Why Webflow Is Currently the Best Web Design Program for startups?

I do not have any present or past affiliation with Webflow. However, I’ve been using this platform for about a year and would strongly recommend it.

It’s like web builders are one in a million these times. In all honesty, the majority of them are simply awful.

They’re well for the average user to get their website online … however, for anything remotely similar to professional usage, you’d be better to look for something else.

Webflow is an exceptional exception to this standard. It was designed using the “code-first” principle, Webflow is an all-in-one web design tool that lets users design, create and launch responsive websites visually.

After having utilized Webflow for a long time over the last year and also having tried others, I’m sure Webflow is the best. Webflow is, without a doubt, the best website builder available today.

Does it look perfect?

Not.

There are a few things I’d like changed regarding the software, should I have the chance I’ll list a few among them in the following.

However, Webflow is an amazing tool that allows designers to make their mockups come to life without the need to engage the help of a front-end designer or use low-quality DIY software.

What is Webflow?

It was launched in 2013 as a participant in the Y Combinator accelerator for startups Webflow is a drag-and-drop tool to build fast web pages without the need for code.

It aims to fill in the gap that exists between DIY software, such as Squarespace and Wix or Squarespace and conventional content management platforms (CMS) such as WordPress and real front-end web development.

It’s built to be the best of the rest in terms of user-friendliness as well as performance, flexibility, and flexibility and in this way, it’s generally effective.

This is how it can accomplish all that:

Designer and Editor

Webflow Designer is a web-based interface Webflow Designer is an interface modelled after Photoshop that allows users to generate semantic markups by dropping HTML items onto the canvas as well as creating styling CSS properties.

In contrast to the often horrible markup created by website builders who are DIY or all-in-one WordPress themes such as Divi, Webflow exports W3C-compliant code that can be immediately installed as-is or passed off to developers to further customize.

The Designer interface is certainly complex particularly for users with no previous knowledge of basic programming. But, getting over the initial learning curve will be extremely satisfying in terms of the things it can offer users.

For example, creating web flow-based designs Webflow is a process that requires (and encourages) thinking less like a graphic artist and more like a front-end developer.

Instead of “absolutely placing” the elements on the canvas, users can create elements that create CSS classes and use modern layout programs such as grid and flexbox. All this with a visually WYSIWYG editor.

To this end, creating using Webflow together with the fantastic tutorials at Webflow University can act as a great starting point for designers who want to get into front-end development.

Furthermore, the platform is also with a stripped-down Editor that can be utilized by users to make simple modifications to their websites … without destroying the site’s structure during the process!

CMS Webflow

While creating a blog using Webflow could require more upfront work than native blogging platforms like WordPress but the result is sure to be enough to be worth it.

Because WordPress despite all its strengths, hasn’t truly excelled in terms the ease of use or customization.

Users are usually stuck with the default template of their theme and styles. So, modifying individual elements such as post fields needs the use of third-party plugins or manually rewriting the template files.

Webflow CMS, in contrast, bills itself as “the world’s first-ever visually-based content management software” permitting designers to determine the style and structure of their content, without having to mess with plugins, PHP or databases.

The content can be manually created or exported from an. CSV document, or imported using the Webflow CMS API.

Users can then build Collections or templates that can be reused to create dynamic content types. For instance, a website could include collections of blog posts, authors, customer projects, product categories, and more.

It’s as if you could enjoy all the advantages of using a database and not managing a database by yourself!

Webflow CMS

Although launching a blog on Webflow may require more initial effort than an existing blogging platform such as WordPress however, the outcome is sure to be enough to be worth it.

Because WordPress, despite all its strengths, hasn’t truly excelled in terms the ease of use or customization.

The majority of users are restricted to the default template and styles. Therefore, customizing specific elements such as post fields needs either a third-party plugin or manually editing the underlying template files.

Webflow CMS, on the other hand, bills itself as “the world’s first-ever visually-based content management software” that lets designers define the style and structure of their content, without tinkering with plugins PHP databases, or plugins.

This content can be manually created or transferred from an. CSV file or added via the Webflow CMS API.

Users can then build Collections or reusable templates to create dynamic content types. For instance, a website could include collections of blog posts, authors, customer projects, product categories, and more.

It’s as if you could enjoy all the advantages of using a database and not have to manage the database by yourself!

Interactions 2.0

I think this is probably the most exciting feature Webflow has currently to offer … however, even though it is sometimes one of the most frustrating.

At the beginning of 2017, Interactions 2.0 was released, Interactions 2.0 allows designers to design customized CSS changes and JavaScript animations based on the page’s state or user interaction.

It’s, at its core it’s a way to simplify the process of JavaScript manipulation of DOM — and, for the majority of the time it can do this effectively.

The creation of Webflow-related interactions is simpler (and quicker!) than creating customized JavaScript animations. Even after the latest update, it’s not the most intuitive to do.

