Webflow vs WordPress: Find The Best Web Builder

Key takeaways

• WordPress is a CMS, while Webflow is a web design and development platform. WordPress is primarily used for managing and publishing content, while Webflow is focused on designing and building websites, especially for web designers.
• Webflow is a design-oriented platform that allows users to create visually stunning websites without coding knowledge. It includes a built-in content management system (CMS), advanced design features such as custom animations and interactions, and built-in tools for search engine optimisation (SEO). So, no need to buy additional plugins like WordPress.
• WordPress is very popular as 63.6% of all websites whose content management system is known by W3Techs, roughly 43.1% of all websites. So it's a good option for those starting a blog and has excellent online learning resources and youtube videos. 
• WordPress is a content management platform that offers a wide range of features and tools for managing and publishing content on a website. It includes a built-in CMS and an extensive plugin ecosystem that offers additional content management and customisation options. It also provides a range of SEO plugins and integrations with tools like RankMath and YoastSEO to help improve a website's search engine visibility.
• Webflow's visual editor and built-in CMS make it easy for non-technical users to create and manage their websites, while its advanced design features and built-in SEO tools give it an advantage over WordPress. However, WordPress' large plugin ecosystem and free pricing make it a flexible choice for users who are comfortable with coding or want more advanced features.
• In terms of pricing, Webflow offers three pricing plans ranging from $14 to $39 per month, with additional fees for hosting and custom domain names. WordPress is free to use, but users must pay for hosting, a domain name, and any other plugins or themes they want.
• WordPress is open-source, while Webflow is a paid service. This means that anyone can use and modify the WordPress platform, while access to Webflow's tools and features requires a subscription.
• WordPress is easy to get up and running as its sites are built using a combination of templates (called "themes") and plugins, while Webflow comes with its platform with built-in design and development tools.
• WordPress sites are typically self-hosted, meaning users must purchase a domain and hosting to use the platform. Webflow, on the other hand, provides hosting as part of its service.

‍Download Now: How To Build A Website and Sales Funnel with Webflow [Free Cheat Sheet]

Let's go a bit deeper into the difference between each platform. 

What is Webflow and What Does It Offer

Webflow is a Saas company with a powerful platform for website design and development; Webflow offers a variety of features and benefits for individuals and businesses looking to design professional, visually appealing websites. Webflow is growing in popularity so let's compare Wordpres to Webflow, one of the most widely used content management systems (CMS) on the market, in this article.

The main difference between Webflow and WordPress is the emphasis on each platform. With a focus on design, Webflow is primarily a platform that allows users to build unique, aesthetically pleasing websites without any coding knowledge.

As a web designer, I can tell you that Webflow is very popular within the design community due to its powerful ability to create fast, visually appealing websites with little to no code. Once you create a Webflow account, it's like using a website builder in a way that we haven't seen before. Webflow has revolutionised how websites can be built, allowing designers and non-designers to build sites quickly without needing to learn code.

Plus, a growing community on Youtube and Twitter sharing insights and knowledge about Webflow. Webflow is better at training new customers and has an excellent onboarding experience and education platform with Webflow University, so you don't need to buy additional courses when you sign up for Webflow. 

In contrast, WordPress is open source, has been around for over 20 years, and focuses more on content management. It offers various plugins and integrations that let users edit, publish, and manage website content. As a result, WordPress is easy for anyone ready to build a website quickly and has a range of plugins to help you create an influential blog. Small companies and professional bloggers frequently use WordPress as their go-to platform.

When it comes to design capabilities, Webflow is hard to beat. The platform's visual editor allows users to easily create and customise their website's layout and design with various pre-designed templates and elements. Webflow also offers advanced design features such as custom animations and interactions and the ability to design and customise form elements, all built into the platform. 

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In contrast, WordPress' design capabilities are more limited, with users typically relying on pre-designed themes or custom coding to create the look and feel of their website. Many people use WordPress to install Elementor or DIVI builder to build websites; these tools make it easier to build websites with a drag-and-drop builder. I've always used the DIVI builder as I found it easier than Elementor. Elementor is an excellent tool for building websites, especially for beginners. Elementor is intended for WordPress users who lack web design expertise but still wish to construct a website independently. Comparatively, Divi is primarily used by professional web designers to create their clients' websites.

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Another critical difference between the two platforms is their approach to content management. Webflow includes a built-in content management system (CMS) that allows users to easily add, edit, and delete content on their website. The platform's CMS is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for non-technical users to manage their website's content. 

