How To Build A Webflow Website (From Scratch & With A Template)

How To Build A Webflow Website (From Scratch & With A Template)

Do you need help boosting your website's performance and visibility on search engines? Understanding Webflow SEO can advance your online presence. Start into Webflow websites by reading this guide to learn how using a Webflow website can help you stand out online. Let's explore how to use Webflow to create a website that ranks high on search engines and draws more visitors to your site.

NUMI's solution, a webflow development agency, can help you leverage Webflow's potential effectively. Let them guide you through creating a website that works for your business.

What Is Webflow?

webflow sticker on a laptop - Webflow Website

Webflow is a cloud-based SaaS design tool and content management system (CMS) that allows you to create websites without coding. Webflow is ideal for creating blogs, eCommerce stores, microsites, portfolios, event sites, landing pages, and corporate websites. The platform offers many customization options, making it popular among web designers.

According to builtwith.com, over 368,000 websites are currently built on Webflow, of which nearly 185,224 are in the United States.

Webflow primarily aims at business owners, development agencies, freelance web designers, and content creators. the range of customizations offered by Webflow makes it suitable for almost anyone looking to create a website.

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Webflow Features And Tools

student working on a laptop - Webflow Website

The Designer

Webflow’s Designer is a visual web design tool that empowers you to build websites without diving into code. It translates your design decisions into clean, production-ready HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, an excellent tool for designers who prefer a visual approach to web development. You can create intricate, responsive layouts and interactions visually, share your design with developers, or export the code for prototyping.

The CMS

Webflow’s Content Management System (CMS) is designed to work seamlessly with the Designer. It allows for structuring and managing frequently used content types like blog posts or product pages. In the Designer, set up Collections and groups of content types and define their appearance on your site. On the client side, content managers can use the Editor to update and manage content without touching design or code.

Ecommerce

Webflow Ecommerce transforms any Webflow project into a fully custom online store. This feature combines the visual power of the Designer and the organizational capabilities of the CMS to create unique ecommerce experiences. You can integrate with payment gateways like Stripe, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Additionally, Webflow Ecommerce supports various integrations to enhance your store’s functionality.

Hosting

The final component of Webflow’s offering is its Hosting platform, powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Fastly. Webflow Hosting provides fast, reliable, secure hosting solutions. Key features include:

  • Blazing Fast Performance
  • Enterprise-Grade Security
  • CMS Integration
  • Form Management
  • Responsive Images
  • Free SSL/HTTPS

NUMI: A World Class Weblfow Development

NUMI is a webflow development agency powered by world-class webflow developers and product designers. Backed by Y Combinator, NUMI handles your startup's sourcing, vetting, and hiring design needs. Subscribe to a guild of world-class designers ready to embed on your team today. Schedule a call with NUMI to learn more!

Why Use Webflow To Build A Website?

student working on laptop - webflow website

1. No Code Web Development

Webflow is a fully dynamic cloud-based CMS that gives enormous freedom to build great-looking, dynamic websites that are reliable and require much less maintenance than Wordpress. 

‍Webflow is 100% cloud-based and all development takes place in a browser-based tool. Though it should not be mistaken for a simple tool, all the power of code-based platforms is still available. This means that Webflow still requires deep knowledge of web development but with little to no coding - a trustworthy NoCode platform for web development.

2. Webflow meets the demand for almost all websites

Depending on the objectives of your website, the choice may be between Wordpress or Webflow. In short, we recommend that Webflow is suitable for most websites unless you work with highly content-heavy websites (+10.000 posts) or large e-commerce sites.

3. Brand focused

Webflow is excellent when you want to build exciting websites with a focus on highlighting the brand because the NoCode design tool simplifies the implementation of web design to the front end. The step from idea to final product is quicker since it is easier and quicker to design for different screen sizes with a flow box, a visual tool in Webflow. This is in contrast to writing code, which is more time-consuming. Of course, you can also build beautiful websites in Wordpress; it just takes more time.

4. Cost efficiency

Webflow offers an integrated hosting solution in AWS with excellent performance integrated with the service. This means that Webflow is responsible for server maintenance and reliability. There are significant savings to be made on both server costs and maintenance in Webflow. Wordpress requires regular updates of core systems and plugins to keep the website updated and safe. Much of this work is optional in Webflow.

