Why Webflow is the Smartest Choice for Modern Web Development

Introduction

At Expozeur, we've navigated through various CMS platforms since 2015 to find the ideal solution for website design and development. In 2018, we discovered Webflow, accelerating our development process and enabling the effortless creation of aesthetically pleasing, functional websites. This was a game-changer for both us and our clients. Now, we could make 6- and 7-figure brands look like 8- to 9-figure companies because of a stunning and effective web presence. Since that time, we’ve built tons of Webflow websites and continue to do so, with the company building in more enhanced features and upgrades year after year.

In the digital age, a strong online presence is as critical as a well-tuned engine in a high-performance sports car. Much like a Ferrari against a fleet of Kias, Webflow races past its competitors on the web development track. With over 3.5 million users and a clientele spanning 100,000 across 190 countries, Webflow still remains an underrated gem among small business owners striving for a digital presence that trumps the competition. Webflow is our unequivocal favorite and we are absolute evangelists at Expozeur. Despite occasionally testing rival waters, nearly every project we undertake is crafted within the Webflow framework. Year after year, Webflow reaffirms its position as the Ferrari of web development. G2 holds a 4.5/5 star rating for Webflow. Here's why considering any other option is a disservice to your online potential.

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‍More than 9 times out of 10, Webflow is the system to build your website on.

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The New Age of Web Design and Development

The realm of web development has transitioned from a code-centric endeavor to a more design-oriented process, making the creation of visually captivating websites less intimidating and more accessible. Platforms like Webflow have spearheaded this transformation, heralding a new era where creativity and functionality resonate harmoniously.

Webflow demystifies the traditionally intricate web development process. Besides making web design more enjoyable, it facilitates a fluid translation of design concepts into fully functional websites. This ease of use has elevated Webflow to a favored spot among both designers and business owners. Moreover, the speed at which pages can be developed on Webflow is a notable advantage. The platform’s intuitive design interface allows for a seamless transition from design to live website, making the process much more efficient. This fast page development is particularly beneficial for companies looking to quickly translate design ideas into live web pages without extensive coding.

How Webflow Compares to Other Platforms

Webflow shines by marrying creative freedom with robust functionality, unlike traditional platforms that often restrict users to certain templates or components. Let's explore how others fare:

• WordPress: Known for its open-source flexibility which is a boon for customization, but it's also a double-edged sword leading to security vulnerabilities through outdated plugins and themes. With a 64.3% market share, it’s the most common website CMS… but it’s certainly not the best option for website technology.
• Shopify: Simplifies e-commerce with its user-friendly design but the customizability is often a roadblock for unique design aspirations.
• Wix: The most famous DIY website-builder, offering an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, however, falling short for seasoned developers intent to build a professional website.
• Squarespace: Known for simplicity and modern designs but lacks extensive customization, making it less flexible for unique brand representations, and requiring specialized developers for even basic modifications.
• Framer: A haven for web designers with its ease in creating production-ready code, yet not as intuitive for those without a design background, and not the best option for those with a development background.
• Readymag: Reinventing our idea of what a website is, this tool is intriguing for creatives and artists, but its complexity and its limitations make it unsuitable for most businesses.
• Other Website Frameworks: Joomla, Drupal, and even custom-code offers extensive customization but at the cost of user-friendliness and the need for a dev team, which can be a barrier for small business owners.

In contrast to these platforms, Webflow offers unparalleled creative freedom and the ability to create complex, interactive animations without the need for custom code. This distinction elevates Webflow as a canvas for innovation and scale rather than just another template-based, do-it-yourself web development tool.

Investing in Webflow: A Cost-Effective Choice

Navigating the financial landscape of web development can be a challenge, especially when you're trying to balance cost and quality. Webflow stands out as a cost-effective choice that doesn't compromise on either. In our own experience at Expozeur, we've found that using Webflow can save you as much as 10 times the cost of traditional web design and development methods.

Weighing Initial Costs Against Long-Term Value

While it's true that the upfront costs for a Webflow project can be 2-3 times higher than a WordPress project, it's crucial to look beyond the initial price tag. Unlike WordPress, Webflow projects often require fewer ongoing expenses such as plugin costs, maintenance fees, and updates. This makes Webflow a more economical choice in the long run. For example, while you might pay between $100-300/hr for a small Webflow project, the hourly rates for WordPress can range from $10-100. But remember, the latter often comes with added costs for plugins and maintenance, making the total ownership cost potentially higher.

