What is Webflow

Introduction

We talk so much about Webflow here at Paddle Creative, but what is Webflow? Why is Webflow a growing sensation? Who is Webflow for? Let us shed some light…

The market is flooded with site builders that claim to be universal answers to every design problem, but in actuality, many fall short on both the design and development fronts. Webflow is the next-generation tool for creating a complex web experience, allowing users to graphically design, construct, and launch websites.

With more than 3,500,000 designers and teams using Webflow to build, collaborate, and grow amazing websites on a totally visual canvas, it’s pretty easy to see why it’s becoming one of the most respected web design tools.

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What can you build with Webflow?

It’s a simple question and there’s a simple answer - bespoke, responsive websites. With a plethora of built-in, simple-to-use technologies such as HTML, CSS, configurable CMS (content management system), and JavaScript, the design and functionality options are virtually unlimited.

With the launch of Memberships and Logic in Webflow, the possibilities of what Webflow can be used for will simply grow and grow. It already surpasses simple websites, with marketplaces, PWA (Progressive Web App) capabilities becoming close and of course expansion of e-Commerce functionality.

With Webflow you are able to use the visual canvas to create projects more quickly all while maintaining quality. Why does that matter, we hear you ask? Being able to create visuals quickly means that you'll get preliminary designs in the hands of your clients in days, not weeks. And we all know: happy clients, happy business!

Since Webflow is so user friendly you’ll also be able to swiftly incorporate your clients' suggestions, bringing the final product closer to launch and reducing the period between client approval and version updates.

Other website builder platforms, such as Wix and Squarespace, can be used to design a website, but they may not provide the same sense of competence as Webflow. You might find this blog on why we use Webflow useful; we delve into some of the differences between web development platforms and why we, as a web design company, think Webflow is the best.

All in all, Webflow is the perfect platform for building bespoke websites. You can implement all your design ideas, be it colours, typography or unique animations that scream YOUR BUSINESS - fuss free.

Your website should be a marketing asset, not an engineering challenge.

~ Webflow

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What Does Webflow Do?

Now that you know what Webflow can build, let's find out what Webflow can do. To sum it up, Webflow lets you design the website of your dreams, in your vision, with your brand identity and all with no plugins. It gives you the freedom you’ve always wanted on the web.

It doesn’t stop there. Not only can you design and build your website using Webflow and all of its built in tools, you can also host your website on it too! Webflow uses AWS Hosting, which in our opinion is the best option out there. Safe, secure and the highest quality!

What else does Webflow do? The number one web development platform also eliminates the need for plug-ins. Before we get started, let's define a plug-in: it's a piece of software that adds new capabilities to an existing programme or expands its functionality. Plugins, which are often used on websites developed with content management systems such as WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix, provide a variety of functions for company owners and website users.

Having said that, there are some drawbacks when it comes to plug-ins. Because plug-ins are provided by a third party, issues such as security and maintenance may arise. In an ideal world, all of your plugins would work in tandem, but regrettably, this is not always the case. Depending on your plugins, you may need to install updates on a regular basis or work around the constraints imposed by the plugins themselves. Webflow alleviates the fear that a plug-in would one day crash your website, or worse, create a security vulnerability that will enable hackers into your site, as is a common issue on WordPress sites.

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How Old is Webflow?

After braving it in the world of freelance for a while, Webflow founder Vlad Magdalin teamed up with brother Sergie and friend Bryant Chou to found what we know and love as Webflow. 

Founded in 2013 after a fair share of trials and tribulations, Vlad, Sergie and Bryant finally had the perfect platform to bring change to the world of web. And it didn’t take long for it to soar…

Nine years, 400+ team members and 3.5+ million users later, Webflow is at the forefront of a wave of specialist start-ups looking to change how companies build their online presence. Wanting to ease the struggle of having to learn code, Webflow founders saw an opportunity to bring something new to the table.

Having had a freelance background had its pros - learning time management and the accountability helped the trio run the agency and found Webflow. Each with their own specialised background, experience and degrees under their belts there was nothing that could stop them from succeeding.

[...] we made a decision to go all-in, quit our jobs, and secure funding to build the actual product — which is now Webflow.
~ Vlad Magdalin (Webflow CEO)

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Do companies use Webflow?

The short answer is - hell yes! With a recorded 369,832 live Webflow websites it’s easy to see why more and more companies are migrating to Webflow from platforms like WordPress. Webflow allows companies opportunities to showcase their business and scale their online presence like never before.

