What is Webflow?
Webflow is an all-inclusive design and development platform that helps create and design websites quickly and seamlessly.
Brands and users can design interactive interfaces, incorporate brand elements, and make website changes without coding.
Unlike traditional platforms, Webflow is a no-code platform, which makes it accessible to small businesses and startups who don’t have the resources to hire a design and development team.
Table of Contents
- How the company got started?
- Features of Webflow in design and development
- Becoming a Webflow Expert
- Joining the Webflow Expert Program
How the company got started ?
Webflow was started by Russian Developer Vlad Magdalin in 2012 alongside his brother Sergie Magdalin and coworker Bryant Chou while Vlad and Bryant were still working at Intuit, the financial software platform.
He started as a graphic designer, creating business cards and calendars in high school, slowly transitioning to logos and websites. Through this process, he began freelancing with his brother Sergei.
During this time, they faced many challenges when working on websites for clients. Making changes for clients at the last minute was tedious and time-consuming, leading to a shift in their business model.
They recognized a gap in the market for people who wanted to create professional websites but lacked the technical skills. After quitting their jobs, Vlad and Sergie, with the help of Bryant, Started Webflow full-time. It took several failed attempts to finally reach where it is now as a company.
Features of Webflow in design and development
- No-code design - Webflow is a no-code platform, meaning businesses and users do not need to code to incorporate the layout or design into their websites. This feature is significant because it gives more users the freedom to create professional websites they otherwise would not have access to. Their drag-and-drop feature allows users to insert elements like boxes, images, and content in seconds. Beginners can easily use this tool and developers can reduce the time spent on coding.
- Works on any screen - Webflow can be easily optimized for any screen, whether desktop or mobile. There is no loss of design or interaction, as the platform was built with both mobile and desktop functionality in mind.
- SEO Optimization - Once you have created your website, Webflow will automatically optimize it to rank higher in Google's search results. You can keep updating your titles and content to increase optimization.
- Create custom code - While Webflow's USP is that it provides a no-code platform, it still gives developers the option of building their custom code so they can create a more comprehensive design interface using tools like Javascript and HTML.
- Content management system - Webflow allows users to create CMSs that can handle a variety of different content channels within their platform. It also allows users to integrate other applications and tools into Webflow, which makes it easier to manage all the content in one place. They also have an expansive library of plugins and applications, from scheduling content to handling customer payments.
- Customizable templates and layouts - Webflow has close to 2000+ customizable templates that are categorized based on different user needs. Users can find templates based on their industry, content, language, style, and desired features. Businesses not wanting to customize their website can easily select ready templates and features to get started. It provides users with much flexibility when selecting layouts. You can choose to create your layout format or select from existing options.
Becoming a Webflow Expert
A Webflow expert is proficient in design and development and can create visually appealing and interactive design elements using the Webflow platform.
There is a separate demand for Webflow designers because the platform has its own way of functioning. Companies are looking for freelancers and designers who have a firm grasp of certain design philosophies and can easily navigate the platform without any assistance.
1. Getting your basics in check
This is a no-brainer, but before you reach any level of expertise, you need to know the basics. When we learn a new language, we don't immediately aim to reach the proficiency level of a native speaker after watching a few videos.
Instead, we start with the basics and practice every day until we become an expert. Similarly, to master Webflow, we need to know the design basics first.
Understanding design principles, learning software languages like Javascript and HTML, and connecting design and functionality are all important steps to becoming a good designer and eventually becoming an expert.
2. Knowing your way around Webflow
Since Web Flow is a no-code platform, it will be much easier for designers with a base in other design languages to navigate it. There are many ways to educate yourself on the platform.
You can watch YouTube tutorials Webflow’s free tutorials, or take online courses to understand better how to customize your website and use certain features to their optimal level.
Once you have a basic understanding of Webflow, execute the knowledge you gained from the videos by creating your portfolio or website. No matter how many videos you watch, real learning comes from implementing and bringing your ideas to life. Your first few ideas may not be what you imagined, but follow trial and error to reach where you want to be.
3. Responsive web design and compatibility with multi-browsers
Responsive design refers to the flexibility of design layouts and elements on a website. Webflow heavily makes use of responsive web design. Optimizing content to the screen the user is on greatly enhances the user experience when accessing the platform.
Many designers even get specializations in responsive design to understand better how to cater to their users. One of the best features of Webflow is that the quality of a website is the same across devices.
Individuals interested in mastering Webflow should dive deep into learning responsive design and how to make it compatible across devices. Udemy has a course where you can learn how to build real responsive websites.
4. Creating interactive elements and animations
Animation can be an excellent tool for attracting a user's attention. By creating interactive animations, businesses can convey their brand identity playfully and effectively. You can create animations by researching a business's tone and voice.
For instance, Duolingo, as a brand, is known as a fun and interactive language learning platform. So when you first go to their website, you are introduced to the animation of a phone with the Duolingo logo that transforms into the mascot, the green owl, and other unique characters floating around.
Users who are unaware of the brand can quickly gauge who they are as a brand from the fun animations and interactive elements.
