How It All Started
Seven years ago, I was working on a project in the Real Estate industry for what is now the largest real estate development group in Poland. At that time, we were using WordPress to create a website, but we needed a faster, more efficient solution for sales landing pages. We tried building landing pages manually — writing them in HTML and JavaScript — but it wasn’t sustainable. After several attempts, it was clear this process was slow, inefficient, and error-prone.
That’s when we stumbled across Webflow. It wasn’t our first option; we considered several alternatives, including a Polish tool called landingi.com. But Webflow stood out, both for its features and the flexibility of its interface. It wasn’t long before we knew this was the tool we needed.
The Early Challenges: Learning the Platform as a Technical Person
Webflow's interface felt intuitive, but as someone coming from a purely technical background, I had to adjust. At the time, I was used to writing code — CSS, HTML, and JavaScript — manually. In Webflow, I was learning how to translate what I used to do with code into visual components and interface tools. And while that sounds like a breeze, it was an adjustment.
If I could go back, I'd tell myself this: "Even though Webflow is designed to be low-code or no-code, don't neglect your JavaScript skills". Understanding how to build custom libraries and code still comes in handy, especially when Webflow reaches its limits. I’d also remind myself to dive deeper into CSS-built animations early on. Even if you don’t have a designer’s touch, mastering CSS can make a huge difference in making your projects stand out.
My Favorite Webflow Features
There are a few features I rely on almost daily that have made my workflow significantly more efficient:
- Components: Being able to create reusable components means I can update one section of the site, and it automatically updates across the entire project. This saves an enormous amount of time.
- CSS Variables: Using CSS variables has streamlined my styling. I now build projects more efficiently and update them quicker than ever before.
- Custom Code: Webflow allows you to add custom code where needed, so when Webflow’s native tools hit their limits, I can still implement anything I need. This flexibility is key for complex projects.
What Skills Are Key for Webflow?
The question I often get asked is whether you need coding skills to succeed in Webflow. The answer is (our favorite ;)) — IT DEPENDS. If you’re a designer, you can definitely get by without knowing how to code. But for technical people like myself, having a solid foundation in HTML, CSS, and a bit of JavaScript can make you much more versatile. The great thing about Webflow is that it caters to both designers and developers.
If you’re just starting out, there are a few tools that pair well with Webflow. Learning marketing automation tools and A/B testing platforms can add a whole new level to your projects, making them not just functional, but also optimized for conversions.
What Should New Webflow Users Know About?
One mistake I see often with new Webflow users is an over-reliance on heavy animations and graphical elements. People think that the more flashy their design, the better it is. But that’s a misconception. The truth is, less is more. A design packed with animations may look impressive, but it can also slow down the site and increase maintenance costs for your clients. Speed matters, and simplicity often wins.
What I’d Tell My Younger Self
- Go global from day one. Don’t limit yourself to your local market. Webflow is a global platform with a massive community that’s both helpful and active. Join the community and leverage it.
- Build your portfolio immediately. Don’t wait like I did. Get your work out there as soon as possible — it’s a must if you want to grow your business.
- Stay curious and keep learning. Webflow is constantly evolving, and if you keep an open mind, you’ll look back at the problems you struggled with and laugh at how simple they seem now.
Keeping Up with Webflow's Changes
How to keep up with all the updates Webflow is making? Like a mantra – just keep learning. :) Remember that Webflow’s changes are here to help you, not hinder you. And if you want to stay up to date and don't want to miss anything, at the end of each month we gather these updates into one place and talk about them briefly and to the point – you can find them on our socials.