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The types of businesses using Webflow are of all sizes and sectors and growing daily. Some of the more well-known businesses using Webflow include HelloSign, PWC, Zendesk, Dell, and Upwork, to name but a few big multinational companies. But Webflow is not just for big business, it is suitable for almost any business, no matter what sector or size.

Just take a look at some of our projects. The Paddle Creative team have built custom Webflow websites for a whole array of sectors, from tech businesses to tile business and everything in between! Webflow truly is the platform for any business, big or small, established or start-up.

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What is a Webflow website?

A Webflow website simply put is a website that is built on the Webflow platform. Webflow is a CMS (Content Management System) platform that allows developers to build amazing websites.

What that looks and feels like differs a lot depending on who builds it, for what purpose and for what company. It is not obvious when looking at a website what platform it is built on, but a Webflow website allows complete freedom of design, structure and aesthetics. You could have visited thousands of Webflow websites and not realised that they were built on Webflow.

Webflow seeks to integrate the potential of website animations and interactions into a visual toolset, making the whole field of web design more visually innovative and accessible.

So, when you sum it all up, a Webflow website offers more creative flexibility, better site security, and higher simplicity of use.

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What is Webflow design?

While most platforms cater to non-technical consumers, Webflow is in the distinct position of being able to offer a solution specifically for designers. But how does it do it? It does it using a system capable of converting high-end designs into fully working websites without the need for coding.

You have entire control over the design and development of completely responsive websites, as well as the ability to customise mobile versions (unlike with most website builders). Changes to the entire site may be made immediately in the visual editor whether you need to build flexbox and grid layouts, then style every element to perfection, you can do so easily with the CMS.

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The Webflow Editor is a simple CMS and content editor for managers of websites, with a plethora of features. To make it simple, Webflow as an incredible ecosystem of of support resources, including video lessons, articles, and a discussion forum, to ensure that its users understand and know how to use the Editor with ease.

Take full control of HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript in a fully visual environment, then let Webflow turn your design into clean, semantic code that's ready to publish, or let a Webflow Developer do it for you.

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What is a Webflow Developer?

Webflow bridges the gap between designing and developing, by helping designers naturally learn about coding concepts such as CSS.  This makes the handoff to developers optional and providing front-end developers with high-quality code. Creative teams then get to enjoy better workflows and communication, ultimately creating better products.

You might have heard that Paddle Creative is a Webflow Expert. But what is a Webflow Expert?

In short, Webflow Experts are talented and experienced designers and agencies who know Webflow inside and out, and can help you out with whatever Webflow project you have in mind. To become a Webflow Expert, you need to pass certifications and be of an expert standard in order for Webflow to give you the badge of honour!

Paddle Creative are Webflow Experts meaning we're as good as it gets when looking for your next web design agency with Webflow. Paddle Creative is a certified 'Webflow Expert', a title reserved for the best and most trustworthy web developers using their platform.

The strength of Webflow is the fantastic power it brings to design flexibility. This flexibility means that the site Paddle Creative builds for you will be bespoke to your business, made so much better with the Webflow platform. As an added bonus, all websites will be Google friendly and technically SEO-ready - which is definitely an advantage to any business!

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What is Webflow used for?

Webflow is the ideal platform for designing, developing, and launching a potentially massive marketing asset for your company. With powerful tools for creating high-fidelity prototypes and soliciting feedback from colleagues and stakeholders, there's a lot Webflow can be used for. People reviewing your prototype won't have to envision how the end product will act or appear; they'll be able to try it out!

Because you're building things using real code rather than producing clickable mock-ups in Figma or any other prototyping tool, Webflow facilitates the move from a prototype to a completely fledged UI. You won’t waste time by using one piece of software to build prototypes and another to turn those prototypes into real products. Webflow solves this problem for you. That said, producing a high-fidelity design in a platform such as Figma before jumping into Webflow is no bad thing as it enables quick changes. But once that is signed off, then developing it in Webflow becomes a joy!

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Conclusion

There you have it. Webflow is ideal for designers with a good level of technical abilities, or people who prefer to roll up their sleeves and master a more complicated system and implement custom JavaScript. It's also user-friendly for people who desire more customization possibilities than a standard website builder provides but still requires some help.

Our nine year old Webflow is the perfect tool for businesses of all sizes and sectors to design, develop and launch their new, bespoke websites. With easy to use features and the option to create team areas to collaborate and communicate with others it really does have it all.

Hopefully this helped you even if it’s just a little bit. Remember, we’re always happy to help so don’t fret to get in touch.