Joining the Webflow Expert Program
Many freelancers and designers are building websites for their clients on Webflow. To make the process easier and provide additional knowledge and skills, Webflow's certification program called the Webflow Experts Program, helps designers sharpen their skills and use this course to establish credibility in their field.
By completing the Program, current designers and freelancers can become partners with Webflow and gain better opportunities in their industry.
Webflow has two different categories of partners that they view as experts: Professional Partners and Enterprise partners. To qualify for either of the two, you have to meet certain brand requirements.
Professional Partners refer to freelancers, agencies, and consultants who are currently working with clients who run small to mid-level businesses.
Enterprise Partners are businesses and agencies that cater to businesses on a larger scale using Webflow's platform.
To qualify as a professional partner:
- 1 person in your team must have all four Webflow Certifications (CMS certification, Layout Level 1, Layout Level 2, and Expert certification)
- Must hold Webflow's workspace plan, which is created for freelancers and agencies
- You must have built three client sites that are your original designs and can be showcased publicly. These projects will then be evaluated and scored according to the Program's grading criteria
- Have a portfolio on Webflow that showcases your past projects or the company's products/services
Benefits of becoming a professional partner:
- Access Webflow's portal, where you can see your status as a partner, highlight your work to potential clients, get resources to brush up on your design skills, and track your progress in getting new leads
- Get assistance from Webflow on your client projects.
- Receive first-hand knowledge of new features and updates on Webflow before everyone else
- Opportunity to display your profile on Expert site on Webflow
- Earn 20% revenue share on the first 12 months of starting the subscription on the site plan, which is separate from a workspace plan
To qualify as an enterprise partner:
- Five individuals in your organization need to have a Webflow certification
- Must hold a freelance agency or enterprise plan
- Worked on more than one project using Webflow Enterprise
- Have a portfolio on Webflow that showcases your past projects or the company's products and services
- Opportunity to display your profile on Expert site on Webflow
- For the first year of the subscription, earn 10% of the Annual Contract Value
Benefits of becoming an enterprise partner:
- Access Webflow's portal, where you can see your status as a partner. Highlight your work to potential clients, get resources to improve your design skills, and track your progress in getting new leads.
- Get assistance from Webflow on client projects
- Receive first-hand knowledge of new features and updates on Webflow before everyone else.
Once you understand the requirements and the benefits of becoming a Webflow expert, you start working towards fulfilling those requirements. Post which you need to apply to be part of the Program.
Requirements for submitting the application
- Name
- Country of Origin
- Type of Business
- The size of your project (USD)
- Confirmation of completion of all four certifications (CMS certification, Layout Level 1, Layout Level 2, and Expert certification).
- Confirmation of using Webflow's workspace
- Portfolio links
- Social profile links (Ex: Twitter, Linkedin)
- Links of 3 distinct client projects
- Brief experience working with clients
- Reviews from past clients (optional)
Review process
The Webflow teams take 1-2 weeks to review the application and verify the certifications and links provided. They follow a comprehensive grading criterion for each project, based on which they will decide if you are eligible to become a certified Webflow Expert.
Here are some reasons for being ineligible for the program
- Failed to complete all four certifications successfully
- Do not possess a current workspace plan for Freelancer, agency, or enterprise
- The site was created using a template or has unoriginal content
- Lack of complexity and depth in the design and layout of the site
- The site was not part of any past client project
- The design language (colors, style, interactive elements, typography, animation) is inconsistent
- The site is not intuitive and does not take into consideration user accessibility
- The visual content used is of low quality and not optimized properly
- There are too many elements and no chronological order to the site
- Excess or unnecessary use of the same design elements
Benefits of being an expert in Webflow
By becoming a certified Webflow expert, you can open yourself up to more avenues of work and increase your understanding of how to build better and more complex websites on the platform.
Here are some ways the program can benefit you as a freelancer.
1. Better opportunities in design and development
In the last few years, there's been an increasing demand for freelancers, especially in design and development.
More and more businesses want to spend money on building user-friendly websites. They will increase their chances of reaching the right target audience.
60% of consumers believe a website's usability determines their shopping experience. Businesses are trying to use this to their advantage by hiring expert designers and developers who can build intuitive websites.
2. Build unique websites for your clients
The site's flexibility and easy-to-use features give more designers the freedom to explore and push their creativity. The time once spent on extensive coding is now channeled into enhancing the site's functionality and accessibility, making you more efficient and productive.
Webflow has nearly 200+ elements, making it easy for users to customize their site based on their business objectives.
3. Increase your income as a freelancer
Web designers who are proficient in Webflow and have taken certifications will have an edge over other freelancers in the industry and increase their chances of gaining better opportunities.
Once you start getting clients, you can also set up recurring payments for changes and revisions that your clients ask for.
In addition, you can offer to host the website on the company's behalf so they can manage their site more efficiently.
4. Gain credibility when looking for better opportunities
Once you have a certification and have gone through the process of understanding the different features of Webflow, hone your skills, and use them to create complex websites, your credibility will automatically increase.
