Webflow was launched by two brothers in 2013, as a way for web designers to create custom-made responsive websites that would not require learning extensive code. In just over one year, Webflow CMS gained over 30,000 sign-ups and had continued to expand, with users built over 400,000 websites today. Read our Webflow review below.
OverviewWebflow may not be for do-it-yourself users with any experience, but it is what designers are seeking to have more flexibility and control. These types of web developers may be crafting their sites or building sites for the masses.
Webflow uses a Photoshop style editor like a few other website builders that are standing out in a class of their own. While the users of Webflow are not required to learn code, they have the ability to use an HTML editor to manipulate designs and customize quality websites to meet their clients’ unique needs. There is a learning curve for some with this type of website builder.
Who Is Webflow Recommended For?
The Webflow website builder was created for more experienced designers and developers that are designing websites for others. This website builder is the solution to building sites with advanced tools and technology to get specific results. Webflow’s websites are the solution for business owners, storefronts, bloggers, and just about anyone that needs a robust, interactive website.
Webflow’s Area of Focus / Specialties
Webflow, like only a few in its class, is focused on flexible yet code-free design by experienced designers who can use a website builder to its full capacity. Webflow is a feature-rich platform to suit most high-end business needs.
Some of the Webflow specialties include a relatively intuitive editing space, easy access to HTML/CSS for those who prefer it, the option to export the site for developer customization, and a code-free advanced platform for those who can manage it.
Webflow’s Technical Specs / Limitations
Webflow features include Google fonts, flat-file CMS, hosting, design and development in one, access to the code, a Photoshop style editor, and code exportation along with all of the standard widgets and elements of a good website builder.
Because Webflow is a designer’s choice, there are some limitations in pre-designed templates. Webflow’s website builder competitors are easier to manage, but with the right skills and experience, programmers and developers can manipulate the features of the Webflow interface. Switching templates is not an option.
Is There Adequate Scalability / Room To Grow?
Webflow offers a free lifetime plan for basic websites along with three medium-to-high priced annual plans for designers and agencies. With the code-free builders, you expect to pay more. These plans provide room for personal or business growth, but it won’t be cheap. Website hosting and CMS hosting are available for added costs.
What is the MoneyBack Guarantee Policy?
Webflow offers a free-while-designing option with no payment required.
What is Webflow’s Reputation?
Webflow is relatively new in the website building space and is offering a different code-free approach for more experienced designers. With minimal competition for this higher-priced, advanced solution, they currently have an excellent reputation among this class. Reviews are medium and above (3 stars and up). Regarding basic website owners, the reputation is not nearly as good, since beginners often find Webflow too difficult.
Affiliate Program for Customers
Webflow does not yet offer an affiliate program for customers, but it has been suggested.
Why Choose Webflow?
Webflow is perfect for designers, developers, or agencies that want the capability for more control and to design a site for themselves or ongoing customers. For beginners who want a do-it-yourself solution, there are other alternatives suited to this need.
Webflow designers will enjoy an Adobe Photoshop and InDesign-style editing interface along with the ability to access and manage HTML/CSS code if desired. Try out the free account before making a decision.
Key FeaturesFor some experts, Webflow represents a new evolution of visual and CSS friendly website building tools. For others, Webflow doesn’t do enough to set itself apart as a truly new and exciting program. Critics who are well versed in coding and experience in web design tended to rate Webflow as run of the mill. That being said, critics who examined the program from a user’s perspective found that Webflow had a lot to offer. They appreciated that the editor was both flexible and user-friendly. Unlike other builders, Webflow uses a grid system that helps different section of the site snap into place without having to mess around with sizing too much. Even the most begrudging critics called Webflow “elegant” and had to admit that while it might not be revolutionary, it is certainly a solid option. Ultimately, experts recommend giving the program a look.
