The Pros and Cons of Webflow: Revolutionizing Site Building

Long gone are the days when website development used to be a task reserved exclusively for seasoned developers. In today's digital landscape, anyone can build a fully functional website with the right tools and a bit of design knowledge. The coding barriers that stood in the way of intuitive web development have been broken down by website builders like Webflow, WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace, making web creation an easily achievable and inexpensive feat. 

Before the advent of these tools, building complex or dynamic websites typically required a comprehensive team of front-end and back-end developers. Among these builders, Webflow has seen adoption by over 3.5 million designers and businesses, some of which include the New York Times, MailChimp, and Rakuten.  

Webflow's widespread adoption can be attributed to its unique selling points. It combines the instinctiveness of a visual design interface with a robust content management system, e-commerce setup solutions, search engine optimization tools, and a secure web hosting service. 

Because of these features, companies of all sizes, from SMEs launching their first landing pages to global enterprises managing multiple business sites, can depend on Webflow for their development needs.

However, these Webflow benefits don't mean the platform is without its shortcomings. These limitations might make Webflow challenging to implement for people and organizations who aren't familiar with it. 

So, should your business invest in Webflow for website development? To answer this question, we've put together this exhaustive piece on the pros and cons of Webflow, highlighting everything you need to know about the platform to make an informed choice.

What is Webflow?

Webflow is a SaaS website builder and design tool that allows companies to develop professional, responsive websites without requiring extensive coding expertise. Webflow combines the ease of a drag-and-drop interface with the flexibility of custom development, producing clean, semantic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code in the process. This means you get all the benefits of a hand-coded site without having to write any line of code. 

Webflow's market is for both the startup looking to scale up and the established enterprise or agency managing multiple websites on a daily basis. Among its impressive features, Webflow sports a full-fledged CMS, functionalities to add custom animations and interactivity, and a suite of SEO options to give your site an edge on search engine result pages (SERPs). 

Whether you're looking to design interactive business pages or custom online stores, manage multiple sites, or secure your site data with a future-proof hosting platform, Webflow equips you with everything necessary to ensure the uninterrupted operation of your site, maintaining all modern web standards.

Advantages Of Webflow

The evolving nature of the Internet as a whole means businesses and developers have to continuously adapt their web solutions to meet the present pressing demands of consumers and stakeholders. The benefits of Webflow in this regard can't be overstated. It has transformed how we achieve efficiency in web development and management giving designers an unprecedented creative license to build websites that are not only attractive and performant but can positively influence business revenue.

This is evidenced in the fact that multinational companies like Rakuten, which switched to Webflow, have experienced a 9.5% increase in new visitors, a 28% decrease in bounce rates, and a 13 percent increase in page views within only three months of adopting Webflow. If you choose to use this platform, some major benefits you can expect include:

1. A Unified Design and Content Management Platform

Webflow combines the best of both worlds by linking a powerful design tool with robust management functionalities. The Webflow Designer and Webflow Editor are the two main interfaces you’ll find on this platform. 

• Webflow Designer: This is where highly skilled web designers and developers do their work on a granular level. They can create complex layout arrangements, incorporate custom animations, and fine-tune how different objects interact with one another. All of this happens while HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code is being generated behind the scenes. The Designer provides unmatched flexibility for those who have a basic understanding of web technologies but who don’t want to spend hours writing lines of code manually.
• Webflow Editor: Webflow has designed the interface of this section to be as easy to use as possible so as to allow marketers, managers, and stakeholders themselves to update text blocks or change images on the platform merely by clicking on them.
• As a client, you can manage your blogs by adding new blog posts or editing existing ones right in the Editor’s intuitive dashboard – no need for any coding expertise here. This division into parts ensures that people without a technical background cannot mistakenly mess up critical site layouts and functionalities while modifying content, making site maintenance possible without having to assign tasks to a development team.

2. Responsive Design Across Devices

Today, people visit websites using a wide variety of devices. Because of this, it isn’t enough for websites to look attractive anymore – they must also have a responsive design. This is where Webflow comes in handy; it has tools that enable easy creation of site designs for different screen orientations. You can build your site with desktop, tablet, and mobile views in mind so that it looks consistent and engaging for users on any device.

In addition to being essential for SEO, having a responsive website can also help boost your ROI. For example, if you build an e-commerce site on Webflow, customers will have no trouble shopping or navigating the site, whether they’re using their phone on the bus to work or sitting at home on a computer, thus leading to higher conversion rates and reduced cart abandonment.

Read more: Webflow Accessibility Checklist

3. Features to Reduce Plugin Dependency

Unlike other website builders like WordPress, Webflow reduces the need for external plugins by offering a wide range of built-in features for added functionality. Instead, it comes with a variety of features already installed. By taking this approach, the company improves the safety and stability of sites built on the platform.

When third-party plugins are used too extensively on any builder, they can create security vulnerabilities and make the resultant website incompatible with other software. Different plugins have their own coding standards and update time frames, which may result in conflicts that bring down an entire site. Webflow solves these problems by incorporating some native solutions into the platform for optimizing SEO, handling forms, and setting up e-commerce functions.