5. SEO

Search engine optimization is a common question when comparing Webflow with Wordpress. Most people think Wordpress is the best search engine-optimized CMS platform "out of the box." But thanks to a fully integrated environment and optimized servers for best performance, Webflow websites rank just as well or better than a fully SEO-optimized Wordpress website in the basic configuration.

6. Editing in Webflow

As Webflow developers, we can say no tool or CMS is more accessible to administer than Webflow. It is a full WYSIWYG solution where you, as an editor, can see everything you change directly on the website in real time.

Building A Webflow Website From Scratch

woman working on a laptop - Webflow Website

1. Create a Webflow Account

First, go to the Webflow website and sign up for an account. You can register with your email address or quickly use your Google account. Getting started is straightforward, whether you choose a free or paid plan.

2. Start a New Project

Once logged in, click the “New Site” button. Webflow will prompt you to select a template, but let’s kick things off with a blank canvas to build from scratch truly. Name your project (you can change this later) and start fresh.

3. Plan Your Website's Structure and Layout

Before you dive into designing, take some time to plan your site’s layout. Sketch out the pages and sections you want. For a simple one-pager, decide on the critical sections like:

Hero Section

  • Imagine a striking image of you in action with a striking headline.
  • Testimonial Section
  • My Work Section

In Webflow Designer, begin by organizing your layout. Create pages, add sections, and define your navigation menu. This planning stage sets the foundation for your design.

4. Design Your Website

Designing your site involves customizing typography, colors, images, and other visual elements. Consider creating a style guide to ensure consistency across your site. Although tools like Figma are commonly used for design before implementing in Webflow, you can design directly in Webflow Designer if your project is straightforward.

Check out Webflow’s free tutorials on Webflow University to learn design elements. You can also refine your design using other web design tools with Webflow.

5. Building Your Site in Webflow Designer

Now, let’s get into the details of adding elements to your site. Click the + sign in the top left corner to access various options, such as containers, div blocks, headings, and more.

Creating a Navbar

  • Drag the Navbar element to your canvas.
  • Style it using options on the right-hand side of the menu. Add your logo and menu items to match your website’s structure.

Understanding Navigator

The Navigator (shortcut Z) helps you see the hierarchy of elements within your Navbar, such as containers, buttons, and links.

Using Classes

Classes are reusable styles. For instance, if you style one navigation link, you can apply the same class to other links to maintain consistency.

Add Your Hero Section

  • Drag a Section element below the Navbar. Add a container and a grid with rows to organize content.
  • Place a Div block in the grid, then add a Heading, paragraph, and button. Customize with images and colors to bring your hero section to life.

6. Make Additional Sections

With the basics in place, explore Webflow Designer further to add more sections and refine your design. Webflow University and other resources are great if you need additional guidance.

7. Going Mobile

Webflow excels in responsive design. Use the view options at the top menu to adjust your site's appearance on different devices. This feature ensures your site is user-friendly on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

8. Configure Page Settings and SEO

Select the Pages option from the left menu and click the cog icon next to a page to configure settings. You can add SEO details like the title tag and meta description to improve search engine visibility.

9. Configure Site Settings

Click the Webflow icon in the upper left corner and go to Site Settings. You can manage site-wide settings, including permissions, publishing options, and SEO settings.

10. Test and Refine Your Website

Preview your site and test it across various devices and browsers. Make any necessary tweaks to ensure everything looks and functions as expected. Webflow’s design features help you adjust for different screen sizes seamlessly.

11. Publish Your Website

When you’re ready to go live, click the Publish option in the upper right corner. Webflow offers hosting options with custom domains and SSL certificates. If you're on a free plan, your site will be published to a Webflow subdomain.

Building A Website With A Template

man working on a laptop - webflow website

Building a website with a Webflow template is a streamlined process that leverages pre-designed layouts to help you create a professional-looking site quickly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Choose a Webflow Template

Begin by browsing the Webflow template marketplace. Webflow offers diverse templates categorized by industry, website type, and design style. Whether you’re looking for a sleek portfolio, a functional ecommerce site, or a dynamic blog, there’s a template that can meet your needs. Take your time to explore the options and find a template that resonates with your vision for your site.