WordPress, on the other hand, requires users to install a separate plugin or integration to enable content management capabilities. While WordPress' plugin ecosystem offers a wide range of options for content management, it can be overwhelming for users unfamiliar with the platform.

Benefits of Webflow

1. Advanced design capabilities: Webflow's visual editor and advanced design features, such as custom animations and interactions, allow users to easily create visually stunning websites without coding knowledge.
2. Easy to use: Webflow's visual editor and built-in content management system (CMS) make it easy for non-technical users to create and manage their websites.
3. Built-in SEO tools: Unlike WordPress, Webflow is the best for user experience. It includes built-in tools for optimising website metadata, generating sitemaps, and customising URLs and page titles, which can help improve a website's search engine visibility.
4. Responsive design: Webflow automatically generates a responsive design for websites, ensuring they look good and function correctly on various devices, from desktop computers to smartphones.
5. Range of pricing options: Webflow offers three pricing plans ranging from $18 to $39 per month, with additional fees for hosting and custom domain names. As a result, this allows users to choose the best plan for their needs and budget.
6. Comprehensive support: Webflow offers a range of resources and support options, including a broad knowledge base, community forum, and live chat support, accessible in your web flow account to help users get the most out of the platform.
   

Disadvantages of Webflow

1. Limited scalability: While Webflow is a great platform, there may be better choices for very large or complex websites requiring much customisation or integration with other systems.
2. Limited plugin ecosystem: Webflow does not have the same range of plugins and integrations as platforms like WordPress, which may limit the capabilities of your website.
3. Lack of coding knowledge may be a disadvantage: While Webflow's visual editor allows users to create websites without the need for coding knowledge, having some coding skills can be helpful for more advanced customisation or troubleshooting.
4. Learning curve: Compared to WordPress, Webflow has a steep learning curve, and users may need to get familiar with the platform and its features before they can start building websites efficiently.
5. Limited hosting options: Webflow's hosting options are limited to the hosting plans offered by the platform, which may not be the best fit for everyone. Users may have less control over their hosting environment than they would with a self-hosted solution.
   

Overall, Webflow is a strong choice for businesses and individuals looking to create professional, visually stunning websites without coding knowledge. The platform's visual editor and built-in CMS make it easy for non-technical users to create and manage their websites with webflow. Its advanced design features and built-in SEO tools give it an edge over WordPress. 

However, WordPress's large plugin ecosystem and free pricing make it a viable option for users who are comfortable with coding and want more flexibility in content management and customisation.

I will warn you, though, that the learning curve for Webflow can be difficult initially, as you'll need to learn how to work with features like div boxes, classes and manual spacing. But once you get through Webflow university, you'll find it straightforward. I advise anyone using Webflow to go through the free training they provide first, and there are also many videos on YouTube. 

What is WordPress, and What Does It Offer?

As WordPress has been around for a long time its content management system (CMS) is very mature and users can create and manage professional websites. It is widely used and offers a range of features and capabilities, including a built-in CMS, a large plugin ecosystem, and support for multiple users.

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WordPress' built-in CMS allows users to easily add, edit, and delete content on their website, including text, images, and videos. The platform also includes various features for managing and publishing content, such as scheduling posts, creating categories and tags, and managing multiple users.

WordPress' large plugin ecosystem offers a wide range of additional capabilities, including support for e-commerce, SEO, and social media integrations. Users can install and activate plugins available to WordPress to add specific website features or functionality.

Comparing WordPress vs Webflow, a key consideration is the level of connectivity possible with third-party tools, as while both platforms offer options for integration, Webflow allows for greater flexibility and control over the integration process."

Benefits of WordPress

1. Widely used and well-supported: WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world, with a large user base and a wide range of resources and support options.
2. Large plugin ecosystem: WordPress offers a wide range of additional capabilities, including support for e-commerce, SEO, and social media integrations. It can be customised to meet various needs, making it a more flexible platform.
3. Customisation options: WordPress offers a range of customisation options through its large selection of pre-designed themes and the ability to customise design through coding or using plugins. Users can create a unique, professional-looking website that reflects their brand using this feature.
4. Easy to use: WordPress has a user-friendly interface and is easy for non-technical users to learn and use. Its built-in content management system (CMS) allows users to easily add, edit, and delete content on their websites.
5. Free to use: WordPress is free to use, which makes it an attractive option for businesses and individuals on a budget. Users will need to pay for hosting, a domain name, and any additional plugins or themes they want to use.

