Webflow — does its SEO potential suit your website’s CMS needs?

You have a website, that’s great! But that’s just half of the battle — the real challenge lies in bringing people to your digital doorstep. With tools like Webflow, creating a bold, dynamic online presence has never been more accessible. However, in the content war that ensues, where thousands compete for attention, the key to victory lies in optimizing for search engines — a practice known as SEO.

You may think about pleasing the ever-evolving algorithms but instead focus on optimizing your website for the real users: humans. Remember that search engines are designed to serve relevant, helpful content to people. Now, let’s talk about Webflow — a platform that not only helps you create visually stunning websites but also understands the importance of SEO.

Through this article, we’ll unravel how Webflow can be your SEO ally, ensuring your content is not just optimized for search engines but, more importantly, resonates with the human users navigating the digital landscape. Let’s dive into how Webflow might be the missing piece in your CMS puzzle, striking the perfect balance between search optimization and user engagement.

What is the difference between Webflow and other CMSs?

Webflow stands out as a visual website development platform, sparing users the need to manually code HTML, CSS, or JavaScript. Instead, it offers a user-friendly visual interface, allowing for efficient custom website layout creation with just basic HTML and CSS skills. Unlike open-source alternatives, Webflow is a proprietary solution from a private company, offering a unique approach to website development.

A notable feature is Webflow’s integrated hosting, leveraging the global Content Delivery Network (CDN) of Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Fastly. This ensures a robust server infrastructure supporting millions of websites, delivering top-speed page loading even during heavy traffic periods.

Webflow has emerged as a powerful tool for SEO enthusiasts with its slew of features.

Webflow presents a compelling choice, especially for SEO enthusiasts. The platform’s intuitive visual design tools and hosting infrastructure, backed by AWS, make it a worthy contender for those seeking a seamless website development experience with a focus on optimal performance and search engine visibility.

Pros and cons of Webflow for SEO

Webflow has emerged as a powerful tool for SEO enthusiasts with its slew of features. However, it still has its drawbacks. Navigating the decision to choose the right platform for your business involves weighing the advantages and drawbacks. Let’s delve into the pros and cons of opting for Webflow:

Pros

Webflow offers several advantages for search engine optimization. Here are some of the key benefits:

• User-friendly design. The platform’s intuitive user experience allows for the creation of attractively-designed, user-friendly pages. This is crucial for SEO, as it enhances user engagement and reduces bounce rates.
• Fast site speed. Websites built with Webflow typically load quickly and pass Google’s core web vitals, a set of factors Google uses to assess a webpage’s overall user experience.
• Easy metadata editing. Editing metadata, which is vital for SEO, is straightforward and doesn’t require coding skills. This accessibility makes it easier to optimize your site for search engines.
• SEO-friendly URLs. Webflow supports the creation of clean, descriptive URLs, which are preferred by search engines and help in better indexing and ranking.
• Advanced SEO features. The platform enables the implementation of complex SEO features like custom schema data, hreflangs for international targeting, canonical tags to manage duplicate content, and the ability to edit CMS collection pages for structured data.

Cons

While Webflow offers numerous benefits for SEO, there are also some limitations to consider:

• Lack of code customizations. The inability to perform deep customizations at the code level can be a hindrance for advanced SEO strategies that require specific coding interventions.
• Desktop-only edits. The absence of a mobile app for editing content can limit flexibility and speed, especially for SEO professionals who need to make quick, on-the-go adjustments.
• Complex pricing plans. Webflow’s pricing structure may be a barrier, especially for small businesses or individuals just starting with SEO.
• Limitations in eCommerce. For those looking to integrate eCommerce with SEO, Webflow’s limited eCommerce capabilities and payment gateway restrictions could be a setback.
• Learning curve and coding knowledge. Despite Webflow being marketed as a no-code solution, CSS and HTML knowledge is still required for SEO work, which could be a problem for beginners.

Webflow is redefining the landscape of SEO-friendly web design. Its intuitive interface and robust features seamlessly blend aesthetics with optimization, offering a new level of control and efficiency for SEO professionals.

Webflow SEO Settings And Tools 

SEO is a primary focus of Webflow, and you’ll find numerous content and website optimization features to ensure your site ranks highly. From metadata to image and URL optimization, Webflow ensures you have all you need to optimize your site for search engines.

