What is Webflow? Everything you need to know in 2024

I remember when I first came across Webflow. I was wrestling with a client's Wordpress site before thinking that there must be another way. I looked up alternatives and saw Webflow was "Build with the power of code — without writing any." I was hooked ever since - our clients were similarly impressed.

Webflow revolutionizes the way clients manage their sites by offering an intuitive, visual interface that demystifies the complexities of web development. With its drag-and-drop editor, clients can easily adjust layouts, add content, and customize design elements in real-time, all without needing to understand or write a single line of code. This empowers users to make instant updates, ensuring their website remains dynamic and up to date with the latest trends or business needs. Additionally, Webflow's CMS feature allows for straightforward content management, enabling clients to quickly publish blog posts, manage portfolios, or update product listings with ease. This combination of user-friendly design and powerful content management capabilities ensures that clients have full control over their websites, fostering independence and promoting continuous engagement with their digital presence.

So, here's what we'll cover in this article:

• What is webflow
• Which companies use Webflow?
• Webflow's standout features
• Webflow's notable features
• Why choose Webflow?
• Webflow pricing
• Getting started with Webflow
• Extra resources

What Exactly is Webflow?

Webflow is like a Swiss Army knife for developing, hosting and managing your website. Just to be clear, this isn't just the design that you can control - it's flexibility across the on page SEO, the accessibility and dynamic content management like articles and service pages.

Scale your business seamlessly with a tool that let's you flex 🔥

Webflow's intuitive visual editor allows businesses to craft custom websites without the need for extensive coding knowledge, enabling designers and marketers alike to bring their ideas to life quickly and efficiently.

Additionally, Webflow's responsive design capabilities ensure that websites look great and function seamlessly on any device, which is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in today’s mobile-first world.

The built-in SEO tools and dynamic content management further empower these companies to stay agile and adaptive, responding to market trends and customer needs with ease.

This combination of features supports not just website creation, but its evolution, aligning perfectly with the growth trajectories and digital strategies of modern, forward-thinking companies.

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Which companies use Webflow?

Webflow has become a popular choice for a wide range of companies seeking to build and manage their online presence effectively. From startups to Fortune 500 companies, businesses across the spectrum appreciate Webflow's capability to streamline website development and management. Notable companies that use Webflow include Eventbrite, Zendesk, and Lattice.

These companies opt for Webflow primarily because it offers an unparalleled blend of design flexibility, ease of use, and comprehensive functionality that traditional web development platforms can't match.

Webflow's intuitive visual editor allows businesses to craft custom websites without the need for extensive coding knowledge, enabling designers and marketers alike to bring their ideas to life quickly and efficiently.

Additionally, Webflow's responsive design capabilities ensure that websites look great and function seamlessly on any device, which is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in today’s mobile-first world.

The built-in SEO tools and dynamic content management further empower these companies to stay agile and adaptive, responding to market trends and customer needs with ease.

This combination of features supports not just website creation, but its evolution, aligning perfectly with the growth trajectories and digital strategies of modern, forward-thinking companies.

Speaking of, let's have a closer look at these features.

Webflow Stand Out Features

Webflow Designer

So, as we have mentioned, Webflow is a visual website builder that lets you create custom websites without writing any code. You can design, launch, and manage your site in a single platform.

But what does this actually mean?

Similar to platforms such as Wix and Squarespace, Webflow empowers you with a drag-and-drop interface, simplifying the process of placing elements directly onto your workspace. However, Webflow is certainly a steeper learning curve than other platforms since it is made to be flexible and versatile. In order to harness Webflow's true benefits, it's important to understand more than just dragging and dropping. For those who seek a more personalized touch, Webflow offers extensive customization options for nearly all aspects of your site. It features a rich selection of advanced components—like tab interfaces, videos, sliders, and lightboxes—ready to enhance your site with just a few clicks.

Furthermore, Webflow removes some of the design uncertainty by providing you with commonly used layout templates that can be employed as-is or tailored to fit your needs. If opting for simplicity, starting with a template is straightforward—replace images, text, and color schemes to make it your own. To ensure design coherence across your website, Webflow allows the use of reusable symbols and the creation of styles, or classes, facilitating the simultaneous customization of multiple elements.

Webflow CMS

The Webflow CMS is a game-changer for those who need a content management system that's as intuitive as it is powerful. Unlike traditional CMSs offered by other website builders, which often require a back-end understanding to fully manipulate, Webflow’s CMS is designed with the visual designer in mind. This means users can create and manage content directly on the page, seeing exactly how it will appear to their visitors.

