Web design platform labeled “no-code”, Webflow allows you to create a high-quality digital storefront with advanced design flexibility. A main alternative to Wix, Shopify, Wizishop or Squarespace, the SaaS tool has more than 2 million users worldwide.
If you’re looking for an intuitive, free and powerful solution to create an e-commerce site, this might be the tool you need. Let’s explore together the reasons to choose Webflow for your online store and the specific methodology to develop a high-performing e-commerce site with this CMS.
What is Webflow?
Webflow was founded in 2013 by Vlad Magdalin, a graduate of the University of California, alongside his brother Sergie Magdalin and Bryant Chou, a former student at the University of Berkeley. Together, they leveraged their engineering and design expertise to create a revolutionary platform that democratizes website creation.
The origin of Webflow goes back to a simple frustration: the complexity of coding attractive websites without advanced programming skills.
Today, the no-code platform is globally recognized for its ergonomics. It is used by well-known companies such as Dell, Rakuten, Zendesk, Upwork or MTV, as well as by many startups, agencies and freelancers. Besides, on Codeur.com, you will find numerous Webflow specialist web developers.
With an active community and constant support, Webflow continuously evolves to adapt to users’ expectations and the constraints of search engines.
Why choose Webflow for your e-commerce site?
Are you hesitating between several solutions to launch your online store? Discover the main reasons to consider Webflow for creating your e-commerce site!
Flexibility and no-code
One of Webflow’s greatest strengths is its flexibility in graphic design. Its powerful visual editor offers creative freedom superior to that of competitors like Shopify, Wix or Wizishop. This advanced customization allows professionals to realize their unique vision, adjust every detail of their online store and thus build a strong, coherent brand identity, without any web development knowledge!
Responsive design
In a world where 75% of web traffic comes from smartphone users and where more than half of online purchases is done on mobile, this adaptability is essential to capture and retain the attention of potential customers.
All templates offered by Webflow automatically adjust to mobile devices to provide an optimal user experience.
Security and performance
Webflow offers secure, high-performance hosting, with automatic stock updates and real-time order tracking. These features allow online store owners to focus on the growth of their business without worrying about technical details.
Integrations and automations
Every e-commerce is unique! Furthermore, you may use external tools to manage your inventory, sales, logistics, or marketing strategy. Webflow supports native integrations and automation tools (such as ShipStation, TaxJar, or Zapier, for example) to simplify order and delivery management. These add-ons improve efficiency and reduce human errors. In addition, by freeing entrepreneurs from repetitive tasks, they give them more time to focus on growing the business.
Support and community
Take advantage of support from the Webflow community and the educational resources available on the platform to maximize the effectiveness of your online store. Forums, tutorials, and online courses are valuable assets for any e-commerce entrepreneur embarking on this exciting journey.
What pricing does Webflow offer?
Choosing the right Webflow pricing plan for your e-commerce site essentially depends on your needs in terms of product volume and traffic.
STANDARD plan ($29/month)
Ideal for e-commerce sites in the launch phase, this plan includes:
- 500 products
- 2,000 customers in the integrated CMS
- 1,000 form submissions
- A custom domain name
- 200 GB of bandwidth
- Hosting 250,000 monthly visitors
- 3 users
- 2% transaction fees
PLUS plan ($74/month)
Designed for online stores with many products, already established in the market, this plan includes:
- Up to 5,000 e-commerce products
- Registration of 10,000 CMS accounts
- 2,500 form submissions
- 400 GB of bandwidth
- Hosting 300,000 monthly visitors
- 10 users
- No transaction fees
ADVANCED plan ($212/month)
Perfect for well-known e-commerce businesses looking to significantly expand their online presence. This plan includes:
- Up to 15,000 e-commerce products
- 10,000 CMS accounts
- 2,500 form submissions
- 400 GB of bandwidth
- 300,000 monthly visitors
- 15 users
- No transaction fees
How to create an e-commerce site with Webflow?
By following these 7 key steps, you can build an attractive and functional e-commerce site that perfectly reflects your brand.
1. Create a visual identity and style guide
Before you start designing your e-commerce site, consider defining a graphic charter and a distinctive brand identity. From the choice of colors to typography, including the logo, the main icons and visuals, make sure each component matches the message you want to send to online consumers.
If your graphic charter is already in place, prepare the elements to use on your online store.
2. Take HD photos of the products
Webflow allows you to add up to 25 images per product, as well as videos. It’s an opportunity to show your products from every angle to help visitors make their choice.
Use a quality camera to take sharp, well-lit images. Vary the angles and shots so visitors can picture themselves with your product. A neutral background will showcase your items. However, in some cases, show them in an attractive context—for example, furniture integrated into a room setting, clothing or accessories worn by models, etc.
3. Select a template
Webflow offers 100 varied e-commerce templates, many of which are free. Known for their adaptability, modern design and customizable options, these themes help you launch an online store that reflects your brand image in a few clicks.
4. Customize the theme
Once you’ve chosen a template, customize the design elements to align the site with your brand identity. Change colors, typography, images and add your logo.
Keep in mind that Webflow provides a large library of Google Fonts. However, if you don’t find your typeface, you will have the option to upload it.
5. Write product descriptions
Add your products manually, then write a detailed description. A well-written product page can significantly increase conversions by giving customers all the information they need to make a purchasing decision. Finally, consider SEO optimization by using keywords in:
- Title tags and meta descriptions.
- Alt tags for images.
- Product URLs.
6. Organize categories using collections
Use Webflow collections to organize your products. A collection is a group of similar items that you can style together. For example, you can create a collection for “clothing,” then subcategorize into “t-shirts,” “pants,” etc. This organization makes navigation easier and improves the user experience.
7. Configure e-commerce features
Now, all that remains is to configure the main features for a functional online store:
- Inventory tracking : with automatic updating after each sale, plus low-stock alerts to prevent stockouts.
- Payment methods: Webflow lets you offer your customers Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Authorize.net and Amazon Payments.
- Shipping methods : choose the local and international shipping options you want. You can also connect ShipStation to automate label printing and shipment tracking.
- Transactional emails : remember to enable them and, above all, customize them with your own text, logo and brand guidelines.
- Synchronization with your tools : ERP, CRM, email marketing tool, Google Analytics… Connect your platforms using extensions available for free on Webflow.
- Extensions useful for your needs : cart abandonment follow-ups, Facebook pixel, anti-spam system, newsletter signup form, purchase journey analysis tool…
Our final tip for creating an e-commerce site with Webflow
To ensure the success of your Webflow store, run thorough tests before launch. Check how it displays on different devices and try completing a purchase to analyze the checkout process and the configuration of confirmation emails. These steps are important to deliver a flawless user experience.
To create a high-quality e-commerce site with Webflow, Post your ad for free on Codeur.com and find an experienced web developer!
