Top 5 reasons to learn Webflow over Squarespace and Showit
As a brand and web designer, I've navigated the vast sea of website builders, from Squarespace to Showit, and finally anchored my skills in Webflow. If you're a designer like me, who prefers creativity over coding, you'll want to hear why Webflow became my go-to platform. Let's explore the lessons I learned and why Webflow stands out in the world of web design.
The Limitations of DIY Site Builders
My journey began with popular DIY builders like Squarespace and Showit. While they're great for getting started, I hit a wall when it came to customizing beyond their templates. I craved the ability to pivot designs mid-project without constraints, or overdeliver for my clients when they had a crazy new idea. For the most part, I was going to need extra coding knowledge if I wanted these platforms to keep up, which I wasn’t interested in.
Discovering Webflow:Enter Webflow, a platform that promised the moon: creative freedom, no coding required, and robust functionality. Skeptical at first, I soon realized Webflow wasn't just another builder; it was a designer's dream come true.
Five Reasons Webflow Won Me Over:
- Unparalleled Creative Freedom: Webflow offers a level of design flexibility that's simply unmatched. It allows for dynamic, animation-rich pages and adapts to new business features like e-commerce or digital downloads effortlessly.
- Coding Knowledge, Minus the Coding: While Webflow is a no-code tool, it introduces you to the world of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript visually. This knowledge elevates your design skills, making you more versatile and valuable as a designer.
- Exceptional Learning Resources: Webflow's tutorials, also known as Webflow University, are top-notch, blending clarity, ease of understanding, and yes, even a much-needed dose of humor. These resources are invaluable for mastering Webflow's capabilities.
- Speedy Design Process with Copy-Paste Feature: The ability to copy-paste elements across different projects in Webflow is a game-changer. I can easily reuse those snazzy buttons, fancy navigations, or complex layouts I’ve already built without having to duplicate entire sites. It significantly speeds up the design process, allowing for more projects in less time.
- Client-Friendly Editing with The Editor: Webflow's Editor offers clients a simplified, intuitive interface for making essential website updates. Now, I’ll be honest, this interface isn’t perfect for every change, but it’s a good start. But even so, The Designer is getting more and more intuitive for clients and designers alike. This balance of custom design power and client editability is a rare find.
To wrap it up...
Choosing Webflow was a pivotal decision in my design career. It's not just a tool; it's a growth partner that aligns with my creative vision and business goals. If you're on the fence about Webflow, I encourage you to dive in and explore its potential. And if you're just starting with Webflow, stay tuned for my upcoming tips to make your learning curve smoother.