The Webflow Facebook page is full of positive reviews from users. While these may provide some insight into the strengths of the program, they should be taken with a grain of salt. The reviews are clearly curated in order to show Webflow in the best possible light. Here are a few of the common themes among positive reviews:
In the world of website builders, Webflow is still a relative newcomer. So far, there isn’t a whole lot of chatter on the web about this program. All in all, this is probably a good sign, especially considering the fact that Webflow has managed to acquire tens of thousands of users over the past three years.Unhappy customers usually don’t hesitate to voice their disapproval, so it is probably safe to assume that Webflow hasn’t run into any major problems. It may take a few more years of being on the market before Webflow is able to generate enough media to really get a feel for how others faired using the software.
Design & CustomizationAdvanced users desire a website builder with intuitive design and customization, and Webflow is an excellent choice for those who know what they are doing. A web engineer can appreciate the flexibility in manipulating the code to get website results. Webflow offers an open canvas for skilled users or some ready-made templates layouts for those who need a place to start.
| Feature | Overview |
| Webflow Templates | There are free and paid predesigned templates to choose from, but Webflow encourages an open canvas for professional web designers.
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| Webflow Interface | If you have used the Adobe software programs in the past, this may be the interface you are looking for. Webflow has created an interface to align with familiar tools, so the design challenges are reduced. This website builder is easier for Photoshop and InDesign users or other advanced users who can figure things out. This site builder is hard for new designers having no required skillsets. |
| Page Style Customization | Webflow has power in page style customization since advanced users can rely on many design options within the interface, on a blank canvas using HTML code.
Experienced Webflow users can take advantage of a broad range of customization options. |
| Site Navigation | Webflow allows designers the flexibility to create site navigation in the way they desire rather than rely solely on templates, or a template can be selected. |
| Content Management | Webflow is a visual content management system (CMS) in which websites can be built without code experience. Content is managed from an online Webflow account, much like other website builders, but there are more opportunities for skilled users. |
| Photos and Galleries | Webflow has great visual content types including images, videos, maps, buttons, and more. |
| Mobile Site Building | Webflow’s templates and free-form design canvas are responsive, made for mobile users, customers, and visitors on most devices. |
| Social Sharing Integration | Like most website builders, Webflow offers all standard social media icons for marketing and customer sharing. |
| Design Services | Webflow is a comprehensive website builder made for agencies and designers who want to build sophisticated websites. While Webflow is more sophisticated than some website builders, it is not a service based design company. When you need a firm that provides design, content, and development services, do-it-yourself website builders are not the correct choice. |
Features & Tools As one of the original complete website building companies, the feature-set is huge. Suited for larger more sophisticated sites that need particular attention or a more advanced programmer who has worked with website design, Web.com is certain to meet the demands for eCommerce and business features:
| Feature | Overview |
| Webflow Setup | Sign up for a free account with your name, email, and a new password. You also agree to Webflow’s privacy policy and terms of service. You’ll start with the choice of a free template. |
| Web Design | Select a design template or choose to create your own in a canvas style editor with controls that are similar to the Adobe products. The interface is not like the average website builder, but drag and drop editing is possible along with an HTML/CSS editor if you have the technical know-how. |
| Custom Domain Name | |
| The depth of Navigation: | With Webflow’s capabilities for custom navigation, designers can create the depth of navigation needed for any business or enterprise website. |
| Widgets and Apps | If you have the experience, Webflow seems to have the platform for building web apps. This is not entirely tested, and little information is available. Customizable widgets including social media, maps, email forms, and responsive sliders are standard. |
| Monetization | Webflow can be integrated with eCommerce solutions, but designers will have to build this out. |
| Visitor Statistics | Webflow integrates well with Google Analytics, and a Webflow dashboard is capable of displaying website visitor statistics. |
| Photo,Video,and Audio | Webflow offers standard options for engaging customers through pictures, videos, widgets, and more. |
| Blogging | While Webflow doesn’t appear to have a native blogging platform, there are positive reports about the ability to establish an effective blog site. |
