Why You Should Avoid Free Website Builders

Webflow and WordPress are two different CMS platforms with different purposes and target audiences. 

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We’ve certainly tackled this subject before of Webflow vs WordPress, but we’ll give you a more extensive breakdown here for you. 

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Webflow is a website builder and design tool that allows users to create responsive websites visually, without writing any code. It is primarily used by designers and creative professionals who want to build custom websites for their clients or personal projects. Webflow offers a range of design features, including a drag-and-drop interface, templates, and customizable elements. It also includes hosting and e-commerce functionality.

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WordPress, on the other hand, is a content management system (CMS) that is used to create and manage websites. It is a more general-purpose platform that is suitable for a wide range of websites, including blogs, e-commerce stores, business websites, and more. WordPress is based on a template system and offers a range of features, including a visual editor, media management, and plugin support. WordPress is often used by bloggers, small business owners, and developers.

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In summary, Webflow is a website builder that is focused on design and offers a range of design features, while WordPress is a CMS that is more focused on content management and is suitable for a wide range of websites.

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Webflow vs WordPress: Advantages of Each Platform

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Here are five potential advantages of using Webflow:

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1. Visually appealing websites: Webflow's drag-and-drop interface and design features make it easy to create visually appealing websites.
2. Responsive design: Webflow allows users to create responsive websites that look good on all devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.
3. No coding required: Webflow does not need users to have any coding skills, making it a good option for designers and creative professionals who want to build custom websites without writing code.
4. Hosting and e-commerce functionality: Webflow includes hosting and e-commerce functionality, making it easy for users to launch and manage their websites.
5. Customizable templates: Webflow offers a range of customizable templates that users can use as a starting point for their websites, saving time and effort.

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Here are five potential advantages of using WordPress:

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1. Wide range of uses: WordPress is a general-purpose CMS that can be used to create a wide range of websites, including blogs, business websites, e-commerce stores, and more.
2. Easy to use: WordPress has a visual editor and a range of features that make it easy for users to create and manage their websites, even if they don't have any coding skills.
3. Large community: WordPress has a large and active community of users, developers, and designers who contribute to the platform and provide support and resources.
4. Extensive plugin support: WordPress has a large selection of plugins that can be used to add functionality to a website, such as contact forms, SEO tools, and more.
5. Cost-effective: WordPress is an open-source platform, which means that it is free to use. Users only need to pay for hosting and any premium themes or plugins they choose to use.

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Webflow vs WordPress: Disadvantages of Each Platform

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Here are five possible disadvantages of using Webflow:

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1. Limited plugin support: Webflow does not support plugins in the same way that WordPress does. This means that users may have less flexibility when it comes to adding additional functionality to their websites.
2. Limited customization options: While Webflow allows users to customize their websites, the customization options may be more limited compared to WordPress, which has a larger selection of themes and plugins.
3. Higher learning curve: While Webflow is easy to use, it may have a steeper learning curve compared to WordPress, which is more geared toward beginners.
4. More expensive: Webflow is a paid platform, which means that users will have to pay a subscription fee to use it. This may be more expensive compared to WordPress, which is free to use.
5. Limited multilingual support: Webflow does not have built-in multilingual support, which means that users will have to use third-party tools or custom code to create a multilingual website.

Here are five possible disadvantages of using WordPress:

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1. Security vulnerabilities: WordPress is a popular platform, which means that it is a target for hackers. Users may need to take additional security measures to protect their websites.
2. Slower performance: WordPress websites may be slower compared to static websites or those built with other platforms. This can be due to the use of plugins and the fact that WordPress websites are dynamic, which requires additional processing power.
3. Limited design options: While WordPress has a large selection of themes, the design options may be more limited compared to a platform like Webflow, which is focused on design.
4. More maintenance required: WordPress websites require regular updates and maintenance to ensure that they are secure and functioning properly. This can be time-consuming for users who don't have the technical skills or resources to manage these tasks.
5. Limited support: While WordPress has a large community of users and developers, it may be harder to find support or resources if you run into problems or have specific questions. Users may have to rely on online forums or pay for premium support.

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Why Should you use Webflow over WordPress?