Preview the Template

Once you’ve spotted a template that catches your eye, click on it to preview it within the Webflow Designer. This preview allows you to see how the template is structured and how it functions in real time. You can explore various sections, interact with elements, and understand how your content will fit into the design. This step helps ensure that the template aligns with your goals before purchasing.

Purchase the Template

After previewing the template, you can proceed to purchase it if you're satisfied with it. Click the “Buy Template” button, and you’ll be prompted to complete the purchase. Template prices can range from a few dollars to over $100, depending on the complexity and features included. Once purchased, the template is yours to customize and use.

Open the Template in the Designer

After completing your purchase, open the template in the Webflow Designer by clicking the “Edit Template” button. This action will launch the template in Webflow’s design environment, where you can customize it. The Designer tool is where you’ll do most of your work, including adjusting layouts, colors, and fonts to match your brand.

Customize the Template

With the template open in the Designer, you can begin personalizing it to fit your needs. Modify the layout to suit your content better, adjust typography and colors to align with your branding, and replace placeholder images with your visuals. Use the CMS tool to create and manage content for your site, such as blog posts, product listings, or service pages. The Designer provides a visual interface that makes these adjustments straightforward and intuitive.

Test and Refine Your Website

Testing is crucial to ensure that your site looks and functions well across different devices and screen sizes. Preview your website on various devices and browsers to check for any issues with responsiveness or compatibility. Make any necessary refinements to ensure a seamless user experience, addressing any design or functionality concerns that arise during testing.

Publish Your Website

Once you’re satisfied with the design and functionality of your site, it’s time to go live. Use Webflow’s hosting options to publish your website. Webflow provides reliable and secure hosting services, ensuring your site is accessible to visitors and performs optimally. With just a few clicks, your customized website is now available online.

17 Examples Of Websites Built Wit Webflow

man working on a laptop - webflow website

1. ThreePillars Recruiting

ThreePillars is a renowned recruiting firm that revamped its website using Webflow for a modern look. The new site showcases their expertise and stature in the talent industry. Notably, ThreePillars collaborated with NUMI to overhaul their website, allowing them to edit and maintain it using Webflow.

2. EarlyBird

EarlyBird, an investment platform, called upon NUMI to enhance its existing Webflow website. The redesign included an updated look to represent the brand better and increase its social media presence. The new design offered parents and their loved ones a community-based investing experience.

3. Mobot

Mobot, a company specializing in automating mobile app tests, rebranded its website with Webflow through NUMI. Despite being discouraged by traditional design agencies' high costs, Mobot accomplished its rebranding goals with the help of a seasoned and affordable NUMI designer.

4. Surfer SEO

Surfer SEO's Webflow website focuses on an attractive design, compelling animations, and clear call-to-action elements. The site's simple navigation ensures visitors quickly find information about the optimization software's functionalities and aesthetics, highlighting its standout features.

5. Jasper AI

Jasper AI, a leading copywriting tool, utilized the beautiful Aurora template on Webflow to modify its site further to suit its needs. The site, recognized for its cutting-edge use of artificial intelligence, is expected to generate substantial revenue by 2023, showcasing a promising growth trajectory.

6. Genius

Genius's Webflow website offers a polished experience for potential customers, highlighting the design services provided. With organized layouts and captivating visuals, Genius's site enables clients to navigate service options seamlessly, catering to top brands' high-end needs effectively.

7. Harvard Student Agencies

Harvard Student Agencies, a renowned student-run entity, boasts a multi-million dollar non-profit organization offering educational and business opportunities. The website showcases various services and products, aiming to enhance the student experience and support the Harvard community with a blend of quality and affordability.

8. Ready

Ready's Webflow website features a minimalistic design with captivating animations and practical call-to-action elements. The platform effectively exhibits Ready's productivity tool, emphasizing a well-organized layout and intriguing visuals to engage customers seamlessly.

9. AndDan

AndDan's website on Webflow captivates visitors with its engaging scroll-down feature, including FAQ accordions, a testimonial slider, and a floating navbar for easy navigation. The site's design is visually appealing and practical across handheld and desktop devices, providing a modern and user-friendly experience.