Very recently, Webflow launched an app marketplace for third-party apps. However, this marketplace was designed mainly for integrating with external services rather than patching up holes left by missing core components. This means trusted integrations can enhance your site without making the setup process any more difficult than it has to be.

4. In-Built SEO Tools 

Being seen on search engines is necessary to draw in organic traffic for any business. Webflow understands that and thus includes comprehensive SEO tools into its platform, in addition to allowing you to edit meta descriptions, titles, and URLs easily. The platform automatically generates an XML sitemap, helping search engines accurately index your business website for better visibility.

Another feature is support for schema markup, which can significantly improve how your pages appear in search results, potentially leading to higher click-through rates.

What’s more? Seeing as search engines and everyday users favor fast-loading sites, the platform emphasizes performance optimization by generating clean code and giving designers options to optimize their images and assets to make Webflow sites technically sound from an SEO perspective.

5. Secure Hosting Services

Webflow provides reliable hosting through Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Fastly's Content Delivery Network (CDN) to create an infrastructure that guarantees high uptime, super-fast loading time, and global availability.

Security is one of the main concerns for businesses and organizations on the web, and Webflow treats it accordingly. Free SSL certificates, automatic backup, and protection against DDoS attacks are just some of the features the platform uses to care for your website's security. 

Webflow also complies with stringent data protection standards such as GDPR, CPRA, and SOC 2, which should give you peace of mind about the safety of both your website and user data. 

The Webflow backup and restore feature makes reverting to previous versions effortless in case something goes wrong or an update messes things up. This can be an invaluable safety net for keeping your website's features and integrity intact over a prolonged period.

6. Flexible Pricing Models

Webflow offers different paid plans for individuals, small businesses, and big enterprises. The free plan allows users to try almost all the features of the platform but with limitations, making it perfect for personal projects or just getting started.

You can scale into site plans with more bandwidth, additional form submissions, and e-commerce functionality as those needs arise. Webflow E-commerce plans target online stores, offering tools for product management, inventory tracking, and, of course, a connection to electronic payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal.

Workspace plans are meant for teams and agencies where collaboration is key; they come loaded with team libraries and advanced role-based permissions among other features. This scalability of pricing plans means you can scale your Webflow site alongside your business, adding value at every stage as it suits you.

7. Extensive Template Library 

For those who would rather design with a head start, Webflow has an extensive collection of over 2,000 Webflow templates to get you started; these range from full-site designs to UI kits, landing pages, portfolios, and e-commerce templates that can help you find a starting point for your industry and style preferences.

These templates are not locked, and they can be customized to fit your brand identity, saving you a lot of time and money on design and layout. That said, it is important that you choose a Webflow template wisely. You should review its quality, responsiveness, and adherence to best practices before building anything on top of it.

If you can, consult a Webflow agency or developer about whether your particular choice is appropriate, as utilizing an unsuitable template could hinder the overall performance of your Webflow website or SEO efforts in the future.

8. Simplified Animations and Interactions

Adding animations and interactive elements to Webflow website usually makes for an exciting user experience. Webflow simplifies the process for you by providing intuitive animation tools that allow you to add life to your website without complex coding.

With features available for scroll-based animations, hover effects, and micro-interactions, the site visitor’s journey is made even more engaging, hence making your brand more memorable. 

Should you need advanced animations that go beyond the capability of the in-built interaction tools, Webflow supports integrations with animation-specific tools like After Effects and Lottie, allowing you to import intricate animations with ease.

These capabilities enable Webflow web designers to push the creative boundaries for the delivery of dynamic sites that don’t just function but stand out in a crowded digital space.

9. Comprehensive Learning Resources

Suppose you are a company new to Webflow or even web development as a whole, and you’d like your in-house team to try out the platform.[1]  In this case, the official Webflow website has a wide range of resources to help facilitate the learning process. Webflow University is an outright treasure trove of step-by-step tutorials, courses, and detailed documentation on everything from basic web design to expert and advanced techniques for creating interactive animations.

The courses are well-structured, and most of them incorporate videos, quizzes, and hands-on projects to make them more engaging. Regardless of whether you want to learn about responsive designs, get better at using Webflow CMS, or figure out how custom code integrations work – you can find everything at Webflow University.

Besides the official resources, there is an active community of Webflow users who share their wisdom through blogs, forums, and social media groups. Platforms like the Webflow Forum can help you find answers to pressing hurdles by engaging with users who have encountered them before you, making it easier for you to overcome any challenges faced during the learning process.

Disadvantages of Using Webflow for Web Development

Although Webflow offers a plethora of advantages, it does come with certain limitations that warrant knowing before you settle on a conclusion. Understanding these disadvantages of Webflow can help you better weigh Webflow pros and cons against your business and web development goals to see if it fits your requirements.