Now, let’s explore the SEO settings and tools of Webflow. 

Content optimization 

Webflow empowers you to effortlessly tweak meta titles and descriptions for all your pages, whether static or dynamic (CMS). By navigating to the preview section, you can visualize how your link will appear in Google’s search results — this flexibility not only aids in keyword optimization but also opens the door for A/B testing headlines and descriptions, boosting your page’s clickthrough rate (CTR).

Metadata

Maintaining accurate title tags and meta descriptions is crucial for all live pages. This not only enhances your search ranking but ensures users easily locate relevant information.

For dynamic content like blogs or CMS-based landing pages, streamline the process by defining a pattern for SEO settings across all Collection pages. 

In your Collection Template settings, simply incorporate the desired Collection fields (e.g., “Name” for the title tag and “Summary” for the meta description). This way, each item within the Collection automatically inherits its SEO settings based on your defined pattern. 

The beauty lies in the flexibility to combine fields or include custom text, providing a dynamic approach to previewing all your collection items.

Heading tags (H1–H6)

In web content, headings are crucial in enhancing readability for both users and search engines. Webflow provides six heading options, ranging from the largest (H1) to the smallest (H6).

Selecting the appropriate heading involves strategic organization. Typically, the top-level heading (H1) is a captivating headline, just like a newspaper heading. It should be concise, unique to the page, and crafted with a human audience in mind. 

Subheadings, often H2s, can be employed in various sections, with H3s nested under H2s and so forth. Headings are like signposts for both human users and search engines, providing insight into the page’s content.

In Webflow, styling headings is a breeze. Simply add a heading from the Add panel, then double-click to edit content, and use the Style panel to adjust font, size, weight, color, and more. If you already have a styled heading, assign it a class name for consistency.

Editing headings is straightforward — double-click the element or select it and press Enter. Then, replace the placeholder text with your content.

For nuanced formatting, such as bold or italic styles, double-click into the heading element and use the context menu for styling. 

URLs

Creating SEO-friendly URLs in Webflow involves optimizing them for both search engines and user experience. Follow the guidelines below to ensure your URLs are effective:

Conciseness and keyword inclusion

Formulate URLs that are short, yet rich in relevant keywords. Align them with your page content and refrain from using unnecessary filler words. For instance, if your blog post is about monetizing a website, your URL could be /blog/how-to-monetize-a-website.

Benefits of shorter URLs

Opt for shorter URLs for several reasons:

• Full titles are displayed in search results, eliminating the need to repeat them in the URL.
• Short URLs are more memorable and shareable on social media.

Setting custom page slugs in Webflow

Leverage Webflow’s flexibility to set custom page slugs for static, dynamic, and utility pages in the Pages panel. Unlike some platforms, Webflow doesn’t impose lengthy permalink structures, allowing for efficient customization.

Considerations and limitations

While Webflow provides freedom in URL customization, be aware of two considerations:

• All blog entries, by default, should have a /blog/ attribute. If migrating from a different platform, set up redirects for consistent structure.
• Certain slugs are reserved for specific page types. For example, on an eCommerce plan, specific slugs like /checkout/ are reserved, necessitating awareness during customization.

Images

An image element in Webflow is a standalone placeholder on your canvas, distinct from background images set on elements like sections or div blocks. Here’s a simplified guide on handling image elements:

Adding images

• Add panel: Drag an image element from the Add panel onto the canvas.
• Assets panel: Upload images to the Assets panel and drag them onto the canvas.
• Quick find: Use the quick find feature (Command + E on Mac or Control + E on Windows) to search and add images directly from the Assets panel.
• Your сomputer: Drag images from your computer straight to the canvas.

Editing image settings

• Access image settings by selecting the image element.
• Double-clicking on the element.
• Press Enter/Return.
• Click the “cog” icon next to the element.
• Press D or go to the Element settings panel.

In Image settings, you can:

• Choose or replace an image from your Assets panel.
• Adjust image size in pixels.
• Enable HiDPI for better display on high-resolution screens.
• Set loading behavior (Lazy, Eager, or Auto).

