Our normal Development approach is to build from scratch using custom code (generally using a JAM Stack approach). However, many of our sites could be built with Webflow. Webflow is the best no-code website creation tool for professionals. It makes it faster and easier to create high quality websites, but it has significant limitations. We only want to use it when we are able to meet our ‣ and satisfy the client’s needs with it, but whenever we can, we love using it.

Critical Rules

There are some hard-and-fast rules that you should go through first.

• [ ] Website can be built in an accessible way using Webflow.
• [ ] Website does not require significant functional/backend logic such as index filtering, API integrations to pull content, ecommerce, user login, etc.
• [ ] Website has a modest amount of content, and the content doesn’t use a lot of custom fields or relationships.
• [ ] The client does not need a complex content creation/approval workflow and is happy with a simple review plan.
• [ ] The website is of modest size and will not require multiple developers working on it at once.
• [ ] The client does not need their content to be available via API (to a mobile app, for example)
• [ ] The client is not planning to expand the site a lot beyond the initial scope.

If the site passes all of those criteria, Webflow is an option!

Final Choice

If both Webflow and custom code are both good options, the final decision is a judgment call. During our Diagnostic the Strategist should talk to the client to figure out their needs and make a recommendation.

Advantages to Webflow

• Cost is generally lower
• Timeline is generally faster
• Webflow visual editor makes it possible for tech-savvy clients to change their site design on their own, without needing us.
• Ongoing costs are lower because it’s an all-in-one platform so you don’t have to worry about security, hosting costs, package updates, etc. We provide a discount on Core Coverage for Webflow sites.
• It’s super easy to find Webflow pros so if a client wants to have a freelancer or internal staffer take over the site that’s quite possible.

Advantages to Custom Code

• The workflow is a lot simpler and easier. On Webflow, there is only one “staging” version of the site, and all changes happen within that, so sometimes changes can go live accidentally. There are no branches and pull requests, so having multiple devs work on something at once is a lot harder.
• Site speed, SEO, & accessibility will inevitably be better with Custom Code. We can meet the “advanced” parts of our ‣
• The client is not dependent on Webflow to continue to operate and be a good provider. The client owns their site code.
• Sanity is way easier to use and more powerful than the built-in Webflow CMS.