Webflow Websites Now Available

Alright, it's official, Operation Nation is now offering websites built on a new platform. Something different then our beloved Sanity/NextJS combo. And as you can probably tell from the title of this blog article, that is the #1 no-code builder platform, Webflow!

Webflow Websites & Performance

Yep, we finally drank the kool-aid and built a website with a true no-code website builder. The results were very impressive and exceeded my expectations!

Recently, we built a website for a side project Josien and myself are working on, which is our family travel brand, Nations Without Borders. You can view the website we recently launched at https://www.nationswithoutborders.com/.

I envisioned a design for the website that was heavy in images, video and animations. I thought for sure it was going to be impossible to score above 90+ in PageSpeed insights. Especially using a no-code builder that could be outputting less than desirable code quality.

But to my surprise, we were able to achieve outstanding results in PageSpeed 🚀 💯

As you can see, it's a beautiful sight when it's all green! Especially that 99 for Performance! 😍

Disclaimer: This website is still a work in progress when it comes to content and SEO. But with very low traffic at the moment, I don't mind sharing the results. So don't judge 😉

We were very fortunate to cross paths with an awesome and talented Web Designer/Webflow Developer that will be taking lead on any future Webflow projects that come our way. So huge shoutout to our newest team member, Onkar! 🙌👨‍💻

I've kind of held this pre-conceived notion that no-code tools on the market output less than desirable code. But to my surprise, the code output by Webflow is pretty damn good!

Why Webflow Websites?

So, why Webflow websites? Why are we now offering no-code websites instead of building only custom sites on top of Sanity CMS with NextJS? Well, there are multiple reasons, so let's dive it!

Cost-Effective and Scalable

One of the main reasons we're now offering Webflow websites is due to their cost-effectiveness. Not every client has the budget to invest in a custom-built website on a headless CMS like Sanity with NextJS. Websites that require complex custom coding, advanced integrations, and scalability to millions of users are time-intensive and costly. However, many businesses, especially startups and smaller companies, need a functional, visually appealing website without the hefty price tag.

Webflow offers a robust set of features that cater to the needs of most businesses without requiring a significant investment. For those just starting out or looking to establish an online presence, Webflow provides a great balance between functionality and affordability, making it an ideal choice for cost-conscious clients who still want a high-quality site.

Robust Feature Set: Power and Flexibility in One Platform

Since its inception in 2013, Webflow has evolved significantly, growing a dedicated user base of over 3.5 million and expanding to more than 600 employees. The platform’s continuous development and commitment to delivering new features have made it a favorite among developers and businesses alike.

Webflow’s recent feature updates, such as Localization support and the Webflow "App Library," have empowered developers to create highly customized and advanced websites. Here are a few standout features that make Webflow a powerful tool for building scalable websites:

• CMS Collections: Manage dynamic content with ease, allowing for a more flexible content strategy.
• Animations and Interactions: Create visually engaging animations without writing code, enhancing user experience.
• SEO Control: Webflow provides detailed SEO management tools, helping websites perform better in search engine rankings.
• Reliable Hosting: Hosted on AWS with Fastly CDN integration, Webflow offers fast, secure, and reliable hosting solutions.
• Logic: Automate workflows and connect your website with third-party apps, streamlining processes and enhancing functionality.
• User Accounts: Build member portals and offer gated content to create exclusive experiences for your users.
• Custom Code Integration: For those who need more advanced customizations, Webflow allows the addition of custom JavaScript or CSS.

Customization Capabilities

Webflow stands out for its ability to offer both no-code ease and deep customization. While it allows for rapid website development with its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, Webflow doesn't limit developers who want to dive deeper. You can fine-tune every aspect of the site to match your exact needs, whether through custom code or leveraging the extensive integrations available in the Webflow ecosystem.

From customizing CMS templates to creating unique interactions and animations, Webflow enables developers to deliver a truly bespoke experience without the complexity and cost traditionally associated with custom web development.

Thriving Ecosystem and Community

Another significant advantage of Webflow is its vibrant ecosystem and community support. With a dedicated user base, extensive documentation, and numerous third-party integrations, Webflow has built an ecosystem that fosters innovation and collaboration. The platform’s community is constantly sharing new templates, plugins, and workflows, making it easier for new users to get started and for seasoned developers to expand their skill set.

Webflow also regularly hosts events, webinars, and community meetups, providing a platform for users to learn, share, and grow together. This thriving ecosystem ensures that as the platform grows, users will continue to have access to the latest tools and techniques in web development.

Why Webflow is a Great Fit for Startups and Innovative Businesses

For SaaS, Crypto, Web3, Fintech startups, and other innovative businesses, Webflow provides an ideal platform to quickly launch a professional and scalable website. Its no-code approach speeds up the development process, allowing companies to focus more on growth and less on development hurdles. Moreover, with Webflow’s extensive feature set and customization capabilities, startups can build websites that not only look great but are also functional, fast, and ready to scale as the business grows.

Conclusion

At Operation Nation, we’re excited to offer Webflow as a powerful, cost-effective alternative to headless CMS websites built on Sanity and NextJS.

Now, does this mean we prefer to build Webflow websites over custom sites on NextJS and Sanity? Well, the answer is no. I personally get way more satisfaction out of building websites and apps with code, not a no-code GUI. But I do believe in offering client's the best tool for the job and for an investment that is within their budget.

Whether you're a startup looking to launch quickly, a business needing a professional online presence, or a company planning to scale, Webflow provides the tools and flexibility to meet your needs. We invite you to explore what Webflow can do for your business and see firsthand how a no-code platform can deliver exceptional results.

Ready to take your website to the next level? Contact us today to learn more about how our team can help you build a high-performance, scalable website with Webflow!