Ole Roloff: Freelancer from Berlin

Online Marketing: I’ve been working in online marketing since 2014; before that, I worked in copywriting and design while I was still in college. My first role was as a project manager at an agency, where I oversaw the implementation of various online projects. I then specialized in search engine optimization (SEO), working at two agencies and managing numerous website projects—particularly with WordPress. Since search engine optimization—especially technical SEO—requires extensive website modifications, I gained in-depth knowledge of WordPress and the methods for making adjustments and troubleshooting issues.

Web Design & WordPress: In addition, I began building WordPress websites as a web designer back in 2014, building on my previous design experience: At first, I created websites using pre-made themes, then created my own pages using the WPBakery Page Builder, until I eventually developed complex web designs with Elementor Pro (the Adobe InDesign for websites) and implemented complete, responsive designs for third-party booking journeys using CSS, while also enhancing websites with custom features.

Current Approach: Today, I continue to build WordPress websites primarily using Elementor Pro and enhance them as needed with custom features and CSS customizations. The criticism of using Elementor—that such powerful programs slow down website speed—has, in my view, since been proven wrong: Today, Elementor can be configured so that only the elements required for each page are loaded, which enables extremely fast website speeds—and thus outperforms even custom-coded themes.

Not the focus. As with almost any trade, you’ll find plenty of affordable web designers online who can build your website at a low price. I think that’s perfectly legitimate: just like with fashion and magazines, there’s something for every need here, too. If you’re looking for a particularly affordable website, I’d recommend, for example, searching for Wix freelancers, since the high level of customization offered by WordPress isn’t always necessary, and Wix is automatically maintained, so it doesn’t require any separate upkeep.

Focus. My services are aimed particularly at companies and organizations that desire professional solutions: whether it’s layouts and functions that are customizable and expandable according to their specifications, employees only needing to maintain content that is then loaded into site-wide templates, complex designs needing to be implemented – or simply because WordPress has been used for a long time and should therefore remain the platform.

Quality. I rely on a minimalist use of plugins and preferably use established solutions to preempt potential incompatibilities and slow website speeds. I am happy to train you in editing your website to the extent that you can maintain and edit it independently of me and others. For me, that is a goal: that you no longer need me.

Social Engagement. I consider social engagement a necessity in a world that, unfortunately (once again), is increasingly marked by hatred. For this, I chose a volunteer position at the Diakonie-Hospiz Berlin Lichtenberg and have been accompanying people in difficult life situations since 2015. In the process, I have also completed several therapeutic training courses and am now starting to mentor young people in Berlin.