Webflow in 2024: My go-to platform for most projects (but not always!)

Why I chose Webflow 🧐

I feel completely free to design your website

Webflow gives me full creative control over the design without the limitations of templates. Its visual development interface allows me to create bespoke designs that are precisely tailored to each brand's needs. Unlike some platforms, Webflow allows pixel-level design control, which is a huge advantage in creating unique, high-quality websites.

Code without coding

For me, Webflow strikes the right balance between design and code. Webflow automatically generates clean, semantic code that's optimised for performance. This allows me to focus on the look and functionality of the website without having to dive deep into coding.

Webflow's ability to speed up the development process is remarkable. However, for those times when I need a little extra code functionality or optimisation, I've  found v0.dev/chat to be a helpful tool for writing and refining custom code snippets, with free credits to get you started.

Integrated Hosting & CMS

Webflow's integrated hosting and CMS is a massive time saver. It streamlines content management for clients, allowing them to easily update their site without having to deal with complex backend systems. The platform offers 99.99% uptime and faster load times than many competitors thanks to its global CDN.

A notable recent update is the ability to compress all images within the CMS, improving website speed and performance, which has been much appreciated. This is particularly useful for clients who may not have a technical background, but still need to manage content efficiently.

SEO friendly features

Webflow has built-in SEO tools that make optimising any site a breeze. From clean code to fast loading pages, I can ensure that every site I build is search engine friendly, which is crucial for better rankings. According to Webflow's official blog, websites built with Webflow load about 20% faster on average, giving them an edge in search engine rankings.

Responsive design capabilities

By 2024, more than 58% of all website traffic is expected to come from mobile devices. For my projects, I often design with a mobile-first approach, as up to 80% of visitors view websites on their smartphones. Webflow makes it easy to create responsive designs that ensure a seamless experience across mobile, tablet and desktop devices.

Constant updates and an active community

Webflow is constantly evolving. With over 1,000 updates since 2020, as documented in Webflow's product updates, the platform stays ahead of design trends and technology advancements. The active Webflow community is passionate, supportive and regularly shares tips and creative solutions, making it a great resource for learning and collaboration.

When Webflow isn't the right solution 😲

While I’m a huge advocate for Webflow, there are situations where other platforms might be a better fit:

Complex E-Commerce Projects

Webflow’s built-in e-commerce tools are suitable for small to medium-sized online stores, but for larger e-commerce sites with thousands of products or specific advanced functionalities, it can fall short. Currently, Webflow’s e-commerce is still developing and may lack certain advanced features like detailed inventory management or multi-vendor marketplace support. In such cases, platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce offer more robust solutions.

Advanced Custom Functionality

While Webflow’s no-code tools make it a powerful platform, there are times when you need more advanced features—like complex backend logic, custom API integrations, or user portals—that go beyond what Webflow can currently offer. In those scenarios, platforms like WordPress, with its extensive plugin library and custom development potential, or a framework like Next.js, might be better suited.

Final Thoughts 🤩

In 2024, Webflow continues to be a strong platform for designers and developers who want a balance of creative control, efficient development, and reliable hosting. Its capabilities make it an excellent choice for many projects. However, for larger e-commerce sites, projects that need highly customised features, or those with tighter budgets, there are scenarios where other platforms might be more suitable.If you’re considering Webflow for your business and want to confirm that it’s the right choice for your unique requirements, feel free to send me a detailed description of your needs, and I’ll be happy to advise.