10. Blott

Blott's design-focused website stands out with its modern and practical design, simplifying viewer experience on various devices. Notably, video testimonials and dynamic client logo displays differentiate Blott's website. Their unique approach enhances brand credibility and user engagement.

11. DTCP

DTCP's website incorporates an animation in the hero section, welcoming potential clients creatively into the brand's offerings. With a minimalist design and compelling calls to action, DTCP's website showcases an intelligent blend of creativity and functionality, enticing visitors from the outset.

12. Hone Naera-Scott

Hone Naera-Scott's simple two-page Webflow website stands out with a split-screen design, offering information on one side and a slider on the other. The minimalist approach effectively emphasizes the artist's work, providing a clean and engaging platform for showcasing their creative prowess.

13. Vionaro V8

Vionaro V8's Webflow page offers an interactive experience akin to Apple's product presentations, seamlessly combining static and moving elements. The site's diverse color palette and engaging design make scrolling a captivating journey, effectively showcasing the brand's unique features.

14. Flow Guys

Flow Guys' one-page Webflow website features 3D elements that enhance visual appeal and prominently placed client testimonials to build trust. The site's comparison table stands out for its creativity and originality, providing visitors with a fresh and engaging platform to explore the brand's offerings.

15. Mondays Coffee

Mondays Coffee's website utilizes full-screen images, bold headers, and interactive features like footer reveals to create an engaging user experience. The section detailing "how to do Mondays" adds a unique touch, while the footer's news-ticker-like presentation of coffee blends enhances brand visibility effectively.

16. Aarland

Aarland's website showcases digital work creatively with changeable thumbnails and large text, attracting visitors with animated scrolling features. The site's interactive elements and engaging design make exploring Aarland's offerings a delightful experience, setting it apart from traditional portfolio websites.

17. Marta Tchai

Marta Tchai's website features a captivating full-screen image with particle effects, adding a dynamic touch to the brand's online presence. The site offers buttons for easy access to music platforms, upcoming events, and engaging visuals highlighting Marta Tchai's work, creating a memorable user experience.

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Mistakes To Avoid When Building A Website With Webflow

student working on a laptop - webflow website

Not Planning Your Site Structure

Planning out your site's structure is crucial to avoid confusion and make building your site in Webflow easier. This step helps you understand the necessary pages and the navigation flow so that users have a pleasant experience.

Using too Many Fonts

While Webflow offers a wide range of fonts, it's best to limit yourself to just a few. Using too many fonts can make your site look cluttered and unprofessional, so it's vital to maintain consistency in font choices across your website.

Not Testing Your Site

Testing your site is essential to ensure it works properly on different devices and browsers. It's also crucial to check the usability and functionality to provide a seamless user experience.

Ignoring SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is paramount for driving traffic to your site. Optimizing your site's title tags, meta descriptions, and content for relevant keywords can enhance your site's visibility on search engines, increasing organic traffic.

Overcomplicating Your Design

While adding lots of flashy animations and effects to your site is tempting, simplicity is vital. Overcomplicating your design can confuse visitors, making it harder for them to find what they need. Keeping design elements clear and straightforward can improve user experience.

Neglecting Mobile Optimization

Ensuring your site is responsive and accessible on various devices is crucial. Testing your site on different mobile devices can help detect and resolve any issues related to mobile optimization. Webflow simplifies making your site responsive, ensuring a consistent user experience.

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Subscribe To A Guild of World Class Webflow Developers with Our Webflow Development Agency Today

NUMI is a comprehensive Webflow development agency powered by world-class Webflow developers and product designers. With the backing of Y Combinator, NUMI is your one-stop shop for all your startup’s sourcing, vetting, and hiring design needs. 

Fabulous Design Team

At NUMI, we boast a fabulous design team that ensures all your design work is executed impeccably. Whether you need help with product design, web design, Framer development, Webflow development, mobile design, prototyping, or UX design, our team has covered you. 

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Subscribe to a guild of world-class designers ready to join your team today. NUMI offers a top-notch team that guarantees your design needs are met efficiently and effectively. 

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Ready to take your startup's design to the next level? Schedule a call with NUMI today to learn more about how we can assist with all your design needs. Let NUMI's expert Webflow developers and designers elevate your startup's design to new heights.

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