online payment systems that support collection of the full amount or a deposit at the time of booking. Online payment is not merely a convenience for the client — it is a business tool that dramatically reduces no-show rates because a client who has paid has a concrete financial reason to show up or cancel in time. Stripe, PayPal and local payment gateways are supported, and all financial flows are built with full PCI DSS compliance.

Can the booking system send automatic reminders to clients?

Yes, automatic reminders are one of the most valuable aspects of any booking system because they reduce no-show rates without any manual involvement from staff. The system can send a booking confirmation immediately upon scheduling, reminders a day and an hour before the appointment and post-appointment messages that can include an invitation to leave a review or rebook. All communication flows are configured through the administrative interface, and supported channels are email and SMS with the option of integrating the WhatsApp Business API.

What is a white-label booking system?

A white-label booking system is a reservation platform that visually and functionally reflects the brand of the client using it — the end user who books an appointment sees the name, logo and colours of the business they are booking with and is never aware that the software underneath was not developed internally. This model is particularly useful for agencies, franchises and businesses that manage a network of locations or offer booking infrastructure as a service to their own clients.

How does the booking system integrate with Google Calendar or Outlook?

Prolink builds two-way integrations with Google Calendar and Outlook that ensure automatic synchronisation between the booking system and staff members' personal calendars. A reservation made through the booking system immediately blocks the corresponding slot in the personal calendar, while a block in the personal calendar simultaneously removes availability from the booking interface. This two-way synchronisation eliminates the manual schedule reconciliation that is a frequent source of errors and conflicts.

Can one booking system manage multiple locations or staff members?

Yes, booking systems developed by Prolink support the management of multiple resources simultaneously — multiple staff members with individual schedules and services, multiple rooms or courts with different capacities and availability, or multiple locations with a centralised administrative overview. When making a reservation the client can choose a staff member, room or location according to their preference, while the owner or administrator has a view of all bookings in one place.

What happens to a booking if the client cancels?

The booking system automatically releases the slot upon cancellation and can trigger automatic communication to the client with a cancellation confirmation and, where applicable, information about a deposit refund. The cancellation policy — deadlines, late cancellation fees, refund conditions — is configured through the administrative interface according to the business rules of the client. For businesses with high no-show costs it is possible to implement automatic charging of a late cancellation fee.

Can the booking system work as a standalone application or must it be part of a website?

A booking system can be integrated into an existing website as a module that visually matches its design, can operate as a standalone page with its own domain or subdomain, or can be accessible exclusively through a mobile application. The choice depends on the business model and the way clients arrive at the reservation — a QR code at a physical location, a link on the website, a social media profile or a direct link in email communication.

How is it ensured that two clients cannot book the same slot simultaneously?

Prolink builds calendar systems with pessimistic locking that prevents race condition scenarios in which two users simultaneously book the same slot. At the moment a user begins the process of reserving a specific slot, that slot is temporarily reserved and removed from the available options for other users until the process is completed or a defined time limit expires. This architectural decision is critical for system integrity and user trust.

Can the booking system generate reports and statistics?

Yes, the administrative interface of the booking system includes analytics showing capacity utilisation by time period, the most popular services and slots, no-show and cancellation rates, revenue by staff member or location and trends that help in optimising schedules and offerings. This data enables business decisions based on actual client behaviour — from adjusting working hours to introducing new services or pricing.

Pricing and process

Why does Prolink not publish a fixed price list for all services?

Digital projects differ in complexity, scope and technical requirements to a degree that makes a fixed price list unreliable and potentially misleading. The price of a website appropriate for a local sole trader's presentation page is not comparable to that of a website for a hotel chain with a multilingual interface, a reservation system and integrations with booking platforms. Prolink produces an individualised proposal for every project that clearly specifies what is included, what is not and why the price is at a given level.

What factors affect the price of a digital project?

The key factors affecting price are design complexity and the number of screens or pages, business logic and the features the system needs to implement, integrations with external systems which are the technically most demanding segment of most projects, performance and scalability requirements and the scope of content work such as copywriting and photograph processing. Prolink clearly separates one-off development costs from ongoing costs such as hosting and maintenance in its proposals so the client has a complete picture of the total investment.

What does the process of getting a quote look like?

The process begins with an introductory conversation — by phone, video call or in person — in which Prolink learns about the requirements and goals of the project. Based on that conversation a detailed proposal is produced specifying the scope of work, technical architecture, timeline and price. For more complex projects the proposal may be preceded by a discovery phase in which requirements are mapped in detail before the final price is defined. The consultation and production of a proposal are without obligation and without charge.

Can I pay for the project in instalments?

Yes, for larger projects Prolink agrees payment in phases tied to the delivery of defined project milestones — for example, a portion upon design approval, a portion upon completion of development and a portion upon launch. The exact payment schedule is agreed individually for each project and specified in the development agreement. Prolink does not require full payment upfront as it considers the financial commitment to be mutual and tied to the actual delivery of value.

Is there a warranty on completed projects?

Yes, Prolink guarantees the correct functioning of all delivered features within a warranty period defined in the agreement. Errors resulting from the development process are corrected at no additional cost within the warranty period. After the warranty period expires, technical support and error correction are contracted through a maintenance package. This distinction between the warranty period and long-term maintenance is clearly communicated at the start of every engagement so the client has realistic expectations.

Maintenance

Why is it necessary to pay for website maintenance after the project is finished?

A website is not a static product that is delivered and functions without change — it is a technical system that depends on software that is continuously evolving. CMS systems, plugins and server infrastructure regularly receive security patches that need to be applied, and web standards and browser requirements evolve in ways that can affect how a website displays and functions. Without regular maintenance a website becomes increasingly vulnerable to security threats and increasingly slower relative to competitors who are actively optimising their digital presence.

What happens to a website if we do not maintain it?

An unmaintained website accumulates security vulnerabilities over time that automated scans actively seek out and exploit. The consequences can range from the injection of spam content or malicious code that harms visitors to a complete takeover of the website or its complete unavailability. Beyond the security consequences, an unmaintained website loses performance, begins to display incorrectly in new browser versions and falls in search results because Google directly penalises technical problems.

What is included in the basic maintenance package?

The basic maintenance package includes regular security updates for the CMS and plugins, a monthly availability and technical integrity check, SSL certificate monitoring and up to one hour of content changes per month. This package is appropriate for presentation websites with moderate traffic and occasional update needs that do not require more intensive engagement.

How quickly does Prolink respond in the event of a website going down?

Response time depends on the contracted maintenance package and the defined SLA. For clients with an advanced maintenance package, Prolink guarantees priority response because website downtime for a business that depends on it means direct financial loss that increases with every passing minute. Clients with basic and standard packages have defined response times that are documented in the agreement and measured from the moment the incident is reported.

Can Prolink take over the maintenance of a website it did not build itself?

Yes, Prolink takes over the maintenance of websites built by other agencies or freelancers, following a technical analysis that identifies the current state of the system, potential security risks and technical debt that needs to be addressed. Based on that analysis a maintenance package proposal is produced that matches the actual needs of the website. This process ensures that Prolink takes on responsibility for a system it understands well, rather than blindly.