This direct, on-page editing capability sets Webflow's CMS apart from tools like WordPress, Joomla, or even Wix, providing a seamless integration between design and content management. You can easily define custom content types with their own unique fields, such as blogs, projects, or testimonials, without touching a single line of code. This flexibility allows for a more tailored experience, catering to the specific needs of your website and its audience. Furthermore, Webflow’s CMS is built to handle dynamic content efficiently. It dynamically generates pages from content types, enabling you to design a template once and fill it with content as you go, saving time and effort while maintaining a consistent look and feel across your site.

Webflow Interactions

Webflow Interactions take the visual design experience to another level, allowing users to incorporate animations and interactive elements into their websites without writing a single line of code. This feature sets Webflow apart from many other web design tools by empowering designers to create complex, custom animations and interactions directly within the visual editor. Interactions can range from simple hover effects to complex scroll-based animations, giving life to a webpage and enhancing the user experience.

What makes Webflow's Interactions truly unique is the level of control and customization it offers. Designers can trigger animations based on scroll position, clicks, hover, and even page load, providing endless possibilities to create engaging and dynamic websites. This capability is particularly beneficial for creating storytelling websites, portfolio sites, or any project that benefits from a high degree of interactivity. Unlike traditional tools that require third-party plugins or extensive coding for such effects, Webflow streamlines the process, making advanced web design accessible to designers without a background in programming. It also has a Spline to Webflow integration to make truly wild websites harnessing the power of 3D.

Webflow designer

The Webflow Designer revolutionizes the process of website building, distinguishing itself from other website builders through its unparalleled emphasis on visual design and responsiveness. Unlike traditional drag-and-drop builders that might limit creative freedom, Webflow provides a canvas that closely mirrors the complexities and capabilities of modern web development. This means designers can manipulate elements with CSS styling directly, set up intricate layout grids, and manage complex interactions and animations––all in a visual format. What sets the Webflow Designer apart is its ability to generate clean, production-ready HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code as you design, offering a seamless transition from design to development. This unique feature not only bridges the gap between designers and developers but also empowers those without extensive programming knowledge to bring sophisticated designs to life. Further distinguishing itself, Webflow accommodates a vast array of integrations and CMS capabilities, allowing designers to build fully functional websites, including e-commerce and blogs, with dynamic content and scalability at the forefront.

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Webflow E-commerce

Webflow E-commerce stands out in the digital marketplace by offering a platform that integrates seamlessly with its robust web design tools, thus allowing designers and entrepreneurs to craft custom online stores without a single line of code. What makes Webflow E-commerce unique is its direct integration with the Webflow Designer, enabling complete customization of the shopping experience. Unlike other website builders that offer e-commerce as an afterthought or a rigid template-based solution, Webflow's approach is to provide an end-to-end design system. It encompasses everything from product showcases to checkout processes, tailored exactly to a brand’s identity and user experience goals. Additionally, Webflow E-commerce is not just about aesthetics; it is equipped with powerful business tools for inventory management, secure payments, shipping integrations, and more. This seamless blend of design freedom, ease of use, and comprehensive business functionality sets Webflow E-commerce apart, empowering businesses to launch and scale their online presence in an entirely customizable and controlled environment.

Webflow Hosting

Webflow Hosting is a cutting-edge solution that emphasizes performance, security, and scalability for websites of all sizes. Uniquely positioned within the realm of website builders, Webflow Hosting provides an unparalleled level of integration with the Webflow Designer. This integration allows for real-time updates, ensuring that any design changes are immediately live without the need for complex deployment processes. What sets Webflow Hosting apart is its global Content Delivery Network (CDN), which guarantees lightning-fast loading times worldwide, enhancing the user experience and improving SEO rankings. Additionally, Webflow Hosting offers automated backups and versioning, giving developers and designers peace of mind by safeguarding their projects against data loss. With top-tier security measures in place, including SSL certification at no extra cost, Webflow Hosting stands out as a premier choice for businesses looking to establish a strong, secure online presence. Its ease of use, coupled with advanced features typically reserved for custom-developed solutions, makes Webflow Hosting a uniquely compelling option in the website builder landscape.

Webflow Security

Webflow places a significant emphasis on security, ensuring that websites built using its platform are protected against the evolving threats of the digital world. This commitment to security is what distinguishes Webflow from many other website builders. At the core of Webflow's security infrastructure is the use of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certification for every site, provided at no additional cost. This encrypts data between the user's browser and the website, safeguarding sensitive information such as personal data and payment information. Furthermore, Webflow's rigorous compliance with web security standards, including regular third-party security audits and real-time threat monitoring, ensures that vulnerabilities are swiftly identified and rectified.