Disadvantages of WordPress

1. Security vulnerabilities: As a widely used platform, WordPress is a popular target for hackers and malicious attacks. Users must be diligent about keeping their WordPress installation and plugins up to date to reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities.
2. Limited design capabilities: Although WordPress is highly customisable, Webflow is specifically designed for visual design and has more advanced design capabilities than WordPress.
3. Plugin bloat: WordPress' large plugin ecosystem can be both a strength and a weakness. While it offers a wide range of capabilities, users may end up installing many plugins, slowing down their website and increasing the risk of conflicts or compatibility issues.
4. Lack of coding knowledge may be a disadvantage: While WordPress can be used without coding knowledge, having some coding skills can be helpful for more advanced customisation or troubleshooting.
5. WordPress has a fairly steep learning curve, and users may need to get familiar with the platform and its features before they can start building websites efficiently.

WordPress is a robust platform that offers a wide range of capabilities for businesses and individuals looking to create and manage professional websites. Its built-in CMS, large plugin ecosystem and support for multiple users make it a flexible choice for users who want a wide range of content management and customisation options.

Webflow vs WordPress: Key Features.

The features of both Webflow and WordPress give you all that you need to build a website for your business. With WordPress, you'll need to rely on additional plugins available to wordpress that add extra features to your website.

WordPress Simplicity

To build a WordPress website, you must obtain web hosting and install WordPress software. We recommend using WPX for hosting as they offer fast speeds and excellent support, but many other options exist.

As WordPress is in use with over 60% of the internet, many hosting providers offer simple installation tools that allow you to set up WordPress with just a few clicks. 

Here is an example of a WordPress installation with GoDaddy.

Plugins and Extensions 

First, let's start with plugins. In WordPress, plugins are software that extends a WordPress website's functionality. They can be installed directly from the WordPress plugin repository or by uploading a file from a third-party source. Once a plugin is installed, it can be activated to add new features or functionality to a WordPress site. For example, there are plugins for security, SEO, forms, and many other purposes.

Webflow, on the other hand, uses a different term for its equivalent to WordPress plugins: extensions. Like WordPress plugins, Webflow extensions can be installed to add new features or functionality to a website. However, Webflow extensions are not as widely available as WordPress plugins, and Webflow or its partners generally develop them. Companies like Finsweet and relume provide excellent resources for Webflow website development to help you build websites faster. 

Now, let's compare WordPress and Webflow. WordPress is a content management system (CMS) designed to make it easy for users to create and manage a website. It is built on top of PHP and MySQL and is known for its flexibility and customisability. Webflow, on the other hand, is a website builder designed to make it easy for users to create and design professional-looking websites without coding. Webflow is a visual tool that allows users to design and build websites using pre-designed templates and drag-and-drop features.

In terms of using plugins and extensions, WordPress and Webflow are similar in that they both allow users to add additional features and functionality to their websites. However, the two platforms' availability and types of plugins and extensions differ. WordPress has a much larger repository of plugins developed by various developers. Webflow, on the other hand, has a smaller selection of wings, which Webflow or its partners generally extend.

This helps clarify the differences between WordPress and Webflow and how they use plugins and extensions! Let me know if you have any questions or need further information.

Themes and Templates 

Are WordPress themes free? 

Yes, there are free themes for WordPress, but there are also themes available to purchase and download. According to Scepter Marketing, approximately 31,100 WordPress themes allow you to customise your website design and appearance. Themes can change anytime and change without affecting your content. By installing a WordPress theme, you have control over the look and feel of your website.

In WordPress, a theme is a pre-designed template that determines the layout and appearance of a website. Pieces can be easily installed and customised through the WordPress dashboard, allowing users to quickly change the design of their website without having to edit the code manually. 

As of 2022, there are 10,253+ themes on Blog Tool, Publishing Platform, and CMS - WordPress.org. This is a significant increase from the 3,000+ themes available in 2018. While most of these themes are free, many premium themes are available.

With so many themes to choose from, it can take time to decide which is suitable for your website. However, it is essential to remember that not all articles are created equal. Some themes are better suited for certain types of websites than others.

Does Webflow have themes?

Webflow does not use traditional themes, even though they are available in their Webflow marketplace. Webflow also allows the use of a visual design approach where users can create and design their website directly in the browser using a drag-and-drop editor. Webflow allows users to create custom designs and templates from scratch using its visual design tools. Users have more control over the design and layout of their website, but it also requires a greater level of technical skill and design knowledge. 

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In summary, WordPress themes provide a quick and easy way to change the appearance of a website, while Webflow offers more flexibility and control for custom design work.

