Is Webflow the right fit platform for your business website?

As a business/brand owner, you know the importance of investing in the right website design and development platform for your website because, ultimately, your storefront is your first impression that speaks volumes and is a critical tool to drive growth. 

In your quest to zero down on the right platform, you need to seek answers to a plethora of concerns and queries, such as ~ Should you prioritize design flexibility, ease of use, or scalability? 

But what if you could have it all in one package?

We at Mavlers have our in-house web dev expert, Harsvardhan Sharma, discussing the details of Webflow, an all-in-one web design and development platform that combines the functionalities of a content management system (CMS), a visual website builder, and a hosting service, in an honest and unbiased manner.

Here’s what you stand to gain clarity on:

• What is Webflow?
• Features of Webflow
• Pros and cons of the platform
• Webflow’s pricing: Is it worth it?
• Who is Webflow best suited for?

Whether you’re a small business owner, a designer seeking creative control, or someone caught in the middle of too many options, stick around. By the end of this blog, you’ll have clarity on whether Webflow can help your vision take shape or if another platform might serve you better.

Get, set, go! 

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An insight into the basics of Webflow

So, to begin with, Webflow has carved a niche for itself in the website-building space.

With a repertoire of visual design tools akin to drag-and-drop builders, it also helps generate clean, customizable, professional-grade code, making it a good option for designers, developers, and businesses.

Let’s take a bird’s eye view of some of its features:

• A visual development interface that simplifies the design process without sacrificing customization.

• A content management system (CMS) for managing dynamic content like blogs and portfolios.

• Built-in hosting with fast speeds and security measures.

• E-commerce capabilities for small to medium online stores.

By combining these elements, Webflow aims to serve users who want control over their design without needing to write extensive code.

Key features of Webflow: A balanced overview

Let’s now explore what Webflow does well—and where it might not be the best fit for everyone:

1. Visual design interface

Webflow’s drag-and-drop editor is a dream for designers who want to create stunning, complex layouts. It gives you full creative control. But if you’re just starting out, you might find the interface a bit overwhelming at first.

2. Responsive design

One of Webflow’s standout features is its ability to create websites that automatically adjust to different screen sizes. With mobile use skyrocketing, this is an essential feature to ensure your site looks great everywhere.

3. Custom code options

For those who know their way around HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, Webflow gives you the option to customize your site with code. But if coding isn’t your thing, you might never need to touch this feature at all.

4. Integrated hosting

Webflow offers hosting built right into the platform, which makes getting your site live incredibly simple. 

The only catch? 

You’re locked into their hosting service, which might not be ideal for those who want more flexibility.

The pros and cons of using Webflow

To paint a holistic and unbiased picture, let’s take a step back and look at the benefits and drawbacks of using Webflow:

Pros

• Design freedom: Webflow lets you unleash your creativity like no other platform. You get full control over your design without being limited by templates.

• Efficiency: It combines everything you need—design, hosting, and CMS—into one platform, which makes managing your website a lot easier.

• SEO-friendly: Built-in SEO tools help you fine-tune your site for search engine crawlers, making it easier to boost your SERP rankings.

Cons

• Learning curve: While it’s simpler than traditional coding, mastering Webflow’s more advanced features can still take some time to adjust to, especially if you’re new to the arena of web design.

• Cost: Webflow’s pricing can be on the steeper side, which might not be ideal for small businesses or personal projects with limited budgets.

• Vendor lock-in: Since Webflow handles your hosting, switching to another platform later can be a hassle if you ever decide to move your site.

Webflow pricing: What’s the real deal?

Well, truth be told, it is not the most affordable platform out there, but here’s how Webflow pricing breaks down:

• Basic plans: Starting at $14/month, these are good for simple, static websites without fancy ad-ons.

• CMS plans: Kick off at $23/month and increase depending on your store’s needs and how much you’re selling.

• Business plans: Begin at $39/month for larger sites that need more flexibility. 

• Enterprise plans: Built for agencies and teams, but the pricing isn’t listed—you’ll need to reach out for a custom quote.

The pricing might feel a bit steep compared to some other platforms. But before you decide, think about what you’re getting: design, hosting, and CMS tools all in one. 

That said, the cost could be a tough pill to swallow if you’re on a tight budget. It really depends on what you need and what you’re willing to pay for convenience.

Who’s Webflow really for?

Let’s be real: Webflow isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a powerful platform, but whether it’s the right choice depends entirely on your needs.

• Creative designers: If you live for details and want every pixel on your site to reflect your vision, Webflow has the tools to make it happen.

• Small to mid-sized businesses: Ideal for businesses that want a standout site with unique design elements to back their branding.

• Developers: Need to dive into custom HTML, CSS, or JavaScript? Webflow gives you room to play.

• Agencies: Managing multiple client projects? Webflow’s scalability can make life easier for collaborative teams.

That said, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea:

• Beginners: If you’re looking for a plug-and-play platform that doesn’t require much learning, Webflow might feel intimidating.

• Large e-commerce stores: While it works for smaller shops, bigger operations with complex requirements may find better options elsewhere.

• Budget-conscious users: Let’s face it—Webflow isn’t the most pocket-friendly option. If affordability is key, platforms like WordPress might make more sense.

In short, Webflow is a great fit if you need creative freedom and don’t mind a learning curve. But if your focus is simplicity, cost-effectiveness, or handling large-scale e-commerce, it might not tick all the boxes.

 If you want to switch to a WordPress website and ultimately make it more accessible, you might consider reading ~ Drupal vs WordPress: Finding the best CMS for Your Business?

The road ahead

All being said and done,  the decision to use Webflow depends on your specific business needs. If you are an enterprise owner looking to try WordPress VIP for your business, you might want to read ~ Unlocking the Power of WordPress VIP: Essential Tips for First-Time Users.