Real-World Success Stories

To further illustrate Webflow's cost-effectiveness, consider the case of Rakuten, the company behind Viber. They switched from WordPress to Webflow and experienced not only significant cost savings but also notable improvements in website performance. Their transition to Webflow resulted in a 12.7% increase in pageviews, a 27.9% decrease in bounce rates, a 9.5% growth in new users, and a 3.4% rise in page sessions. These metrics underscore the dual benefit of cost-efficiency and enhanced performance that Webflow offers.

Metrics That Matter: Webflow's Performance Benchmarks

The performance of websites developed on Webflow is a testament to the platform’s capability. As of June 2023, the average visit duration on Webflow-made websites is recorded at an impressive 7 minutes and 31 seconds, per MyCodelessWebsite. That is quite remarkable when compared to industry benchmarks. According to Google Analytics, a strong average session duration lasts 2 to 4 minutes.

Moreover, the performance improvements are not just limited to user engagement. Webflow’s architecture is built to optimize loading times, SEO, and mobile responsiveness, crucial factors that contribute to a website’s success in today’s digital landscape. While other platforms like WordPress can be manually optimized, Webflow is optimized “out of the box” with its built-in Content Delivery Network, for example, among other more technical benefits. Webflow sites are known for their design, speed, and performance, all of which drive user engagement.

Learn and Grow: The Webflow Community

The community orbiting Webflow is a fusion of innovators, designers, and developers, all contributing towards a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. The forums are abuzz with insightful discussions, problem-solving, and sharing of creative projects which foster a rich environment for learning and growth.

Moreover, Webflow’s educational resources are a treasure trove of knowledge. From tutorials to webinars, the platform unfurls a plethora of learning materials that assist users at every stage, be it a novice exploring the basics or a seasoned developer aiming to hone advanced skills. This robust educational support underscores Webflow’s commitment to empowering its user base.

Understanding Webflow's Limitations: It's a Ferrari, Not a Starter Car

While Webflow offers best-in-class website development, it may not be the right fit for someone who expects to build a professional website without a professional. Webflow is not a DIY solution. Beginners may find the platform's extensive capabilities overwhelming, requiring a significant time investment to master.

Just like you wouldn't hand the keys of a Ferrari to your teenage son who's just learning to drive, Webflow isn't designed for complete beginners. Its extensive, high-performance features require a level of expertise, or at least a willingness to invest significant time (years) in learning. While it promotes itself as a no-code or low-code platform, mastering Webflow to unleash its full potential often requires a fundamental understanding of coding principles.

Filling the Tank: Cost Considerations

A Ferrari isn't cheap to own or maintain, and the same can be said for Webflow when compared to more basic web hosting solutions. The upfront cost might seem steep, especially for small businesses or individual users. However, like a Ferrari's fuel efficiency and long-term value, Webflow offers cost advantages in the longer run by minimizing ongoing expenses for things like plugins, APIs, and maintenance.

Custom Parts: Technical Limitations

Even a Ferrari can't be customized to perform tasks it wasn't designed for—like off-road racing or hauling cargo. Similarly, while Webflow is flexible and allows for a lot of customization, it may not support every unique functionality or specialized coding need. For enterprise-level projects that require highly specialized capabilities, you might still need to explore additional custom coding solutions.

The Latest Model: Ongoing Improvements

Just as Ferrari regularly rolls out upgraded models, Webflow too is in a constant state of evolution. Frequent updates are introduced to address limitations and add new features. For instance, a year ago, for eCommerce needs, we might have recommended Shopify. Now, however, Webflow's new app marketplace allows it to integrate seamlessly with Shopify, giving you the best of both worlds. This is just one example of how Webflow is continually broadening its capabilities, staying ahead in the race.

In the Driver's Seat: A Class of Its Own

Driving a Ferrari offers an unparalleled blend of speed, luxury, and engineering finesse. But unlike the automotive world, where even a Ferrari faces rivals like McLaren and Lamborghini, Webflow is unparalleled—there's no other platform in sight. With a near-decade in web development, we’ve yet to invalidate this point.

