Webflow vs WordPress: Which One Is Better?

Building a new website? Choosing between WordPress or Webflow can be tricky.

The reason? Well, the truth is that both CMSs are robust web design solutions, each with thousands (if not millions) of enthusiastic fans worldwide.

So, how can you choose the right website builder for your needs? When it comes to Webflow vs WordPress, both have their strengths and weaknesses.

Here, we’ve compiled a quick comparison guide to help you pick the website builder that best aligns with your business objectives and resources.

Let’s start with some basic information.

WordPress vs Webflow: What Is WordPress?

WordPress is an open-source CMS (Content Management System). It was originally created as a blogging platform for authors who wanted to create a personal blog. Still today, it remains a CMS that makes it easy for non-technical users to edit their websites.

The WordPress CMS is built with PHP and uses a MySQL database to store data. Its user-friendly admin interface allows you (among other things) to create new pages, upload media, and install various plugins to extend your website’s functionality.

Design-wise, countless WordPress (or WP) themes are available. There are various free and paid options and many ready-made templates to choose from.

Webflow vs WordPress: What Is Webflow?

Webflow is a cloud-based, zero-code development platform that allows practically anyone to design a website without coding knowledge. It serves as a visual website builder, a CMS, and a hosting service. Whether an experienced designer or a complete beginner, Webflow is easy to handle.

Developed as a “no-code” software, Webflow combines the power of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to facilitate the design of elaborate websites simply by selecting, dragging, and dropping elements onto a page.

Reasons To Use Webflow (Instead of WordPress)

Marketed as a WordPress alternative, Webflow offers substantial benefits over other CMSs. It has thus evolved into a popular website-building platform for web designers and non-designers alike.

Here are some key reasons to choose Webflow over WordPress:

1. Go Live Quickly (And Safely)

Webflow boasts fast-paced, high-quality website publishing. Additionally, it enhances collaboration, design flexibility, and security with built-in updates.

Webflow does not require code writing or maintenance for accidental ‘security holes.’

2. Built-In Localization, Responsiveness & SEO

Webflow offers in-app translation and native localization. Moreover, it enhances search engine visibility with inherent SEO suggestions and intuitive responsiveness functionalities, like easily adaptable breakpoints.

Thanks to its built-in core SEO functionalities, Webflow has become the preferred platform for high-traffic websites.

3. All-In-One Platform

Webflow combines a visual builder (with visually learned CSS), a content management system, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) secure hosting - all in one interface.

Also, if you decide to change, Webflow offers some export capabilities, unlike similar self-hosted platforms such as Shopify or Squarespace.

4. Fast Loading Times

Webflow produces clean HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This streamlined code helps improve page load speeds and enhances the overall SEO performance.

Page speed is also supported by Webflow’s integrated hosting that uses Amazon infrastructure and CDN features.

5. Sophisticated Animations & Interactions - Made Easy

Webflow's animation and interaction tools enable designers to create intricate, dynamic animations, using the full power of CSS and JavaScript without writing any code - just via a visual interface.

Pros Of Using WordPress (Rather Than Webflow)

Today, WordPress powers 43.5% of all websites worldwide.

Since its 2003 launch as a tool for authors (i.e., bloggers) with no (or low) technical knowledge, it has now become the most popular web design platform for anything ranging from personal portfolios to elaborate subscription sites and e-commerce stores.

Benefits of using WordPress for your website include:

1. Cost-Effective Solution

Anyone can upload a website using WordPress. Of course, though, the ‘all free’ option entails certain drawbacks, such as a .wordpress.org subdomain, simplified themes, and limited capabilities.

But, if you want to invest in it, WordPress offers abundant options for any website need and any budget. Subscription schemes are also available for a more unified experience.

2. Popular & Open-Source Platform

As an open-source software, WordPress aims to democratize publishing. So, anyone is free to change it, add to it, and share their versions publicly.

Actually, because so many people have been seriously working on it for decades, WordPress boasts a vast knowledge base shared among all kinds of industry forums around the world.

3. Suits Any Type Of Website

No matter the size and type of your website, there are ‘countless’ WP plugins and coding workarounds to customize features and functionalities for (practically) anything: from personalized shopping carts to intricate SEO tools.