In contrast to other website builders that may require manual implementation of security measures, Webflow automates much of this process, alleviating the burden from website owners and maintaining a consistently high-security standard across all sites. This automated security, combined with an architecture built on Amazon Web Services (AWS), a leader in cloud infrastructure with robust security protocols, provides an added layer of protection. This infrastructure allows Webflow to offer scalability and reliability while adhering to best practices in data protection and cybersecurity, making Webflow uniquely secure among website builders.

Notable features

Webflow stands out in the website builder market not only for its robust security measures but also through its rich array of features that cater to both novices and professional web developers alike.

Webflow Cloneables

Webflow Cloneables are a groundbreaking feature that allows users to share and clone fully designed projects, pages, or single elements within the Webflow community. This function significantly reduces the time and effort required for design processes, enabling both beginners and experienced developers to quickly bootstrap projects or incorporate exciting designs into their own work. With an extensive library of cloneable assets, ranging from complete website templates to intricate UI components, Webflow Cloneables foster a cooperative ecosystem where designers can both contribute to and benefit from the collective creativity and expertise of the Webflow community. This not only accelerates the design process but also offers an unparalleled opportunity for learning and inspiration, as users can dissect and understand the construction of advanced design elements first-hand.

Custom Code in Webflow

Webflow uniquely empowers users with the ability to insert custom code, offering unparalleled flexibility and control over website design and functionality. This feature is a boon for developers seeking to push the boundaries of what's possible with Webflow, allowing the integration of custom JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Whether it's creating highly specific interactions, integrating third-party APIs, or embedding rich media that's not natively supported, the custom code feature ensures that Webflow sites can go beyond template limitations without sacrificing the platform's visual design capabilities. This mix of drag-and-drop ease and coding flexibility positions Webflow as an inclusive platform for designers and developers of varying skills and backgrounds.

Webflow Templates

Webflow Templates stand out as a distinctive feature within the Webflow ecosystem, delivering a plethora of professionally designed, fully customizable website templates tailored to a wide range of industries and use cases. What sets these templates apart is not just their aesthetic appeal or their professional design, but their deep integration with Webflow's visual development environment. Users can select a template as a starting point and then fully customize it to meet their specific needs, without writing a single line of code. This flexibility enables businesses and individuals to quickly launch beautiful, responsive websites that look custom-built. Additionally, because these templates are designed with Webflow’s toolset, users have the freedom to dissect, modify, and enhance any aspect of the template, learning Webflow’s capabilities in the process. This feature underscores Webflow's commitment to making professional web design accessible to everyone, regardless of their coding ability.

Webflow Localization

Webflow Localization emerges as a unique and powerful feature within the context of website builders, offering users the ability to create multi-language websites with ease. This functionality stands out because it integrates directly with Webflow's design and CMS systems, allowing for seamless translation of both static content and dynamic content sourced from the CMS. What makes Webflow's approach to localization unique is its user-friendly interface, which simplifies the process of adding languages and managing translations without the need for external plugins or complex code configurations. This not only enhances the accessibility of websites to a global audience but also optimizes SEO for different languages, thereby broadening the reach of the website to non-English speaking markets. Furthermore, Webflow’s localization feature places a strong emphasis on maintaining the visual integrity and layout of the site across languages, ensuring a consistent and professional appearance. This distinctive blend of ease, efficiency, and integration positions Webflow as a standout choice for businesses and creators aiming to cater to a global audience.

Webflow App Marketplace: What It Is and Why It's Unique

The Webflow App Marketplace is a revolutionary addition to the Webflow ecosystem, designed to extend the functionality of websites beyond their native capabilities. What sets it apart is its curated collection of apps and integrations specifically tailored for Webflow, allowing users to enhance their sites with advanced features without the need for extensive coding knowledge. This marketplace is not just about adding new functionalities; it's about empowering Webflow users to create more dynamic, interactive, and personalized websites. Each app undergoes a thorough vetting process to ensure compatibility and security, providing a seamless integration experience. This emphasis on quality and ease of use makes the Webflow App Marketplace unique, democratizing web development further and enabling even novice users to implement sophisticated web solutions.

Webflow SEO

Webflow's approach to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is exceptional and stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness. Unlike traditional platforms where SEO might require third-party plugins or extensive coding knowledge, Webflow integrates SEO tools directly within its user interface. This means users can easily edit meta titles, descriptions, alt tags, and even redirect rules right from the dashboard. What makes Webflow's SEO capabilities unique is its ability to automatically generate sitemaps and apply best practices for site speed and mobile optimization—key factors that search engines like Google use to rank websites. Additionally, Webflow provides users with the flexibility to customize their URL structures, improving user experience and further boosting SEO performance. In this way, Webflow not only simplifies the SEO process but also empowers creators to maximize their online visibility without needing to be SEO experts.

