Navigating Webflow: A Client's Guide to Editing and Customizing Your Website
So, you need a new website…
If you're thinking about moving past your DIY website phase and considering a custom website in Webflow, there's something crucial we need to talk about first: Editing. Specifically, what can you, as a client, really do with your Webflow website? How tech-savvy do you need to be? Today, I'm stepping into your shoes to walk you through real-world examples of making both common and uncommon changes in Webflow. Let's see if Webflow could be your perfect fit after all.
The Dual Faces of Webflow: Editor vs. Designer
Webflow offers two interfaces for website editing – the Editor and the Designer. The Editor is like training wheels for clients, ensuring you can't break anything major. The Designer, on the other hand, is where the magic happens, offering complete control for both designers and clients. But with great power comes great responsibility.
In the Editor, you can easily tweak headlines, paragraphs, buttons, and images. It's a visual interface that's straightforward for quick changes. However, for more complex edits like adding new links or changing fonts, you'll need to step into the Designer.
The most important aspect of the Designer: Classes
Classes in Webflow are game-changers, but aren’t exactly intuitive to an untrained client. They're essentially labels you will give elements on the page to immediatly give it specific style properties. For instance, to style a heading large on the page, you might label it with the class ‘Heading Large’. With a little training, your client will understand how to use it & maintain consistency across your site.
Adding and Editing Content
Whether it's tweaking existing content or adding new sections, Webflow's Designer interface gives you lots of freedom. You can duplicate components, swap images, and even add sections from libraries of unstyled layouts that automatically match your site's style.
What Might Be Off-Limits?
While Webflow empowers you with some advanced editing capabilities, there are times when reaching out to your designer is the best call. Adding & styling new pages, making changes to existing layouts, or any other advanced design features might require a professional touch.
The Three C's for Webflow Success:
- Clarity: Clearly define with your designer which components you want to control.
- Cost: Discuss ongoing rates for updates and set a comfortable budget for quarterly changes.
- Communication: Find a designer who understands your vision and can build a site that aligns with your business goals.
Conclusion
Webflow offers a unique blend of DIY and custom design, giving you the freedom to grow your business your way. If you're looking for a Webflow revamp, check out my new service, The Foundation, designed to meet you halfway between DIY and fully custom design. Remember, the right tool can transform your business and lifestyle.
