Exploring Webflow: Is It the Perfect Fit for Small Businesses?
Are you a business owner or entrepreneur planning to create a website? Or maybe considering a redesign? Confused about which platform suits you the best? In a world where websites play a crucial role in establishing an online presence, it’s essential for business owners to choose the right platform for their industry. One platform that has been gaining traction is Webflow. The question is, what is Webflow and is it a good fit for my business?
What is Webflow Platform?
Webflow is a web design and development platform that allows users to create responsive, visually appealing, and fully functional websites without having to write a single line of code. Its user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface empowers designers to craft custom websites that look and perform spectacularly across various devices. Webflow also offers a built-in content management system (CMS), e-commerce capabilities, and hosting services, making it an all-in-one solution for individuals and businesses looking for a powerful yet easy-to-navigate website creator.
Pros of using Webflow for small businesses
Here at CCandG, our platform of choice is WordPress, but there are numerous benefits to using Webflow for small businesses.
Time and cost savings:
Webflow’s interface is much like a drag and drop you can design and launch your website without needing to know any code. It can save you time and money that can be invested in other vital aspects of your business.
Flexibility and customizability:
Webflow has a nice range of design templates and elements that can be customized to match your brand’s identity and color scheme. With some flexibility in customization, you’re not stuck with the same design as everyone else using WebFlow.
Seamless integrations:
Webflow can integrate with various third-party services and applications, such as e-commerce platforms, marketing automation tools, and analytics software. Making it easy to gain information and use tools on your website.
Cons of using Webflow
Despite its advantages, there are some potential drawbacks to using Webflow for your small business. It’s best to know your industry and what you expect from your website when determining what platform works for your business. Want help? CCandG can audit your current website for improvements. Contact us for a quote.
Limited free plan:
Webflow offers a free plan, but it has some limitations, such as restrictions on custom domain usage, limited CMS functionality, and the necessity to display Webflow branding. To unlock more features and remove these restrictions, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.
Learning curve:
While the platform is user-friendly, there can be a slight learning curve for those unfamiliar with basic web design principles or similar tools. Even with Webflow’s extensive library of tutorials and resources to help, users can still find a hard time getting what they need from their template.
Advanced features may require coding knowledge:
For certain advanced customizations, some understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript may be required, potentially creating a barrier for users with no development experience.
Limitations for SEO:
Some platforms limit access to code which can prevent growth in SEO (search engine optimization). If you plan to utilize digital marketing in your website, Webflow might have some limitations.
Alternatives platforms to Webflow
While Webflow offers some cool features on its platform, it might not be the ideal solution for everyone. Here are some alternatives platforms worth considering for your small business.
WordPress:
A popular content management system that offers a wider range of design and customization options, although it may require more coding knowledge. The majority of websites now are built using this platform ranging from e-commerce to larger corporations.
Shopify:
An easy-to-use website builder with intuitive drag-and-drop design features and ideal for e-commerce websites. If you are considering just selling online, this platform is geared for just that.
Square Online
Square Online is a relatively new web platform, and it does not have a proven track record of success in terms of SEO. While the platform offers some basic e-commerce abilities and is easy to use, it lacks advanced features such as canonical tags, hreflang tags, and schema markup. If you’re wanting to save money and to the website yourself to sell some items on the side, Square Online will work but not for large companies.
Ask a specialist
While Webflow is a powerful and versatile web design and development platform, it can be a quick solution for a small business on a budget. While here at CCandG, we build on WordPress and make sure to explore all venues to give our clients the best information possible.
Have questions on determining if this platform is the right choice for your business? Ask CCandG, we will give our honest answer tailored to your needs.