| Google Maps | Users can embed Google Maps. |
| HTML Editor | One of Webflow’s assets is an option for HTML/CSS editing, without having to know the detailed code. |
| Social Media Integration | |
| Forms and surveys | With Webflow, users can insert forms and customize them for the results they need. |
| Storage Space | Based on Webflow’s three pricing plans, there appears to plenty of storage for any size and scale of a website. The pricing plans do not disclose storage space. |
| Newsletter Tool | Webflow does not offer a particular newsletter tool, but this could be coded. |
| Forum Support | A Webflow client forum is available with the free Starter plan and the Personal, Professional, and Team plans. |
| E-Commerce / Online Store | You will need to count on external eCommerce solutions that integrate with Webflow. Ecwid seems to be one of better add-ins and possibly compatible. |
| Gateway Integration | There are payment gateway services incorporated into third-party eCommerce solutions that may be integrated with Webflow. |
| SEO Friendly | Again, you will need to count on external solutions such as Google Analytics and more for search engine optimization techniques. |
| Site Limited Access (Password Protection) | Webflow provides a password protected account for anyone who signs up. |
| Google® Analytics | There is no known issue with integrating Google Analytics in Webflow. |
| Website Builder Security | Webflow along with its competitors will make security a high priority for any website activity. |
| Multiple Languages | Multilanguage options are available through a code, and there are some online chats and forums for guidance. |
| Mobile Optimization | Nearly all of Webflow’s templates and customization options support mobile devices. |
Plans & Pricing Webflow offers a free Starter account along with three annual pricing plans based on a designer’s experience and the breadth of website individuals of agencies need. These monthly rates displayed on the site must be paid on an annual basis. Hosting and CMS are an added monthly charge.
Annual Pricing Plans Offered
Free Starter. For anyone.
Personal. For designers working on several projects. $16/month, or $192.
Professional. For freelancers and in-house professionals. $35/month, or $420.
Team. For large teams and agencies. $78/month, or $936.
Webflow charges more based on its agency-scale service offerings. Designers get set up to create multiple sites in an annual pricing plan that could be cost-effective in the long run.
Consider the following factors regarding pricing:
Is the payment fulfilled on a monthly/yearly basis? Webflow offers annual pricing planswebsite.
Customer Support Webflow offers customers an impressive variety of customer support options. The Help Center displays a selection that includes FAQs, Courses (over 40), a Getting Started tutorial, and some full site tutorials. Priority support is available under the Professional and Team pricing plans. Email support is available under the Personal plan. A forum is available for the free Starter plan.
Ease of Use Webflow is designed for advanced users with experience even while is competes as one of the few code-free website builders. For the right creative audience, users can likely do everything they want to with Webflow. For beginners seeking a total DIY experience, there are other classes of website builders to consider. Advanced users may find Webflow easy enough to use.
The simplicity of Interface . Webflow is intuitive for seasoned designers and not designed for simplicity. The results can be positive for those who know what they are doing.
Suitable for Beginners / Advanced Users . Webflow is not in the class of website builders for beginners. It is suitable for advanced users who desire a code-free environment but yet have the flexibility in an HTML/CSS option.
Retain Control Over The Website At All Times. Web designers maintain full control of the site.
In-Editor Help Provided. The in-editor help is suitable for some, and there are some other help options on the site.
Webflow is suited for experienced designers who may find this site builder easy to use.
Conclusion For experienced designers and developers, you may just love Webflow. In this code-free but code accessible website builder, you have options for every size and scale of business website. For advanced eCommerce, it seems to be acceptable if you can integrate the external tools, widgets, and plugins to get the results you need.
Beginners will likely struggle with Webflow unless they are satisfied with a free account and one of Webflow’s limited templates, but the price point is really for higher end sites that need to do more. New users who want to set up a website quickly and easily should be looking at a different class of website builders, and there are plenty of those on the market.
Webflow has the potential for custom websites by advanced web designers who are seeking a code-free experience, but also have the flexibility to add and edit code. If you seek a more advanced platform, Webflow is one of the few DIY options in its class. Depending on your needs and experience, Webflow may be a good solution. The free Starter account is the best way to check it out.
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