A few years ago, creating a commercial website often required calling on a team of designers, programmers and IT experts, either internally or via external consultants. The tools available at the time could help with some aspects, such as converting a design into HTML, but few (if any) made it possible to generate all the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code via a no-code interface.
The arrival of WordPress has changed the situation somewhat. Although initially designed to be a blogging platform, WordPress has adapted to host websites of all kinds thanks to its thousands of themes and extensions.
From a web design perspective, WordPress demonstrated what it was possible to do with a drag-and-drop designer, even without code knowledge.
Today, numerous platforms for creating no-code websites, such as Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow, are available. Among them, Webflow has become one of the reference choices, known for its ease of use while generating clean code in the background.
As powerful as Webflow is, it is not adapted to all needs. In this article, we'll look at the pros and cons of Webflow and figure out what situations it's best suited for.
Benefits of Webflow
No code platform
Webflow is a real no-code platform. Layout, styles, visuals, and interactivity can all be implemented without writing code or having a deep understanding of the underlying technologies.
That said, it's helpful to have some understanding, even a basic one, of how HTML, CSS, and JavaScript interact to make the elements of your site visual and interactive. We'll talk about this in more detail in the disadvantages of Webflow.
Clear interface
The Webflow design interface is a real “what you see is what you get”: you can see the effects of your changes in real time because they are directly applied to a version of the page. Many other tools for creating no-code sites work differently, showing you an approximation of the final result, requiring you to use a preview tool to see the actual result.
Integrations and App Store
One of the major strengths of Webflow lies in its numerous pre-built integrations with other applications and tools. Whether you want to link Webflow to your HubSpot CRM, upload stock images via Unsplash, or create custom forms and pop-ups, there's an integration for Webflow.
Having all your tools in one toolbox allows you not to lose productivity by moving from one application to another.
Responsive design
Webflow understands the importance of responsive design, since the majority of users are now browsing on mobile. The Webflow editor allows you to preview your site on different devices and orientations to adjust your design if necessary. You can also choose that Webflow automatically optimizes the layout of your page for any type of screen.
In addition, all the models available on Webflow are responsive, which eliminates the need to create everything from scratch.
Integrated SEO
Webflow also offers integrated SEO tools, which are crucial for the success of commercial sites. These tools include:
- WebP image support for faster loading
- Easy-to-use SEO tools, like meta and alt text tags
- Support for 301 redirects and custom 404 pages
- Automatic generation of sitemaps and robots.txt files
security
Website security is an aspect that is often overlooked during design, but Webflow integrates security features from the start, including a free SSL certificate for all secure connections (HTTPS), protection against DDoS attacks, backup/restore options, and support for password-protected sites and two-factor authentication.
Cons of Webflow
Complex pricing
Webflow's pricing is complex, with several plans available to meet the needs of small and large businesses alike. There are two main categories of plans: “site plans” and “workspace plans.” Each of these categories has multiple options, which can make it difficult to choose the right plan for your specific needs.
Learning curve
Although Webflow is a no-code platform, this does not mean that a complete novice will be able to use it effectively from day one. Compared to other creators of no-code sites, Webflow assumes that you have basic technical knowledge, especially in HTML and CSS. However, Webflow University offers a lot of resources to help users improve their skills.
Limited free templates
Unlike Wix or Squarespace, which offer hundreds of free templates, Webflow only offers a few. If you're on a tight budget, you might struggle to find a free model that fits your needs. However, Agence No Code can advise you to find the Webflow template that will suit you best.
Support only by email
Webflow does not offer phone or chat support, even for Enterprise plans, which can be a problem in case of urgent incidents that require immediate resolution.
Is Webflow right for you?
To find out if Webflow is the right solution, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you have a basic understanding of website technologies, such as SEO and security?
- Do you have a clear idea of your current and future goals?
- Is creating websites a hobby or a main activity for you?
Who is Webflow recommended for?
Webflow is particularly suitable for web professionals, whether they work internally for a company or as consultants for several clients. Users for whom creating sites is not a core business can also benefit from Webflow, but it could be more complex than they need to be.
Who is Webflow not recommended for?
Webflow is probably not the best choice for complete novices who simply want to create a static site or a simple blog without having to invest any funds. There are alternatives that are less expensive and easier to handle for more “leisure” needs.
Conclusion
Webflow is a powerful no-code platform, offering a multitude of functionalities to create secure and captivating websites. If Webflow seems to you to be the right solution, don't forget to put in place the security and confidentiality measures required by current regulations. No Code Agency is there to help you set up a solution for your business regardless of its size!