When choosing a theme for your WordPress website, it is essential to consider the following factors:

1. Functionality: Make sure that the theme you choose has the features and functionalities you need for your website. For example, if you need to display many images, you will want to choose a theme that strongly emphasises visual design.
2. Customisation: Look for a customisable theme that allows you to make design changes without touching the code. This will make it easier for you to create a unique and professional-looking website.
3. Responsiveness: It is essential to choose a responsive theme, meaning it will look good on all devices (desktop, tablet, and mobile). With the increasing number of people accessing the internet from their mobile devices, it is essential to have a website that looks and functions well on mobile.
4. Support: Look for a theme that is regularly updated and has good support from the developer. This will ensure you have access to the latest features and can get help if you run into any issues.
5. SEO: Choose a theme optimised for search engines to improve your website's visibility in search results.

It is also good to check a theme's reviews and ratings before installing it to see what other users have experienced. This can give you an idea of the theme's performance and any potential issues you may encounter.

Ecommerce Capabilities 

Can Webflow be used for e-commerce?

Webflow E-commerce allows for managing products and orders, customising the cart and checkout experience, and creating and launching a complete online store, all without writing code. Webflow Ecommerce integrates with external payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal, making it easy to accept customer payments. It also offers a range of features for managing inventory, shipping, and taxes, making it a comprehensive solution for building and running an online store.

Webflow E-commerce is a powerful tool for building and managing an online store. It allows users to create custom, visually appealing online stores without little to no coding knowledge. 

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What is a WordPress WooCommerce?

WooCommerce is a popular WordPress eCommerce plugin for WordPress that turns a WordPress website into an e-commerce store. It is a popular choice for small to medium-sized online stores because it is easy to use and has many features and integrations.

Some critical differences between Webflow and WooCommerce:

1. E-commerce capabilities: WooCommerce is a full-featured e-commerce platform that can manage all aspects of an online store, including product listings, payment processing, and shipping. 
2. Customisation: Webflow offers a wide range of customisation options, including adding custom code. WooCommerce also offers a range of customisation options, but it is not as flexible as Webflow regarding custom code.
3. Pricing: Webflow has a subscription-based pricing model, while WooCommerce is free to use but may require additional costs for certain features, extensions and plugins.
4. The goal of your store: Webflow is a good option for those with extensive web design knowledge who want maximum flexibility in their site, but it comes at a higher cost. WooCommerce, on the other hand, is commonly used and more affordable, but it may have limitations in terms of customisation options.

Webflow simplifies launching and managing a store; however, Woo commerce + WordPress may be more suitable for larger online stores as it provides more native capabilities. Both platforms are compatible with the majority of payment gateways. Ultimately, the choice should depend on your business's requirements and the skill level of the individual handling the store.

Integration with Third-party tools

Webflow

When comparing Webflow vs WordPress, it's important to note that while WordPress comes with a wide range of plugins for integration with third-party tools, Webflow allows for more robust integration and customisation options.

Here are some common ways to integrate with Webflow:

1. Embedding code: You can use Webflow to embed custom HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code into your website to integrate with external tools and services that offer code snippets for integration.
2. Custom scripts: You can use Webflow's custom script area to add your JavaScript code to trigger actions or customise the behaviour of your website.
3. Integrating with external platforms: You can use Webflow to integrate with external platforms like Shopify, Mailchimp, and Google Analytics by either adding the platform's code snippet to your website or using Webflow's built-in integration feature. 

WordPress

Here are some common ways to integrate with WordPress:

1. Using plugins: You can use the large plugin ecosystem in WordPress to add additional functionality to your website. Plugins are available for various integrations, including social media, email marketing, and e-commerce.
2. Embedding code: Like Webflow, WordPress allows you to embed custom code into your website using the text editor.
3. Custom functions: To modify the behaviour of your WordPress website, you can use the functions.php file to add custom code. This can be used to integrate with external tools and services.
4. Custom plugin development: If you have advanced coding skills, you can develop your WordPress plugin to integrate with external tools and services.

The best way to integrate with Webflow or WordPress will depend on your specific needs and available resources. It is a good idea to research the different options and choose the one that best fits your needs.

Pricing 

Let's look at the cost and see how the prices differ between each tool. WordPress has been known to be a quick and cheap way to build websites. With a comparison of Webflow vs WordPress, knowing which one can be cheaper depends on your goal. 

So, let's look at how each platform prices its services and what to consider before you start. 

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How much does Webflow cost?

Regarding pricing, both Webflow and WordPress have various options that can work for small to medium size businesses. Webflow gives customers three pricing plans ranging from $14 to $39 per month, with additional fees for hosting and custom domain names. 