Webflow Edit Mode

Webflow's Edit mode is a powerful feature designed for users to manage and update content on their websites with ease, directly from the live website. This mode is especially beneficial for website owners or editors who may not have a deep understanding of web design or development. To use it, simply log into your Webflow account, visit your published website, and switch to Edit mode via the dashboard. This turns your site into an interactive canvas where text, images, and other elements can be updated in real-time. The intuitive interface allows for on-the-fly edits without affecting the overall design integrity. Importantly, any changes made in Edit mode can be saved and published instantly, ensuring that the website stays up-to-date without the need for accessing the backend or dealing with code. Overall, Edit mode democratizes content management, offering an accessible way for users to maintain and refresh their websites efficiently.

Accessibility in Webflow

Accessibility is a critical aspect of web design, and Webflow emphasizes this by providing tools and features that enable the creation of websites compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Unlike many other platforms, Webflow takes accessibility seriously by offering built-in settings and recommendations that encourage designers to make accessible choices from the outset. This includes the ability to add alternative text for images, ensuring keyboard navigation is feasible, and advising on proper color contrast ratios. Furthermore, Webflow's commitment to accessibility is evident in its education resources, offering extensive documentation and tutorials on how to build accessible websites. By prioritizing these features, Webflow not only aids in creating inclusive web experiences but also helps users improve their site's SEO and reach a wider audience. This proactive approach to accessibility demonstrates Webflow's dedication to inclusivity, setting a benchmark for other platforms in the industry.

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Why Macu Agency uses Webflow over other tools

Macu Agency chose Webflow over other website builder tools for its unparalleled ability to develop pixel-perfect websites coupled with the ease it offers clients in managing their sites moving forward. Unlike traditional platforms, Webflow presents a visual canvas that closely mirrors what developers see when coding, allowing designers to translate their visions into reality without compromise.

This direct control over the layout and design ensures that websites not only match the original concept but also maintain high standards of responsiveness and functionality across all devices.

Furthermore, Webflow empowers clients with user-friendly tools for updating content, adjusting layouts, and managing their SEO, all without needing to write a single line of code or hire a developer for minor changes. This balance of professional-level design capabilities and post-launch manageability makes Webflow an invaluable asset to Macu Agency and its clients, fostering a relationship of continuous innovation and independence.

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What is Webflow not as strong for?

While Webflow excels in many areas, it does have limitations, particularly when compared to other tools in specific contexts. E-commerce functionalities, for instance, are less robust in Webflow than on platforms specifically designed for online retail, such as Shopify. Webflow's e-commerce tools can handle basic storefront needs but may fall short for businesses looking for advanced inventory management, expansive payment processing options, and deep integration with shipping and fulfillment services.

Another area where Webflow might not be as strong is the development of highly customized applications with complex back-end functionalities. Platforms like WordPress, with its vast repository of plugins, or full-stack development frameworks, offer more flexibility for creating feature-rich web applications.

Additionally, businesses with tight budget constraints may find Webflow's pricing model a bit steep, especially when scaling up, compared to open-source alternatives.

Speaking of...

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Webflow pricing

We wrote a monster article all about of Webflow pricing.

But here's a Webflow pricing at a glance.

Note: with all of these, you save up to 22% when billed yearly!

Site Plans

For hobby and staging sites to those needing an enterprise-grade solution.

• Starter plan — Free
• Basic plan — $14 if billed yearly ($18 if billed monthly)
• CMS plan — $23 if billed yearly ($29 if billed monthly)
• Business plan — $39 if billed yearly ($49 if billed monthly)
• Enterprise plan — Contact Webflow

Ecommerce Plans

Perfect for new businesses getting off the ground to scaling your online business to new heights.

• Standard plan — $29 if billed yearly ($42 if billed monthly)
• Plus plan — $74 if billed yearly ($84 if billed monthly)
• Advanced plan — $212 if billed yearly ($235 if billed monthly)

In-house Teams Workspace

For individual designers to those needing an enterprise-grade solution

• Free plan — Free
• Core plan — $19 if billed yearly ($28 if billed monthly)
• Growth plan — $49 if billed yearly ($60 if billed monthly)
• Enterprise — Contact Webflow

Freelancer/Agency Workspace

For those getting started and learning Webflow to those managing multiple clients

• Starter plan — Free
• Freelancer plan — $16 if billed yearly ($24 if billed monthly)
• Agency plan — $35 if billed yearly ($42 if billed monthly)

Webflow vs. The World

When comparing Webflow to other website-building platforms, key differences emerge regarding customization, ease of use, and scalability. Webflow champions itself with unparalleled customization capabilities, empowering designers with its visual editor that demands no coding skills for creating professional, dynamic websites. Unlike platforms that may rely heavily on predefined templates, Webflow's approach is to provide tools for building a site from the ground up, catering to both beginners and experienced designers.

