Say “Goodbye” to stress – Switching from WordPress to Webflow!
A complete guide for service-based business owners
Hey business owner! Has your WordPress site been getting on your nerves recently?
If your WordPress site has been a source of frustration lately, you're not alone. As a seasoned Webflow designer, I hear from tons of people who are eager for a change.
Slow loading speeds can be a common annoyance, affecting user experience and search engine rankings. Compatibility issues with plugins might also be causing unexpected glitches, disrupting crucial website functions. You may possibly even have security concerns especially if your plugins/themes are not regularly updated or are even outdated.
Addressing these issues promptly can transform your website experience, ensuring a smoother, more secure, and user-friendly website.
And that's what I'm here for! This article will be your friendly guide if you’re considering switching from Wordpress to Webflow.
Understanding Webflow and WordPress
Let’s first have a super quick chat about what WordPress and Webflow really are. While both have their strengths, your choice really boils down to what you and your business need.
WordPress is an old reliable - an open-source platform that's behind a good chunk of the internet – roughly 42.9% of sites are built with WordPress. Which makes sense given how old the platform is. It's powerful but can be daunting, especially if coding isn't your cup of tea.
If we look at Webflow, the fresh face in town that is gaining attention for its visual web design offerings. Design? Develop? At the same time? That’s an amazing combination! And the best part is that you don’t need to get tangled in code either. It’s a real treat if you're not much of a tech whizz. Although the market share of sites using Webflow is much smaller compared to Wordpress, it is used amongst the top of sites that have a ton of traffic coming to them.
Why switch from Wordpress to Webflow
Now, let's talk about why you might want to switch from WordPress to Webflow. Just some months back, I worked with a taxi driver who was tired of his stale WordPress site. The change to Webflow was like ditching instant coffee for a cordado – it completely transformed his business!
1. The freedom of design
Webflow places creative control directly in your hands. You can style your site right before your eyes, immediately seeing what your users will see. It's like building a LEGO set, but way more stylish and profitable!
2. Bye-bye, code!
Webflow's commitment to a no-code environment is a selling point for someone like me who doesn't fancy squinting at lines of code. This simultaneously gives me comfort knowing that my clients can feel at ease knowing they won’t have to deal with a ton of code either.
3. Plays well with others
Webflow also integrates smoothly with tools you might already be using, or want to use, for your business. From email marketing platforms to CRM systems, you're covered.
4. SEO that doesn't confuse
Webflow packs robust SEO tools into its offering, allowing easy customization of meta titles, meta descriptions, Open Graph, and more. All of this is baked right into the platform, which is super easy to access and understand.
This means, you don’t have to download third-party plugins just to get the basic (on-page) SEO practices in place.
But you might be thinking - what about the money?
WordPress vs. Webflow pricing
Alright, let's talk money, shall we? And let me tell you, this can get tricky. But hey, who doesn't love a good challenge? Let's demystify the costs tied to WordPress and Webflow, and see which might make your wallet happier.
The WordPress way
Here's the fun part: WordPress is free to use. Yep, you read that right. However, don't let that zero cost fool you - there are still some expenses. You've got to factor in hosting, which is generally cheaper for WordPress than Webflow. But hold up, it's not exactly an apples-to-apples comparison.
Why, you ask? Well, when you shell out for Webflow, you aren't just paying for hosting. You're also getting the use of their builder and a truckload of other features baked right into the platform.
On the WordPress side, you'd typically have to pay separately for a builder, and the cost depends on the specific page builder you opt for. Some have you shelling out monthly or yearly fees, while others only ask for a one-time fee.
Walking the Webflow path
Webflow, my friends, is a SaaS platform – SaaS meaning ‘Software as a Service, which means you're going to be paying every month or year to keep using it. It’s like renting a snazzy apartment with all the amenities included – you pay for what you get.
There's a running joke that figuring out Webflow's pricing is harder than deciphering quantum physics. But fear not, I'll try to make it more digestible. On Webflow, if you’re looking to get your site live, you’d be directed to the 'Site Plan' option on their pricing page.
Here's where things get interesting: you have a choice between the 'Basic' or the 'CMS Plan', costing you either $18 or $29 a month if billed monthly. Or, $14 or $23 calculated per month if paid for up-front for the whole year.
The 'Basic Plan' doesn’t get you the Webflow CMS, but the 'CMS Plan' - as the name suggests - definitely does.
But pause… What is a CMS and why might you want that?
CMS stands for Content Management System (CMS). And a CMS is like a super easy tool for building and organizing information on your website. It's like using special building blocks to create cool things online without needing to be a computer expert. It comes in super handy if you’re planning things like blogs to help boost your searchability online or even build out easily manageable real estate listing pages if you’re in real estate.
Considerations for your decision
When making your choice between WordPress and Webflow, take a moment to weigh the positives and negatives and think about the kind of website you're looking to create.
WordPress, being an open-source platform, gives you the reins to shape your site however you fancy. It's infinitely scalable, without many constraints, unlike Webflow which does have some limitations: for example, on the number of CMS items you can have.
But here’s the rub - the limitless flexibility of WordPress means you need to roll up your sleeves and get into the nitty-gritty of managing your site. A WordPress site left untended might just keel over and play dead.
Webflow, on the other hand, is like a butler taking care of all your website needs. Want animations? Use their in-built feature. Need a CMS for different content? Handled. Hosting and security worries? Wiped away. Webflow is an "all-inclusive" vacation for your website design needs, where you're free to create without worrying about maintenance. So, in the end, the choice is yours.
Planning your WordPress to Webflow switch
Before you take the plunge, make sure you know why you're switching from WordPress to Webflow. Don't like the look of your site? It's running slower than a snail on vacation? It's not quite reaching the users you want? These answers will be your map for the transition process.
You might hit a few bumps along the way, like learning a new interface or wondering about how to move some part of your old site. But guess what? Webflow has a fantastic support team, along with a thriving community who's got your back. And… uhm… I’m also here for you *wink wink*.
But once you've planted your flag in Webflow-land, you’ll be looking at managing and growing your site. My advice? Play around, experiment, discover what works best for your business. Maybe even pick up a thing or two from the community or the generous blog posts Webflow releases.
Aaand we're done! Remember, Webflow is there for you, I’m there for you - it’s flexible and intuitive enough to support your business needs and growth. You got this!