Web Dev with a pinch of common sense

I am an experienced WordPress designer and developer with a strong background in UX/UI design and dozens of different projects. My expertise lies in the design and implementation of comprehensive WordPress solutions – from layout and structure to complex WooCommerce online stores. Am able with the development, maintenance and optimization of the WordPress platform and also fluent in Figma and Adobe tools to support visual design. I also offer expert support in search engine optimization (SEO), accessibility, customer training and service maintenance.

My path so-far

This a summary of my work experience with various webserive projects – highlighted are those where I have worked as a lead designer, builder and maintenance person – those have commonly been on WordPress platform. The projects consist of online stores, service offering websites, product catalogs, educational websites, multisites as well as some one-pagers. A large part of the projects have been designed and built according to various degrees of accessibility needs and standards. In addition to the role of designer and builder, I have also worked as a trainer with the services – creating accessible content and search engine optimization for the maintenance of each site.

WCAG 2.1
Multilingual web services
Custom posts
We shops
Booking systems
SEO
AI with content creation
User experience
Community platforms

A vibrant and colorful website with a smart flow

An ensamble of diverse content that directly reflects the offering and strengthen the visibility of the services. The structure is based on smart categories, which makes navigation intuitive and user-friendly. Visuality is at the center: the brand’s color saturation is strongly highlighted through vivid colors, harmonious elements and carefully designed user navigation – while being accessible. The flow guides the user naturally through the content and the end result is both visually impressive and functionally clear.

Multilingual databank with smart search functions under one roof

Tasked to build from design a smart and visually bleasing website with a strong basis on functional data integration to a third part platform. The project included a versatile multilingual databank integration, and customized search and filtering functionalities that improved the usability of the userflow. The end result is a clear, brand-compliant, and user-friendly webservice that supports the company’s communications and service objective.

Interior design online store with an aesthetic and functional solution

A WordPress-based online store, implemented with multilingual capability and designed with harmonious colors, creating every interior designer’s dream. The site combines aesthetic appeal and ease of use, offering a smooth shopping experience for an international clientele.

A multilingual online store that breathes Finnish nature

An online store where a harmonious and clean visual appearance takes the user to the peace of a Finnish forest. The website offers a comprehensive selection of sauna products and is multilingual to serve an international customer base. The end result combines an aesthetic experience with an easy-to-use shopping experience.

A smoke filled site for all grillers – a dark and fiery brand experience

A multilingual WordPress website with customized content types to meet the needs of the customer. The dark and fiery look reflects the brand and creates an inspiring idea bank for all grillers – big and small burners. The site features recipes, a showcase of all the brand’s products, and tips for users – a combination that excels brand-appropriate design and usability.

For a good cause - The charity's digital home

A local cat association’s webshop and homeless-cat’s info bank. This visually accessible site has always been near and dear to me, as budget has always been the bottom of the barrel – and needs to fit that. Maximize, minimize. The website has a customized section for introducing homeless cats. The site combines commercial solutions and community spirit, offering users a versatile and easy-to-use service.

Focus on media sales - visibility in Finnish cities

A site to sell media space in major cities in Finland. The project started small with just one city with a few solutions – but it grew from there – quite quickly.

Visually creal, clever and accessible – wholesome combination of timelessness.

The association's bilingual website with a discussion forum

Implementation of a multilingual WordPress website and branding for the association, whose goal is to bring positive perspectives to the world. A community platform was also built on the site, which enables interaction and discussion among registered users. The end result is a modern, brand-compliant and user-friendly entity that supports the association’s communication and sense of community.

A clear and user-friendly website for an educational institution

The project included the UI&UX design and was built on WordPress. The service was developed in accordance with accessibility (AA) standards and included a multilingual databank for students with versatile integrations. The end result is a clear and user-friendly website that supports the educational institution’s communication and services.

Tallberg properties

A multisite combilation of multible branded property locations. Most of the sites include a smart maps of locations – build for: mobile and bigger on locations info displays in mind. Maps were build with svg layouts and made to be touch screen combatible with an auto inserts from multible sources – ease of maintenance in mind. All in all, there has been some dozen different location websites within the project – all sites have their own special needs.

I am, therefore I do

I am an experienced WordPress designer and developer, with plus ten years of experience in designing, building and developing various web services. My expertise covers comprehensive WordPress solutions: from visual appearance and user interface design to versatile functionalities and WooCommerce stores. I am also very familiar with various integrations – for various needs.

I am a business economist by education, and strong business knowledge combined with technical and visual skills gives me a unique understanding and ability to create solutions that not only look good, but also support the set goals while being logical. I master WordPress, its development, maintenance and optimization – I use modern tools such as Figma and Adobe Creative Suite in my design planning.

I have implemented projects widely for different industries: corporate websites, online stores, portfolios and campaign websites. I utilize customer and user-centric, powerful plugins and technologies, such as Elementor, ACF, Yoast SEO and WooCommerce, ensuring that each solution is both technically functional and intuitive and truly necessary.

My strengths are:

Creativity and high-quality design – I build visually appealing and user-friendly entities. Solutions that work and last.
Customer training and support – I help customers understand and manage their sites. I can read situations and understand customer needs, I listen and I am human. But with a strong wiff of AI – know when to use it and to implement it.
Accessibility and SEO – I design content and structure so that the site is usable and durable by everyone. Accessibility is important to me, due to my own whimsical dyslexia. Designing and implementing accessible sites is a matter of the heart.
Troubleshooting – i love puzzles and problems, issues and complications. They are just questions without answers.

My working method is customer-oriented: I listen to the needs, design a solution and make sure that the project is on schedule and within budget. Communication is important to me – I want the team and the client to understand the process and feel safe throughout the project. I don’t screw around, I keep my word.

The future.. I am currently expanding my skills with applied arts education, studying to become an artesian in weaving. Crafts have always been part of my everyday life. The education in weaving brings a new kind of creativity, appreciation of craftsmanship and my problem-solving abilities to my work – I combine technical expertise and aesthetic vision in a unique way.

Weaving is not really much different from building a website. Everything starts from a scrum/kanban board. One step has to be completed for the next to begin.

If you are looking for a partner who understands the importance of both technology and design and can turn ideas into functional, impressive web solutions, get in touch and let’s talk!

Marianne Heikkilä

Developing an old website, such as converting it into an online store or adding a booking system
Troubleshooting technical issues on the website
Building a new website
Accessibility problem solving
Maintenance trainings for your website. Do you long for someone to explain the "what, how, why" as if to a child or a mindless entity (we all have our strong points) - i do it with full respect.