Is Webflow for small businesses? Here's what you need to know.
Webflow is a powerful builder, but it's not for every business. It offers a lot of customization for brands that need that level of detail. However, Webflow isn't for the average business trying to get off the ground.
Webflow is a powerful tool for web designers and vendors alike to bring their website ideas to life, but is it the right website builder for small businesses?
In a nutshell, we recommend small businesses use Webflow if they are doing the following:
- Working with a web developer to create a custom website
- Planning on using one of Webflow's templates to create a website
We've all been there: you need a quick website and don't have the budget to pay someone to make you one. If that's the case, then there's a good chance Webflow isn't for you.
But let's break this down a little more with pros and caveats.
The top pros and caveats of Webflow
Pro: Managing content is straightforward in Webflow; it's easy for anyone to edit, add, or remove content and pages.
Caveat: Adding new sections or page elements can be tricky for people without a web design background. It isn't easy to drag and drop new elements on a page and have them work out of the box.
Pro: Webflow is powerful and allows you to create complex content structures, making selling and managing products or services easier at scale.
Caveat: Managing content is easy, but only if you work within a well-built content management system (CMS) in Webflow.
Pro: Webflow's templates can come with a well-built CMS, or a Webflow Expert can design a good one for you at a cost. If you need a Webflow developer or designer, finding one is easy with Webflow's Expert community. Webflow also has fantastic online resources (video and article tutorials) that are funny and easy to follow.
Caveat: Template structures can be edited but are difficult for people new to the platform - you will have to watch tutorials. Webflow Experts can be handy but come at various costs.
Pro: It's easy to embed or connect third-party tools to Webflow.
Caveat: It helps to know the fundamentals of HTML and CSS when designing websites in Webflow in general.
Pros of Webflow: Summary
Webflow's blank canvas gives you the freedom to create a website from scratch. Making content changes is simple and does not require a web developer. Webflow shines for businesses managing a lot of dynamic content such as blogs, products, and services at scale. Webflow templates can be purchased and utilized to expedite and skip the design and development process.
Caveats of Webflow: Summary
While Webflow offers website templates, it is still not an out-of-the-box template-based website builder like Squarespace. This means understanding CSS and HTML is important when making visual design changes. If you are making the site yourself, you will not find a simple drag-n-drop feature like Squarespace.
If you're looking for a basic website to let people know you exist, Webflow is not for you. You will have an easier time with other website builders that are designed for people who are new to making websites.