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There are a few potential reasons why someone might choose to use Webflow over WordPress. Primarily this is focused on UI/UX (user interface and experience) without coding knowledge. 

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1. Design focus: Webflow is primarily a design tool, so it may be a better option for users who are more focused on the visual aspect of their website. Webflow offers a range of design features, including a drag-and-drop interface, templates, and customizable elements.
2. No coding required: Webflow does not need users to have any coding skills, making it a good option for designers and creative professionals who want to build custom websites without writing code.
3. E-commerce functionality: Webflow includes built-in e-commerce functionality, making it easy for users to set up and manage an online store.
4. Hosting included: Webflow includes hosting as part of its subscription, so users don't have to worry about finding a separate hosting provider.
5. Simplified workflow: Webflow offers a streamlined workflow for designing and launching websites, which may be more convenient for users who want to focus on design and don't want to deal with the technical aspects of setting up a website.

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That being said, WordPress is a widely used and powerful platform that is suitable for a wide range of websites. It may be a better option for users who are more focused on content management or who need more flexibility and customization options.

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Costs of Webflow vs WordPress

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The cost of using Webflow and WordPress will depend on several factors, such as the hosting plan you choose, the number of features and plugins you need, and any additional services you might want to purchase.

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Webflow offers four pricing plans:

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1. Free plan: This plan is free and includes basic features such as web hosting, a built-in CMS, and access to pre-designed templates. However, it does not include access to certain features such as custom code, e-commerce, or email marketing.
2. Lite plan: This plan costs $16 per month and includes all the features of the free plan, plus access to custom code, e-commerce, and email marketing.
3. Pro plan: This plan costs $35 per month and includes all the features of the Lite plan, plus additional features such as the ability to create multiple sites, access to advanced design tools, and the ability to collaborate with team members.
4. Team plan: This plan costs $87 per month and includes all the features of the Pro plan, plus additional features such as the ability to collaborate with an unlimited number of team members, advanced project management tools, and priority support.

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WordPress, on the other hand, is free to use, but you will need to pay for hosting and any additional features or services you might want to add to your website. There are many hosting options available for WordPress, ranging from shared hosting plans that cost a few dollars per month to managed hosting plans that cost several hundred dollars per month. In addition, you can extend the functionality of your WordPress site by installing plugins and themes, which may have additional costs associated with them.

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Overall, the cost of using Webflow or WordPress will depend on the specific needs and goals of your website, as well as the hosting and additional features you choose.

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What is No Code? 

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No-code refers to a type of software development approach that allows users to build and customize software applications without writing any code. Instead of using traditional programming languages, no-code platforms use visual interfaces and pre-built components to allow users to create and customize applications.

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No-code platforms are designed to be user-friendly and accessible to people who don't have any coding experience. They are often used by small businesses, startups, and individuals who want to create custom software applications without the need for a team of developers.

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Some examples of no-code platforms include:

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1. Webflow: Webflow is a visual website design and development platform that allows users to create professional-grade websites without writing any code.
2. Bubble: Bubble is a no-code platform that allows users to build and customize web applications without any coding knowledge.
3. Airtable: Airtable is a no-code platform that allows users to create custom databases and workflows without any coding knowledge.
4. Zapier: Zapier is a no-code platform that allows users to automate tasks and create custom integrations between different software applications without any coding knowledge.

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Overall, no-code platforms are a useful tool for people who want to create custom software applications without any coding knowledge, and they are suitable for a wide range of industries and use cases.

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Step By Step To Convert from WordPress to Webflow

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If you have an existing website built with WordPress and you want to switch to Webflow, you can follow these steps to migrate your content from WordPress to Webflow:

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1. Export your WordPress content: In WordPress, go to Tools > Export and export your content as an XML file. This will create a file that contains all your posts, pages, and other content.
2. Import your WordPress content into Webflow: In Webflow, go to Settings > Import/Export and choose the option to import content from another CMS. Select the XML file that you exported from WordPress and follow the prompts to import your content into Webflow.
3. Set up your Webflow website: Once your content has been imported into Webflow, you will need to set up your website by choosing a template, customizing the design, and setting up any additional features or functionality you need.
4. Redirect your old WordPress URLs: If you have an existing WordPress website with a lot of content, you will want to redirect your old URLs to the corresponding pages on your new Webflow website. This will help to preserve your search engine rankings and ensure that users who visit your old URLs will be redirected to the correct page on your new website.
5. Publish your new Webflow website: Once you have finished setting up your new Webflow website and redirecting your old URLs, you can publish your website and make it live.