If you’ve not worked in code before, particularly JavaScript this feature is likely to present you with the toughest moment while you’re making the transition to Webflow … therefore prepare yourself for that.

But, you can still create amazing animations using this software, provided you are willing to master the basics of it. (Just take a look at the page that is the landing page for Interactives 2.0!)

Although I’m not completely at ease with this Interactions Panel, I’d prefer to work with this instead of writing my own on it. 

Hosting and deployment

Webflow hosting is managed by the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud computing platform and is supported by an international media distribution system (CDN) operated with Rapidly as well as Amazon Cloud front.

The result is a lightning-fast loading of pages and the peace of head that comes with not worrying about server maintenance or updates to PHP.

All hosting plans come equipped with free SSL certificates, HTTP/2 compliance, site search, form control, password protection, an automatically-generated sitemap, and automatic backups.

The biggest drawback of this is that Webflow’s hosting costs aren’t affordable, though it’s still cheaper than what you’d pay for other managed hosting providers such as the WP Engine and Kinsta.

“Basic” Hosting plan is $15 per month and comes with the majority of features available. However, to utilize Webflow CMS, you’ll have to pay the additional money for the cost of $20 for the monthly “CMS” hosting package.

The bright side is However if you discover the following options will work for you (or if you don’t have the cash) It’s not a problem!

Since all websites are written in the basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript means that you’re not bound to a specific platform. Download your site’s files and upload them to the hosting service you’d like to.

Ecommerce (beta)

The most recent and most anticipated version of the Webflow suite of tools Ecommerce was made available as a public beta in November of the previous year.

It can differentiate itself from similarly restricted platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce Webflow Ecommerce lets you fully customize the entire visual component of an online store.

This includes galleries, product pages and categories webpages, carts for shopping along with checkout and product pages. When you use Webflow, it’s no longer limited to any type of already-designed eCommerce structure!

To achieve this degree of customization using tools such as Shopify requires spending thousands of dollars a month on the Shopify Plus plan, and spending the time to get familiar with yourself with its Liquid templating language.

The platform provides an easy way to handle complicated administrative tasks like creating shipping zones as well as calculating taxes and managing fulfilment and inventory.

As it’s in the beta stage, Webflow Ecommerce is still lacking some essential features which are expected from a fully-featured eCommerce solution. For instance, PayPal support is not yet there.

This is still being considered. Future developments are planned for future support for digital services, customer accounts, subscriptions, and a variety of product variations.

Top 10 reasons why your design team needs to use Webflow

If you’ve already made Webflow an integral part of your workflow for the design you’d likely like to see your fellow designers join the bandwagon, too. 

Here’s how you can convince them.

1. Webflow allows you to create code visually with a familiar user interface

While code ninjas may witness a website coming to life through their code lines many designers, well, have more trouble dealing with this. Even when they are proficient enough in programming to become “dangerous.”

It’s a relief that the Webflow application does the translating for you so that you can focus on your core which is the visual realm. 

Simply drag our neatly coded completely responsive HTML elements onto the canvas, place them wherever you’d like them and then style them using the familiar tools for visual design. Instead of writing a couple of lines of code and saving it, then refreshing it, your web browser will receive immediate, visible feedback which allows you to work faster.

This means that you don’t need to think about whether you are using the correct CSS syntax correct. And if the thing you’re trying to accomplish is possible on the web. You could stare at the code editor all day.

2. Prototypes > mockups

If your team has been making static mocks in Photoshop before handing the images to your customers or others for their evaluation. then you should think about the possibility of a new method of working.

Making pixel-perfect static mockups that can be used in a variety of sizes, dimensions and orientations consume a lot of time. Both stakeholders and clients are often having a difficult time thinking about those static mockups turning into live, interactive websites. Particularly when it comes to interaction.

Imagine sending your customers and other stakeholders, not static mockups, or screen designs that have been manipulated and screens, but fully functioning live, interactive websites. Websites that they can play using on their laptops, desktops or tablets and smartphones. Websites where users can visit a website and watch your awesome page-switching video take place. Websites are not filled with lorem-ipsum, but with actual information.

With Webflow, you’ll be in a position to accomplish all of that. And much more.

3. Webflow makes responsive design 10x easier

Have you ever sketched out a responsive site? What was the feeling that you had after hours of laborious ideation and re-iteration, you came to the conclusion:

• Then I’ll have to repeat the process to design the tablet.
• Then, again with a landscape smartphone.
• And, then use a smartphone with portrait orientation.

Imagine finishing your desktop layout, and then pressing a button that will reveal an already-completed layout for your tablet. Also, the landscape view of smartphones. Also, smartphone portrait.

Imagine knowing that you didn’t have to be stuck with these repeating patterns. You could modify the designs for your device to show the different types of content available to smartphone users.

4. Webflow makes it much easier to show your ideas for interaction

You’ve probably had many brilliant animation and interaction concepts during your time in design. Perhaps you’ve tried to capture the way they would look and feel using switching Photoshop layers off and on and creating videos or GIFs or perhaps trying to modify Keynote to your preferences. Perhaps you’ve even modified another’s JavaScript to get the desired result.