Quality WP themes also come with pre-made responsive and accessible designs, which can be customized via your front-end settings or with some coding.

4. Easy To Populate

Practically anyone with basic computer skills can create pages or posts on a WP site and populate them with texts, images, videos, products...

Authors can also group content under categories and tags, add new menus, append translations, and much more.

5. Infinite Scalability & Adaptability

Some say that once you build your WordPress site, it can stay with you for life! That’s because WP gives you endless possibilities to grow your site as your business grows.

You can also easily change themes and design elements, add new capabilities, and completely transform it from, let’s say, a simple services site to a full-scale membership platform, retaining your content and URLs.

Apparently, both WordPress and Webflow have some enticing benefits! But there’s also a flip side. So, what would be the best web design solution for your digital marketing needs? Read on to find out more.

Cons Of Using WordPress

Using WordPress can have several disadvantages, especially for those who don’t have coding knowledge. Here are the major drawbacks:

• A WP website can be slow - especially when using many plug-ins, loads of custom CSS, or when the theme is not optimized for page speed.
• WP extensions are a popular target for hackers, especially if not updated diligently.
• If you are a beginner, a WordPress site can seem complex to set up and publish.
• It’s often the case that plugin incompatibilities create unexpected issues, and sometimes, even experienced developers struggle to find the root of the problem.
• Using WordPress can easily hurt your SEO score if not properly optimized. For instance, some indexed pages that are automatically created (e.g., tags/author pages) are often ‘forgotten’ by the site admins.
• Most WordPress themes and builders are not suitable for innovative design and heavy animations.

Drawbacks Of Webflow

Even though it has revolutionized the ‘no-code web design,’ Webflow comes with certain limitations.

• Once online, it’s hard to change the website template; in fact, you’d need a complete redesign.
• The Webflow CMS can have a steep learning curve if you are not familiar with the ‘box model’ in web design.
• Webflow is not a good fit for e-commerce. Among other drawbacks, it’s missing basic features like multiple currencies or order history.
• Depending on your needs, Webflow pricing plans can be limited and may come out too expensive.
• There’s no option for back-end access or server-level changes in Webflow, so it lacks profound code customization options.
• If you decide to change your platform, you can only partially export your website assets. Once exported, code cannot be re-imported.

Webflow, WordPress & SEO

Whether you use Webflow or WordPress, our premium SEO services at Atropos Digital can elevate your pages to the top of SERPs for significant keywords in your niche.

Your gain? Enhanced visibility and profitability.

So, if you are looking for innovative ways to make the most out of your website, contact Atropos Digital - your SEO partner in growth.

Webflow vs WordPress - FAQs

If you have more questions about Webflow and WordPress differences, read our FAQs below.

Is Webflow Better Than WordPress?

Webflow is better for non-experts who want to build a services website or for those who prefer a sleek design with modern animations - in an ‘all-in-one’ solution. On the other hand, WordPress offers extensive customization options and many extras. It’s also suitable for any type of website.

What’s The Difference Between Webflow And WordPress?

WordPress is an open-source CMS that’s fully customizable via coding. Once launched, it’s easy to add content even with little experience. Webflow is a no-code development platform that includes a visual website builder, a CMS, and a hosting plan.

Does Webflow Have A CMS?

The Webflow platform includes a CMS where no-code users can create, edit, and publish a website. It’s a modern web design approach to building quality and user-friendly sites, fast and easy.

Why Switch From WordPress To Webflow?

Webflow allows for a more modern design than most WordPress themes. Plus, it offers easy-to-use modules for custom animations and interactive elements that don’t slow pages down. Migrating your site from WordPress to Webflow is fairly simple with CSV import.

How Is Webflow Different From WordPress Plugins Like Elementor Or Divi?

Just like Webflow, WordPress builders like Divi and Elementor have visual drag-and-drop interfaces and a ‘box model’ web design. However, while Webflow design modules are easy to handle even by beginners, WordPress builders offer coding customization options that allow for total design control.

Is Webflow Good For E-Commerce Sites?

Some say Webflow is suitable for small or medium online stores with standard e-commerce needs and a small inventory. Others report that the platform still lacks essential modules, such as limitless product variation options and diverse tax/shipping options.