My Journey from WordPress to Webflow
Learning Web Development with WordPress
When I first ventured into web development, WordPress was my platform of choice. Like many others, I quickly familiarised myself with MySQL, PHP, and the infamous WordPress Loop. At the time, WordPress was the go-to CMS for creating dynamic websites. Similarly, jQuery was the dominant JavaScript library, simplifying client-side scripting for developers. However, I soon realised that working on the server-side and managing databases wasn’t my passion. I was more inclined towards the visual aspects of web development.
Discovering Webflow Was a Game Changer
In 2019, a casual conversation with a friend introduced me to Webflow. He mentioned that it was a web platform worth exploring, and trusting his judgment, I decided to give it a try. From the moment I signed up, I realised that Webflow was a game changer. It combined everything I loved about web development, working with HTML and CSS, with the added benefit of seeing changes in real-time. The visual interface was intuitive and eliminated the tedious process of coding for every design tweak. One of the aspects that truly captivated me was Webflow’s interaction capabilities. As a fan of animations and micro-interactions, I often found myself limited by my coding skills. Webflow’s interaction tools bridged this gap, allowing me to create complex animations effortlessly. This feature opened up a world of possibilities and enabled me to bring my creative visions to life without the usual technical hurdles.
Transitioning from Digital Marketing to Webflow Development
Before my journey with Webflow, I worked as a Digital Marketing Manager at Metropolitan Pub Company, a brand of Greene King. In a small team, we all wore many hats, and I designed and built the first Metropolitan Pub Company website. Despite not being a full-time designer and developer, I enjoyed the creativity involved in web design. My enthusiasm for Webflow led me to make a pivotal decision: leaving my full-time role to join the friend who had introduced me to this innovative platform. Together, we worked at an agency called Get Create, now known as standrd, specialising in Webflow websites for hospitality clients. This experience solidified my skills and marked the beginning of my new career path.
Opening My Eyes to the World of No-Code
Webflow opened up a world of possibilities, introducing me to a range of no-code tools like Make, Airtable, and Basin. These tools allowed me to streamline workflows and integrate APIs without extensive coding knowledge. This newfound capability further enhanced my ability to deliver complex, functional websites, broadening my service offerings. No-code tools enabled me to create websites that I had only imagined or previously briefed agencies to create for me.
Freelancing and Becoming a Webflow Professional Partner
Armed with experience and a passion for Webflow, I eventually transitioned into freelancing. I specialise in hospitality and lifestyle businesses, leveraging my years of experience in the industry to create sites that meet the needs of business owners. The platform’s user-friendly interface and powerful tools have streamlined my workflow, allowing me to focus on design and user experience rather than getting bogged down in code. My journey with Webflow has been incredibly rewarding. I am now a Webflow Professional Partner and a Webflow template creator.
Conclusion
Switching to Webflow was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It was pivotal in allowing me to set up my own business and enjoy the work I do on a daily basis. If you’re a developer or a digital marketer looking for a more seamless and visually-driven approach to web design, I highly recommend giving Webflow a try. It’s a platform that truly understands and caters to the needs of modern web developers and designers.