With Webflow, it’s easy to get rid of those days. Make your animations and interactions using the same software you employ for all your web design tasks and without the need for programming or creating GIFs or explaining your ideas to developers.

When you’re ready to get feedback from those interactions, your customers and other stakeholders will be able to be a part of them. It’s easier for them to know the thoughts you’re making.

5. The Webflow CMS allows you to create hundreds of pages simultaneously

If you’ve ever created a CMS then you’re aware that you’ll only need to design one template to publish your blog entries.

However, when you’re coming up with your blog’s single style do you fill it with lorem ipsum stunning, gorgeous images; or inspirational blockquotes, courtesy of Steve Jobs? Do you create your designs using real content straight from the phones and keyboards of actual users?

• If you’ve ever done this you’re aware of how beneficial developing your websites with real content could be. With authentic content, you’ll:
• Create real empathy for your customers.
• Determine what kind they produce and not what you believe they create.
• Quickly remove any edge cases.
• The design for content instead of requiring your content to be in line with your style.
• Opportunities to customize designs -in the end, there is no reason that every blog post must appear the same.

 

6. Webflow bridges the gap between design and development

If you’re working together with developers who bring your ideas to life, you’re aware of how time-consuming and difficult this working together can become. When you create static mockups and have your developers coding them to meet it’s as if you’re always making a fresh start. That’s not even including the rounds of compromise and feedback.

However, using Webflow you’re not creating vectors or pixels instead, you’re creating real HTML as well as CSS. That means that you’re able to hit the button and give your developers an uncluttered and semantic model of what you’ve designed, which is already coded. No translation is required.

If they do have to tweak the design to work to your business’s processes or style guidelines It’s a great way to kick off the year.

7. Webflow bridges the gap between design and content

Although it is less discussed than the gap between design and development the gap between content and design is usually just as large and challenging to overcome.

There is a myriad of reasons for this however, these two are the most difficult (and typical):

Designers are more likely to be outnumbered by creators of content (by quite a bit). There’s nothing inherently incorrect with this however, it does mean that content creators are constantly overwhelmed. Therefore, instead of working in a parallel fashion design is more likely to pull before content. We content creators are left with the daunting job of incorporating our content into layouts we’ve had no chance to influence.

Content owners often don’t have the tools that can directly influence designs. If we notice a grotesque mistake on the website the only option is to be to file bugs. and hoping that a developer cares enough (or has the time) to change the page. We want the changes, but usually, we don’t know how to accomplish them.

Webflow CMS assists in overcoming these issues by empowering editors, writers and marketers to quickly edit content across different websites. Additionally, it allows you to create and edit the landing page (based on templates) without the need for assistance in design or development.

8. Webflow makes creating landing pages an easy task

The marketing team’s designers will spend a significant amount of time creating landing pages and then handing them over to developers, and then analyzing the results of their code. Even more, lending assistance in making tweaks and optimizing landing pages to test.

Webflow makes the process easier by letting you design Team Templates and shared designs that you can copy in a single click, and modify as you need to. And if all you require is just a handful of copies of images, you’ll be able to simply publish the page and give it to the content editor who will make changes via the CMS.

It is also possible to create the Landing Pages Collection, allowing editors to create and alter landing pages themselves. No design or development dependencies are necessary.

9. Speed and consistency in design more design consistency and speed Team Templates

Beyond the landing page, Team Templates provide design teams with the ability to build the design style guide.

You can easily capture typographic designs such as icon guidelines colours as well as logo guidelines–every aspect of the visual brand that you would like to have. Your team can also create canonical designs of interactive objects like tabs dropdowns and forms, sliders etc. They can save them as symbols.

So that when a designer starts on a new project they could simply copy this style manual, eliminate elements they don’t require and then — boom! — produce a consistent design. Additionally, when you have UI elements stored as Symbols It’s fairly easy to make changes to style: simply modify an instance of the Symbol and each other one will be updated to reflect. Magic.

10. The Webflow Designer, as well as the CMS, are updated regularly.

At Webflow we’re always making improvements to bug fixes, UX refinements, new features, as well as other enhancements. It’s not necessary to do anything to be a part of it.

It’s a far cry from the realms of WordPress and Adobe Aren’t they?

The Final Verdict

Different from the multitude of inferior DIY design tools currently available being sold, Webflow provides a powerful solution that is suitable for the most demanding Web design and development requirements.

Features such as Webflow Designer, CMS, and Ecommerce let users easily build fully-featured, high-performance websites, without the need to be able to code or work with developers.

It does have negatives, including the interface for animation that isn’t as intuitive as well as a lack of eCommerce capabilities. Yet it’s the most effective design platform available on the market, and worth your time and attention.

This is the case regardless of your experience as a graphic designer or an owner of a company looking for a stronger customized, flexible, and reliable solution for your online presence.