1. Overreliance on Webflow's Platform

Your control over website management can be limited if you over-rely on Webflow's proprietary platform. Any alterations that Webflow makes to its pricing, features, or policies will affect your site and business directly. Because Webflow reserves the rights to these changes, they can be reflected even without your input.

It can also be quite difficult and costly to migrate from Webflow, especially when your site has been built on certain Webflow features that are only supported by their system. This dependence limits your options when searching for alternative solutions and it hinders your capacity to adapt to changing business demands without a hitch.

2. Limited Export and Hosting Flexibility

Although Webflow lets users host their websites on separate hosting platforms, the need for Webflow's servers to maintain dynamic content can limit flexibility. You can export your site's code for static sites, but you cannot do this for dynamic content powered by the Webflow CMS. 

This means that if you ever want to move your website to another hosting provider, you might find it challenging to migrate your content and functionalities. This will be one of the cons of Webflow for those who need or prefer other hosting solutions.

3. Integration Limitations

While Webflow does have an app marketplace and supports various integrations, it still falls behind the extensive plugin ecosystems available for platforms like WordPress. Because of this, some third-party tools or features might not be available, necessitating their realization with custom code. 

In some ways, this defeats the purpose of having a no-code platform in the first place since a sizable number of businesses depend on niche integrations and custom solutions.

4. Steep Pricing for Team Collaboration

In Webflow, you can only access services like shared libraries and team accounts after upgrading to a higher-tier workspace plan. This may prove costly for small companies or agencies. The absence of affordable collaboration choices can obstruct effective team effort and compel business entities to search for other platforms that provide cheaper collaboration tools.

5. Need for Uninterrupted Internet Access 

Webflow, being a cloud-based platform, requires a stable internet connection for using the Webflow Designer or Webflow Editor. This could be a major issue for users in areas with unreliable internet or for those who prefer working offline at times. 

Unlike desktop web design tools like Adobe Dreamweaver, Webflow’s lack of an offline mode can reduce output since productivity may be limited without access to certain files.

Is Webflow Right for You?

The success of your business online depends heavily on the choices you make when selecting a web development platform. In this regard, Webflow's design flexibility and CMS features can come in handy. However, it is necessary to think deeply about whether the platform's features match all your requirements. Consider these factors to determine if Webflow can help you meet your web development objectives:

Evaluate the Pros and Cons 

To make an informed decision on Webflow implementation, you need to understand what Webflow advantages and disadvantages may come with using the service. As far as visual appeal is concerned, very few website-building services can beat Webflow. 

Nonetheless, there are Webflow cons to consider, such as the learning curves associated with some advanced features and the higher costs of specific plans compared to contemporaries. For this reason, you should weigh up these points against what you need out of your project before making any commitments.

Your Team’s Technical Proficiency

How proficient is your team with front-end technologies? If they have little coding experience but are adept at design, Webflow's intuitive interface may be just right for your development needs. But even with this, you might still need professionals with some coding skills to achieve your goal if you are working on a complex web project that requires custom code adjustments. 

Hosting and Control Preferences

What kind of hosting infrastructure do you require?  Webflow-hosted sites are secure and high-performing because the platform handles hosting on your behalf. This may work for you if you want an inclusive package without having to deal with third-party host providers' complications. However, if you want total control over your Webflow hosting environment or require specific server configurations, then this may feel a tad restrictive.

E-Commerce Requirements

Building an e-commerce store? Do your research to ascertain whether Webflow's e-commerce plans will work for you. Although Webflow offers native e-commerce functionalities, these are not as pronounced as those of dedicated shopping platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, which offer advanced inventory management and multi-currency support.

Final Thoughts

Within this piece, we have debated the pros of Webflow, which in fact unites website design and management in one place, adding inbuilt SEO tools. We also discussed the cons of limited integration capabilities and no real-time support channels.

So, why choose Webflow? Webflow has flexible design options, seamless team collaboration features, safe hosting solutions, and a holistic CMS to boot. You can also build responsive websites with it without knowing much about coding. But before you jump to conclusions by just looking at the positive sides of Webflow, take the time to go through its weak points to assess whether it is capable of helping you reach your business-specific objectives for an online presence.

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FAQs

How does Webflow differ from website builders like WordPress or Wix?

Webflow can offer a greater degree of freedom in design and customization compared to other systems like WordPress or Wix. While these other website builders rely heavily on pre-designed templates, Webflow lets you build responsive sites that are unique from scratch by dragging and dropping design elements. This makes it ideal for businesses in search of custom solutions without sacrificing quality.

Why use Webflow if I already have experience with another builder or CMS?

Why use Webflow? Unlike many builders, Webflow marries design flexibility with native out-of-the-box features like CMS, SEO tools, and a hosting service. If you want a great website and more control over its design and performance without needing massive third-party plugin support, then Webflow is an all-in-one solution for you.

Can Webflow handle large-scale websites with complex content?

Absolutely, Webflow CMS is great for dynamic content and large-scale enterprise sites. While its plugin library may not be as extensive as, say, WordPress's, it certainly does a great job of creating visually appealing, highly customizable sites without compromising performance.