More and more of the top web design agencies are starting to discover the many benefits of Webflow. While it makes website design accessible for people without advanced coding skills — just like WordPress — it has one key advantage over its competitor.
Webflow takes the SaaS approach to web design, which means you don’t have to install it on your own server.
But that’s just the beginning. By choosing a Webflow design agency instead of one that specializes in WordPress, you can enjoy a host of additional features and benefits.
Digital web design without the extensions
WordPress is, by far, the world’s most popular website design tool — accounting for more than 40% of all the websites in the world. And for good reason. It’s packed with features and relatively easy to use. But WordPress relies heavily on two extensions: themes and plugins.
When you have to add a range of third-party plugins to a WordPress website, the potential for errors and security breaches increases significantly. Not only that, but too many plugins or an overly complex theme can slow down a website considerably.
Webflow, on the other hand, gives you everything you could possibly need to craft professional websites from scratch. Most people can master the design basics in just a few hours — thanks to a highly intuitive drag-and-drop interface. The Webflow website builder allows you to create without any code. But for intermediate and advanced users, the platform gives you access to the source code, which can’t be said about Wix, Squarespace and other SaaS website builders.
CMS and design — Rolled into one
WordPress became so popular because it brought together content management systems and design. Webflow does exactly the same thing, but in a way that’s more accessible for absolute beginners. So you can design a website and fill it with dynamic content via the same platform — with absolutely no need to ever look at any code.
Hosting is included
Once you’re happy with your Webflow website, you can simply use the Webflow export code to host it on a server of your choice. But if you’d rather steer clear of hosting — and all the hassle it can bring — Webflow allows you to publish your site on their servers for a fee.
Perhaps you don’t have experience in transferring websites to different hosting servers. Maybe you want a cost-effective and fast way to get online. Or you may have had bad experiences with hosting providers that you’d rather not repeat. The ability to design every last detail of a website and host it on the same platform is one of the reasons Webflow is growing so quickly.
Low design and production costs
Webflow is a one-stop-shop for web design. If you have a basic understanding of web design, you can use this powerful platform to design bespoke websites a digital web design company would be proud of.
So what does this mean for your business? Well, it means you’re far less likely to need the help of specialists than if you were using WordPress. There’s little to no front-end development needed with Webflow, which means you don’t have to rely on freelancers. And if you have an in-house development team, you can free them up to spend more time with clients.
Remember: Webflow doesn’t rely on third-party templates and plugins — which can add thousands to the cost of web design. Everything you need to design and publish your website is ready and waiting for you in the Webflow interface.
Webflow Is a great option for E-commerce websites
A good web design agency can use WordPress to create a professional, user-friendly e-commerce website. But the process requires a plugin such as WooCommerce. And adding such a large and complex plugin to an existing website isn’t without its problems. Issues such as page-loading speeds and security concerns can complicate the design process.
With Webflow, however, everything needed to create a user-friendly e-commerce website is already there. Yes, you can improve functionality with third-party code, but there’s no need for a complex plugin such as WooCommerce.
Stay in Charge
Leverage the power of great code without any knowledge of It
SaaS website builders such as Wix and Squarespace played their part in the democratization of web design. They made a once complex, technical process more accessible than ever. But both of these visual-led design platforms have significant limitations when it comes to creating truly unique and dynamic websites.
WordPress started the move towards custom-made websites for the masses, but even the world’s biggest website builder requires coding knowledge from time to time.
Webflow, on the other hand, is a self-contained platform that doesn’t rely on third parties and custom code. Everything you need to create and manage a professional website is already there. Experts created the code that powers Webflow, so everyone can leverage its power — regardless of their technical expertise.
A Few final thoughts on the Webflow v WordPress issue
There’s no doubt that WordPress is a great website builder, but it has its issues. If you need to make regular changes with minimal coding knowledge or web design expertise, Webflow is probably the way to go.
If you’re still undecided, however, here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions we receive at Ebda headquarters regularly.
Is Webflow free?
Static websites are free with Webflow. But if you want a dynamic site filled with blog posts, product updates, news, and lots of interactive features, you’ll need to sign up for a premium subscription. However, you can create a basic website for free with Webflow, but you’ll need to upgrade your account to publish it.
Is Webflow a CMS?
Yes, Webflow has its own CMS. However, it’s only accessible to paid subscribers.
What is the CMS in Webflow like?
The great thing about the Webflow CMS is that it’s designed to interact with the platform’s design tools seamlessly. It also brings designers, developers, and editors together in a cohesive environment.
Unlock the Potential of Webflow
Whether you’re planning a new website or about to migrate from Webflow to WordPress, speak to a Webflow web designer first. A dedicated team of developers with in-depth knowledge of this growing SaaS platform will help you to unlock its full potential.
