Unlocking the Power of Webflow: What is it and where to start?

If you’ve followed my writing for some time you'll have heard me shout about Webflow. I've tried just about every method of building websites for clients, but Webflow is the one I swear by. But why is that? Essentially, I've not found a platform that can create a professional and dynamic website this effortlessly and this quickly. Most importantly, however, it has the flexibility to grow with your business - no more costly redesigns after only 18 months! Below we’ll focus on a few key features of Webflow, particularly on its robust CMS functionality, new features such as localisation and how you can leverage these tools in your business.

Firstly, what is Webflow?

In basic terms, Webflow is a visual web design platform that allows users to design, build, and launch websites visually. Imagine it as a canvas where you paint with design elements instead of code. This doesn’t just simplify the process of web design; it revolutionises it by providing the power of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in a visual canvas. My designs can be created pixel-perfectly in code and you can rest assured that you're getting exactly what I've designed for you.

What are the key features of Webflow?

Visual Designer

The heart of Webflow is its visual designer. Unlike traditional web development, which often involves writing extensive code, Webflow’s designer allows you to visually manipulate the layout and elements. You can drag and drop widgets, style them with a few clicks, and see the changes in real-time. It’s like using a graphic design tool, but for websites.

Responsive by Default

Webflow has quite possibly the best responsive toolkit out there. Their design tools allow you to create websites that look great on desktops, tablets, and smartphones and you can adjust your designs for different screen sizes using breakpoints. This means your website will function perfectly across all devices (plus, looks fantastic too...obviously).

Built-in CMS

A Content Management System (CMS) is crucial for websites that require regular content updates, such as blogs, portfolios, and news sites. Webflow’s CMS is seamless and powerful. It allows you to define custom content structures and populate content through an easy-to-use editor interface. For example, if you’re building a blog, I can design a template for your blog posts once and then simply add new posts using the CMS panel.

Benefits of Using Webflow CMS

1. Time Efficiency: Once your CMS is set up, adding and updating content doesn’t require you to mess with the design. This saves a significant amount of time and effort.
2. Cost-Effective: With CMS, you don’t need me to make frequent updates to your site, which can reduce ongoing maintenance costs.
3. Scalability: As your website grows, managing content through a CMS becomes invaluable. It supports your growth without the need to rebuild or restructure your site extensively.

Interactions and Animations

Webflow also allows you to add interactions and animations to your site without coding. Whether it’s a fade-in effect or a complex interaction based on scroll position, you can design it all within the platform. It's always nice to add a bit of polish to your site, plus it makes it feel distinctly _personal_ to your brand.

SEO Tools

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is essential for ensuring your website gets found by your target audience. Webflow comes equipped with all the SEO tools you need to optimise your site. From meta titles and descriptions to alt tags for images, you can edit all these elements directly within the platform.

Localisation

The new localisation feature is particularly exciting for businesses looking to reach a global audience. Localisation involves adapting your website to different geographical and cultural contexts, potentially involving multiple languages. With Webflow, you can create unique versions of your site for different regions and audiences, improving user experience and engagement. It's a game-changer for companies in Jersey that have a different offering in the UK, for example.

How Webflow Fits into Your Workflow

Whether you’re a freelancer or part of a larger team, Webflow can integrate into your workflow with ease. Its comprehensive suite of design and development tools means you can go from an idea to a fully functional website without ever leaving the platform. Moreover, Webflow hosts your site on a high-performance, secure server infrastructure, ensuring your site is always up and running smoothly.

If you’re interested in diving deeper or need help getting started, just get in touch. I'd be happy to help or provide a free quote for your business.