why we create websites in webflow

what is webflow?

Webflow is a low-code visual platform for creating websites, landing pages, blogs, and online stores. It allows people to build websites without coding. This is because Webflow generates a large part of that code itself.
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Small disclaimer: it doesn't mean you never have to code, we only use Webflow as a basis for faster coding and developing a more complex website.

This makes it a popular tool in the no-code and low-code movement, using technology to simplify the creation process.

Webflow offers the flexibility to build almost anything you want and is highly customizable, allowing you to design and build websites just the way you want them.

a few features of webflow

• Huge template library for various sectors — Webflow offers paid and free templates (we don't use them ourselves, but they may be useful to you).
• Integration with After Effects, allowing for complex animations and micro-animations.
• Mobile-friendly and fast loading times, which contributes to better SEO performance.
• Webflow University and rapid support: we were able to solve any technical challenge we ever had directly through the university or with support.
• Native CMS with localization that provides easy and effective content management. Whether you're small or big, the possibilities scale with you as you grow. It can also be integrated with your back end.

why we use webflow to create websites

We choose Webflow because it allows us to translate designs directly and accurately into functional websites. This direct translation ensures that the designer's original ideas and visions are retained during the transition from design to realization.

Our efficiency and speed in project development is an important advantage, and with Webflow, we can deliver high-quality results in a short period of time. This is because of the user-friendly interface and the powerful tools that Webflow offers.

Webflow allows us to create customized solutions that are not feasible on other platforms due to their adaptability limitations.

Finally, we teach our customers how to use Webflow's CMS so that they can independently manage and update their website, even after completion of the project. This increases their independence and reduces the need for ongoing support.

custom code vs. webflow

When custom code wins

If you can code, these restrictions are not relevant. If not, you're limited to Webflow's standard features.

• Recurring costs: Webflow works with a subscription model. These costs can increase depending on your consumption. Unlike Webflow, pure code does not involve any recurring costs. You mainly invest in a good code editor and a few tools such as hosting.
• Flexibility: pure code offers the flexibility to integrate any tool, platform or service with your website as needed. Although Webflow has many features, it doesn't always support every third-party tool. However, their API offers more and more options.

When Webflow Wins

• Coding without coding: In Webflow, the designer places blocks on a canvas, after which the application automatically generates the code. This generated code can be exported and used on other hosting platforms. It is valid W3C code, which ensures fast loading times and makes it easy for developers to work with, unlike other tools' code.
• Cost savings: Although Webflow subscriptions can be pricey, it's still significantly cheaper than hiring an in-house front-end developer.
• quickness: Fully manually coding a website is time-consuming, including designing, coding, testing, and perfecting details. Webflow accelerates this process considerably.

webflow vs. wordpress

Webflow offers more speed, functionality, ease of use, and security compared to WordPress. WordPress was the standard for a long time, but Webflow has caught up in these areas. Websites built with Webflow are often faster due to optimized hosting and do not require theme or plugin updates, which improves security. Because Webflow does not use plug-ins, your website will not break down unnecessarily. However, depending on the use case, there are advantages and disadvantages between the two options.

Convenience

• Webflow: offers a user-friendly visual editor and various options for customizing content. Hosting is included in your account.
• WordPress: famous for its fast setup process, but requires you to find your own hosting provider. The dashboard interface is simpler but requires more clicks to reach different tools.

Design options

• Webflow: in addition to professionally designed templates, it offers the possibility to set up a custom design in no time.
• WordPress: uses a block editor and offers an extensive collection of themes, both free and paid, but may require additional plugins for a similar visual effect.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

• Webflow: offers an integrated approach with tools for creating mobile-friendly pages and automatically generated sitemaps. This generally makes it a lot easier to rank in search engines.
• WordPress: has fewer built-in SEO tools, but provides control over SEO via plugins.

E-commerce and costs

• Webflow: e-commerce is directly built into Webflow with monthly subscription fees, but it offers limited integration with payment providers for the Dutch market. Platforms like Molly are integrable.
• WordPress: is free to download and flexible, but requires payment for hosting, domain name, and other elements. WooCommerce is a popular e-commerce option for WordPress, which is free but may require more setup.

converting website to webflow

Transferring a website to Webflow is possible and can be beneficial if you need speed, flexibility and security. This is especially useful if you want to switch from platforms such as WordPress.

advantages of low-code solutions such as webflow

Low-code solutions such as Webflow make it easier to quickly design and build high-quality websites without in-depth technical knowledge. This lowers the threshold for creating professional websites and saves time and money in the development process.

Although Webflow offers a lot of flexibility, there are some technical limitations. More complex functionalities such as search bars, sliders and advanced animations may require additional knowledge. Modifying exported Webflow code on external hosting can also be challenging. Fortunately, we have quite a bit of knowledge to provide you with good support in this!

when it's better not to use a webflow

Webflow may not be the best choice for websites that require heavy user data collection, such as personal logins or order histories. This is because in these cases you are mainly dependent on other applications. However, using tools such as Airtable, Wized, or Shopify, you can set up a well-workable product. Good too: because those applications integrate seamlessly with Webflow, provided you don't mind having multiple vendors.

In addition, it can be a challenge to build modular websites where content editors want to set up pages themselves, because you then have to give the editor rights to the design view in the CMS. This may lead to errors or bugs. However, we can build the CMS for you in such a way that you can do what you want to do, so that you have the freedom and flexibility of the CMS.

when webflow comes as a call

Webflow is particularly suitable for visually heavy websites with a high “wow” factor, such as sites that make rich use of design and motion, page transitions and micro-animations.

It's also ideal for content-rich sites, prototyping, and smaller budget projects. Web flows, fast loading times, and the ability to easily manage content without affecting design make it a great choice for marketing.