Platforms like Squarespace and Wix are recognized for their user-friendliness and an array of stunning templates, offering a quicker route for those looking to get a site up with less concern over granular control. Meanwhile, WordPress remains a powerhouse due to its extensive plugin ecosystem and flexibility, yet it often requires a deeper understanding of web development for truly custom designs.

In the realm of e-commerce, Shopify stands out with its robust, focused functionalities designed to manage and grow an online store efficiently. However, Webflow's e-commerce plans are steadily carving out a niche for those prioritizing design and brand experience alongside the commerce aspect, blending aesthetics and functionality smoothly.

Ultimately, the choice between Webflow and other platforms hinges on the specific needs, skills, and goals of the user—ranging from hands-on design control and custom interactivity to ease of use and rapid deployment.

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Storytime: A Tale of Website Woe

Once upon a time, in the digital world of entrepreneurship, there lived a business owner named Alex. Alex, eager to launch their online store, decided to go with WordPress, attracted by its wide array of plugins and seemingly low upfront costs. Initially, everything seemed perfect; however, as time passed, the fairy tale began to crumble.

Plugins that were once the backbone of their site began to break with every update, causing hours of downtime and frustration. Customizing the site became a labyrinthine task, requiring more and more complex code tweaks and expensive third-party developer assistance. Costs spiraled out of control, not just from the plugins but also from escalating hosting fees and security measures to ward off frequent attacks.

Desperate for a solution, Alex discovered Webflow. Switching to Webflow was like a breath of fresh air. Not only did it offer visually stunning templates and intuitive design tools, removing the need for extensive coding, but it also ensured a stable, secure platform with transparent pricing. The switch transformed Alex's site into a hassle-free, beautifully designed online store that was both user-friendly and cost-effective. Gone were the days of plugin nightmares and security woes. In Webflow, Alex found not just a website builder, but a robust platform that empowered their business to reach new heights.

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Getting Started with Webflow

1. Sign up for an account on the Webflow website.
2. Choose a plan based on your needs: basic for personal projects, advanced for larger businesses.
3. Access Webflow's tutorials for guidance on website design and interactions.
4. Use the user-friendly interface to visually design your website.
5. Explore the template library to match your business's style and goals.
6. Start building your online presence with Webflow - no coding required!

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Common Mistakes When Starting with Webflow

One of the most frequent mistakes newcomers make is not fully exploring Webflow's extensive range of tutorials and resources before jumping into designing their site. This eagerness often leads to missing out on valuable insights about the platform's capabilities and best practices.

Another common error is underestimating the importance of planning the site's structure ahead of designing. Without a clear plan, it's easy to create a visually appealing site that's difficult for users to navigate.

Additionally, many users fail to utilize Webflow's responsive design features effectively, resulting in websites that do not perform well across different devices.

Lastly, overlooking Webflow's SEO tools is a misstep, as optimizing your site for search engines is crucial for online visibility and success.

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Conclusion

Regardless of your prior experience in web design, I highly encourage you to explore what Webflow has to offer. This platform stands as a testament to the idea that anyone, from beginners to seasoned professionals, can bring their vision to life online. With its intuitive interface and vast library of resources, Webflow demystifies the web design process, making it accessible and enjoyable. Don't be discouraged by the learning curve or fear of making mistakes; every step and stumble is an opportunity to grow and refine your skills. Embark on this creative journey with Webflow and unlock the potential to craft unique, impactful websites that resonate with your audience and elevate your online presence.

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Additional Resources

To further enhance your understanding and skills in using Webflow, here is a curated list of resources that you might find helpful:

• Webflow University: A comprehensive resource with a wide range of tutorials and courses designed to help you learn everything from the basics to advanced features of Webflow.
• Webflow Blog: Offers insights, tips, and best practices from experts in web design and Webflow community. An excellent source for inspiration and staying updated with the latest trends.
• Flowmingo: A site dedicated to providing Webflow templates and workflows that can help speed up your design process.
• Webflow Showcase: Explore real examples of websites created with Webflow by other designers. Great for getting ideas and understanding what's possible.
• Tilebit: Find the best web design components and inspirations. Similar layouts available for duplication for Figma, Framer, & Webflow.
• YouTube: Our CEO's YouTube channel is a great resource for those learning Webflow