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Overall, migrating from WordPress to Webflow involves exporting your content from WordPress, importing it into Webflow, setting up your new website, and redirecting your old URLs. It is a process that requires some planning and attention to detail, but it can be a useful way to take advantage of the visual design and development capabilities of Webflow.

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Is Webflow better for SEO or WordPress

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Both Webflow and WordPress have the potential to be good for SEO (Search Engine Optimization), but the specific benefits will depend on how you use each platform and the features and functionality you choose to implement.

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Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether Webflow or WordPress is better for SEO:

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1. Content management: Both Webflow and WordPress have built-in content management systems (CMS) that allow users to easily create and manage content on their websites. WordPress is generally considered to be more SEO-friendly in this respect, as it has several built-in features and plugins that can help to improve the SEO of a website, such as the ability to add tags and categories, create XML sitemaps, and automatically generate meta tags. Webflow also has some basic SEO features, such as the ability to add alt tags to images and custom meta tags, but it may have fewer advanced SEO options than WordPress.
2. Customization: Both Webflow and WordPress allow users to customize their websites to a certain extent, but WordPress is generally considered to be more flexible and customizable. This can be a benefit for SEO, as it allows users to implement more advanced SEO strategies and customize their websites to meet their specific needs. Webflow, on the other hand, is more visually oriented and may not offer as many customization options.
3. Hosting: The hosting environment can have an impact on the SEO of a website. WordPress offers many hosting options, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, and managed hosting, which can affect the performance and SEO of a website. Webflow, on the other hand, offers its hosting service, which is optimized for performance and SEO.

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Overall, both Webflow and WordPress have the potential to be good for SEO, but the specific benefits will depend on how you use each platform and the features and functionality you choose to implement. It is important to consider your specific SEO needs and goals when deciding which platform is best for your website.

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In conclusion, switching from WordPress to Webflow using Choquer Creative can offer numerous benefits for individuals and businesses. Webflow is a powerful and intuitive website design and development platform that allows users to create professional-quality websites with minimal coding knowledge. 

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Choquer Creative is a trusted Webflow partner with a team of experienced designers and Webflow developers who can help users make the most of Webflow's features. Additionally, Webflow provides a more streamlined and user-friendly interface, as well as advanced design capabilities and SEO features that can help users create and maintain a high-performing website. 

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The switch from WordPress to Webflow with the support of Choquer Creative can be a smart decision for anyone looking to enhance the functionality and appearance of their website.