Webflow Workspaces allow users to organise and manage their team's work within the Webflow platform, and include new billing and publishing permissions. This feature allows for better collaboration and organization within a team and makes it easier for team leaders to manage and track progress on multiple projects or tasks.

Webflow does have a free tier, but you will not get a custom domain name with this and will have to pay for a domain name from a third-party site like google domains or WPX Hosting. 

WordPress is free to use, but users must pay for hosting, a domain name, and any additional plugins or themes they want.

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How much is a WordPress website cost?

A realistic budget for a WordPress website would likely be in the range of £175-450+ per year. This budget may include the cost of hosting, a domain name, and any premium themes or plugins you choose to use. Premium plugins can be handy for adding advanced functionality to your website, and the cost can vary from £10 to £100+ depending on the plugin and the features it offers.

The cost of hosting can range from $5 to $20+ per month, depending on the traffic of your site and the hosting plan you choose.

In addition to hosting, you may also need to pay for a domain name, typically around $10-15 per year. You may also purchase a premium WordPress theme or plugins, which can add additional costs to your website. Premium themes on websites like themeforest.net cost $30-60+, while premium plugins can vary in price from $10 to $100+.

It is essential to consider your budget and the resources you need when setting up and maintaining a WordPress site. It may be helpful to research and compare the costs of different hosting plans, themes, and plugins to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

It is important to note that the cost of running a WordPress website can vary widely depending on your specific needs and the resources you choose to use. While it is possible to set up an essential WordPress website for as minor as £40-85 per year, this cost may not include certain premium features or resources that you may need to make your website work effectively.

Is Webflow or WordPress Good for SEO?

Regarding search engine optimisation, both Webflow and WordPress offer a range of features to improve a website's visibility in search engine results. Webflow includes built-in tools for optimising website metadata and generating sitemaps, as well as the ability to customise URLs and page titles. 

As I mentioned earlier, WordPress offers a range of SEO plugins and integrations, including popular options such as RankMath and Yoast SEO and All in One SEO Pack. However, Webflow's built-in SEO tools may be more convenient for users who want to avoid installing and managing additional plugins.

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Is Webflow SEO Friendly? 

Webflow also provides a comprehensive set of tools that make it easy to perform on-page SEO, such as meta tags and keyword research. With these features, you can ensure that your content is correctly indexed by search engine bots and displayed in the most relevant search results. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is essential to any successful website. Webflow SEO offers powerful features to help you optimise your website and improve its ranking on search engines. 

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Webflow, a web design and development platform, offers a variety of SEO tools to help improve a website's search engine visibility. Some of the specific tools available in Webflow include:

1. Customisable meta tags: You can finally give your website a catchy title that will make people click, just like "The best doughnuts in town"
2. XML sitemap generation: It's like creating a treasure map for search engines, so they can easily find all the hidden gems on your website.
3. Canonical tags: A way to prevent your website's pages from fighting each other to be the one true page.
4. Customisable 301 redirects: Think of it like a secret passageway for search engines to find the updated version of your website's pages.
5. URL slugs: It's like giving your website pages a friendly nickname, like "MikeTheDoughnut" instead of "mikedoughnuts.com/p=123"
6. Option for Hreflang tags: It's like adding subtitles for search engines so they know what language your website speaks.
7. Clean code: It's like tidying up your website so the search engine crawlers don't get lost in a messy code.

When used correctly, these tools can help improve a website's search engine visibility and make it easier to manage a website's SEO. In this article, we go deeper into the top 10 SEO Tactics to Boost Your Rankings and Attract More Customers for your business.

The Verdict: Webflow Vs WordPress

I would give Webflow a try as it's growing in popularity and is an excellent choice for a small business owner who may need to make quick and regular edits don't the site.

Although initially, Webflow is more expensive per month, It also provides a more custom and unique approach to website design as it allows you to have complete control over the design and development of your website without the limitations of pre-built templates or themes. Additionally, its visual editing tools and integrated CMS make it easy for even non-technical users to create and manage a custom website.

On the other hand, WordPress is a well-established platform with a huge community and a wealth of resources available. It's an excellent choice for those familiar with it and can utilise the wide range of plugins to add extra functionality to their website.

Ultimately, the choice between Webflow and WordPress will depend on your specific needs, budget, and level of technical expertise. Both tools are powerful website-building platforms and can help you create a great website. It's important to research and consider each tool's features, limitations and costs and determine which one best suits your needs. Click on this link to start your Webflow trail to build your website.