Corporate Seal of Approval

Corporate endorsements significantly augment Webflow’s standing in the industry. Major players like Popeyes, Gumroad, and WeWork have harnessed the power of Webflow for their web development needs, showcasing the platform’s ability to cater to diverse business requirements. This is important to us, because the buy-in from big brands helps to solidify Webflow as the leader in its space.

We expect to see more and more enterprises adopt Webflow technology, considering the ability to produce extremely high-quality websites at a rapid pace, without requiring the same amount of inter-departmental collaboration as required years ago. A case in point is Stan Vision's transition from WordPress to Webflow. The company outlined five key reasons for their move: faster page development, the ability to create immersive animations without needing custom code, faster hosting speed, SEO-friendliness without requiring additional plugins, and easy website content editing. Adding to this list are several notable companies like Eventbrite, Dell, Upwork, HelloSign, and Lattice.

A Rising Valuation Amid a Competitive Landscape

Webflow's soaring valuation, reaching $4 billion as of March 16, 2022, according to Forbes, demonstrates its growing foothold in the web development domain. This financial uptrend isn't just numbers on paper; it translates to continuous innovation, better features, and enhanced customer support for its users. The funds amassed from its fruitful $120 million Series C fundraising round are being funneled to foster innovation and provide an enriched user experience. This growth also attracts skilled professionals to the Webflow community, ensuring a rich ecosystem for collaboration and learning.

Despite these remarkable financial milestones, as of May 2022, Webflow held a modest 0.9% share in the content management systems (CMS) market, according to W3Techs. This data illuminates a vast expanse for growth and market capture, especially in a realm where platforms like WordPress have long clinched a dominant position. The contrasting market share also accentuates the potential for non-web-literate entrepreneurs to capitalize. Webflow's ease of use and affordability render it an enticing option for entrepreneurs keen on launching their own websites. With a growing populace discovering Webflow, its market share is anticipated to surge rapidly, concurrently elevating the costs of the platform and the professionals specializing in it.

The Future is Bright: What's Next for Webflow

Webflow continues to innovate as it steers into the future. Celebrating a decade in the industry, the platform has rolled out a slew of innovative features and updates to stay ahead of evolving web development trends. Some of these significant upgrades include language localization, an app marketplace, custom API development, CSS variables, and native 3D experiences. A full list of regularly updated features can be found on the Webflow website, here: https://webflow.com/updates.

The journey forward looks promising with Webflow committed to enhancing its platform to meet the demands of the modern web. As web development trends continue to evolve, and with a growing emphasis on mobile responsiveness, user experience, and security, Webflow is well-positioned to meet these demands. The platform's roadmap includes features that align with these industry shifts.”

The Final Word

Webflow has transcended beyond being just a remarkable tool in modern web development; it's actively setting new industry standards. It encapsulates what modern web development should be – intuitive, flexible, and robust. The thriving community, the faster pace of development, and the stamp of approval from major corporates make Webflow a standout choice. As we venture deeper into the digital era, aligning with a platform like Webflow isn’t just smart; it’s imperative for staying ahead in the digital race. Our journey at Expozeur, marked by tangible project successes, affirms Webflow's superior standing as the platform we recommend to clients 9.9 out of 10 times, owing to its unmatched flexibility, robust functionality, and supportive community.

It’s free to create an account with Webflow and start playing around with templates. There are plenty of templates to choose from. To produce a professional website, it’s always advisable to get professional help. If you don’t know best-practices in SEO, when to use margin versus padding, and what absolute positioning is, perhaps you should find someone who can help you. We’ve seen lots of solopreneurs and entrepreneurs waste a lot of time playing around with web development like its a fun thing to do. If you take your business seriously, you should take your website seriously.

In other words, just because you know how to use an oven and watch a YouTube video doesn’t mean that you should be the one who bakes your daughter’s wedding cake… and just because you own a Canon camera doesn’t mean you should be the wedding photographer! Some things are just too important to leave in the hands of anyone less than a professional.

If you're a small business owner or entrepreneur looking to level up your online presence, the best time to act was yesterday. The second best time to act is now. Webflow offers a compelling, cost-effective, and future-proof solution for your web development needs. Don't just take our word for it—create a free Webflow account today and experience the difference yourself. Need professional help? We’ve saved clients hundreds of thousands of dollars in web development costs, skyrocketed traffic through reimagining user experiences on the web, and re-engineered some of the most complex website projects with Webflow as our foundation. Feel free to contact us at Expozeur for a tailored solution.

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