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• Cross Your T’s & Dot Your I’s: While this may sound basic, it is incredibly important to proofread and spell check your content. Finding unflattering typos can repel people from your brand and its messaging. If you’re a small business that cannot afford to hire a content manager for your site, you’ll probably have to deal with the leg work. But thank god for Grammarly. If you need well-crafted content, you may seek out a freelance writer on one of the several writers for hire boards all over the internet.
• Check On Your Favicons - At the top of your search bar, by each tab, you’ll notice the tiny icons that are usually logos or images about that website. They’re quite essential but they’re also one of the finer details that most people can sometimes overlook. Having fun seasonal, on-brand favicons is a great little detail to make your website stand out.
• Design A Custom 404 Page - A 404 error page shouldn’t be an inconvenience when it’s got the potential to be an awesome navigation tool. Encourage your viewers to stick around by having useful navigation buttons. It can make or break user experience so stop what you’re doing and get that done pronto if you haven’t!
• Design A Custom Mobile Menu - Mobile design is a BIG deal. Read our article about responsive design and nose dive into the wonderful world of breakpoints. Long story short, a great menu can be a massive asset. If your viewer can’t navigate between.
• Custom Social Media Previews - Your website is an essential part of your company’s digital trail and if a viewer wants to share your work, make that possible by all means. Ensure you create custom Facebook and Twitter previews as well. Oh, and don’t forget social images that are inviting and appealing.
• Create a Good Privacy Policy - If you’re offering newsletters or asking people for data to sign up for services, it is advised to have a well-rounded policy. While most people don’t read through T&C’s, people who know anything about GDPR will know that your site is just a gutsy DIY. While there’s nothing wrong with that either, it’s best to cover your bases and avoid setbacks.
• Ensure Your Footer Has A Copyright Declaration: While rules vary around the world, generally in Canada, the work you’ve created is automatically protected by copyright. But you can also register your work at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office where you will receive a certificate proving your intellectual property ownership. The copyright declaration usually consists of three parts: The symbol ©, or the word "Copyright" or "Copr."; The year of first publication of the website; and the name of the owner of the copyright.
• Don’t Forget Contact Info: While most websites have a contact us tab, its best to have a quick mention at the footer of your website. Don’t make contacting you a chore.
• Set Up Google Analytics: Google Analytics is a great free resource that can give you valuable insights on your website’s performance. You’ll be able to track the growth of your website and its online traction. While WordPress has a handy plug-in that sets up analytics, Squarespace has integrated analytics tools that can come in very handy.
• Check your links and CTA’s: Leave no stone unturned and leave no links broken. Ironing out your website before it goes live is crucial as it greatly affects user experience and search engines are quick to notice when users have a hard time on a certain website.
• Double-check your images: Test out webpages and see to it that your images translate well on all the platforms you’ve designed for. Optimize images on your website by avoiding BMP or TIFF images and stick to JPEGs. Make sure your images aren’t too bulky since that also affects load time. And we all know what happens when a page takes too long to load, you leave it to watch videos of cats on Instagram.
• Ensure You Have Alt-Texts In Place: Alt text lets a search engine know what your images are all about. This helps your site’s SEO massively. So gather your images and have it ready to go with alt texts that include relevant keywords. PS. You don’t have to write alt text for images that serve a design’s purpose. Pictures of your products or blog post images can benefit from alt text.
• Review Your Widgets: With all the crazy widgets you can add to your website on WordPress, Squarespace, etc, it's easy to get carried away. Remember that they take up a fair amount of real estate on your website. So you might want to reconsider having your twitter feed on your website when you only really tweet once a month. Get rid of random widgets and always make sure the ones you stick with serve a purpose.
• Leave Out The Fluff: People want clear, honest messaging. Nobody has the time for meandering content that serves no purpose. Place all your cards on the table and let them know from the get-go what your services and products are without it being gimmicky. Don’t bother sounding salesy. If you’re making claims about your product, nail down the facts, and provide relevant statistics or reinforcing proof to back it up. Your brand is loved by the locals? Add testimonials that stand out.
• Check Your Homepage’s Relevance: Your Homepage is the online face of your brand. First impressions are everything. Hence, you have to see to it that the content on your homepage is relevant and not stuffed with too many sections that overwhelm your visitor.
• Keep Your Contact Forms Simple: Nobody likes filling out lengthy forms especially when you’re on an unfamiliar website. Keep it minimal because with more information you ask for, the more you repel your visitor. They don’t trust you well enough to hand you that info. So don’t expect them to. Allow them to have a hassle-free experience with very few, nonthreatening fields to fill out.
• Formulate Your Unique Selling Point and Put It On Display: When people land on your website, they need to know instantly what makes you different from other companies before they scurry off into the internet’s abyss full of competition.
• Plan Your Outreach Before Launch: You have to get the word out there once your website launches. Grab hold of your friends and family to check out your website. If there’s something wrong, mother dearest would point it out instead of a ticked off customer/viewer. Additionally, look up bloggers and writers and organize pre-launch interviews. They can help you create great backlinks and buzz about your website.
• Set Up An Advertising Budget: Lay down these fundamental digital marketing practices and organize your ad schedules and budgets. Will you be doing pay-per-click campaigns? Paid Reviews? Youtube Ads? It’s best to make sure you have all of that planned out for when you launch.
• Set Up Your Marketing Arsenal: Ensure you have handy tools like Hootsuite, Mailchimp, or equivalent. Keeping track of your leads and ensuring timely communication is key in customer relationship management. MAnaging your brand does not stop at launching your website. This is only just the beginning.