Replacing images

Replace an existing image by selecting it, going to Element settings > Image settings, and clicking Replace image. Choose an existing image or upload a new one.

Styling images

Use the Style panel to apply styles to images. Classes offer efficiency by applying styles collectively. Style properties include:

• Radius for corner rounding;
• Drop shadow for a lifted effect;
• Filters like blur, grayscale, or sepia.

Adding alt text

Alt text provides a description for images. To add alt text:

• Select the image;
• Go to Element settings > Image settings;
• Under Alt text, choose Custom description and write your alt text;
• For decorative images, select Decorative from the alt text dropdown.

Blogging 

Webflow seamlessly integrates basic blogging functionalities into its content management system (CMS). Within the CMS, users can establish a dedicated collection for blog posts, treating each item as an individual post. Moreover, the platform employs a user-friendly text editor that facilitates a familiar writing experience similar to popular word-processing applications.

Formatting options within Webflow empower users to enhance the visual appeal of their blog content. Basic text formatting, such as bold, italic, and underline, is complemented by features like headings, lists, and media embedding. That’s not all, users can effortlessly integrate images, videos, and other multimedia elements to enrich their blog posts.

Editing is made simple with Webflow’s CMS, which maintains a revision history for tracking changes and facilitating version control. The real-time preview feature allows users to visualize their content’s appearance on the website before hitting the publish button — this feature proves instrumental in refining the layout and ensuring a polished presentation.

In conclusion, Webflow offers an intuitive environment for creating, formatting, and editing blog content. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced blogger, Webflow provides the necessary tools to publish and manage compelling posts on your website, contributing to a seamless and efficient blogging experience.

Navigation menus and taxonomy 

Organizing multiple pages on your website is important for ensuring a seamless user experience. With Webflow’s powerful navigation menus (navbar) and taxonomy features, you can efficiently structure and present your content. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Navbar placement

• Open the Add panel > Elements.
• Drag the navbar from the Advanced section onto the Webflow canvas.
• Place the navbar anywhere on your site, considering user navigation flow.

Understanding navbar components

• Brand: Use the left Brand section for logos or brand indications.
• Nav menu: Located on the right, it’s a parent element containing all navigation links.
• Nav links: Text links that are usually linked to different pages or sections.
• Menu button: Hidden on the desktop, it appears on smaller screens, facilitating navigation.

Configuring brand logo

• In the Assets panel, upload your logo.
• Drag the logo into the Brand link.
• Link it to the homepage in Element settings.
• Add a role and aria-label for accessibility in Custom attributes.

Adding nav links

• Select any element in the Navbar.
• Open Element settings > Navbar settings.
• Click Add link or copy-paste existing links.
• Alternatively, copy and paste a styled nav link to save time.

Linking nav links

• Select a nav link.
• Open Element settings > Link settings.
• Choose a link type and set the destination.

Styling the navbar

• Adjust the navbar and nav menu size in the Style panel.
• Create and apply classes for consistent styling.
• Customize link states for visual feedback.

Creating a dropdown

• In Add panel > Advanced, drag the dropdown element to your desired location.
• Customize dropdown settings in the Element settings panel.

Navigation taxonomy

• Use the nav menu and dropdowns to create a hierarchical structure.
• Group related pages under specific nav links.
• Consider user flow and logical categorization for easy navigation.

Responsive design

• Customize button visibility for different breakpoints.
• Ensure the menu button and dropdowns work seamlessly on smaller screens.

By following these steps, you can not only create an aesthetically pleasing navbar but also organize your website’s content effectively, providing a user-friendly navigation experience.

User experience: design and layout 

When it comes to design and layout, Webflow stands out as a user-friendly platform offering a plethora of free templates and customizable design tools. These tools empower users to distinguish their brand by effortlessly playing with colors, fonts, and content.

Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a novice, Webflow’s intuitive UX settings contribute significantly to positive user interactions with your website. The platform’s emphasis on user experience translates into enhanced engagement, evident in prolonged time spent on the website and increased page views. 

With Webflow’s seamless blend of creative freedom and user-focused design, achieving impressive results becomes not just a possibility but a streamlined reality for users of all levels.

Technical optimization 

Technical optimization is crucial for ensuring peak performance, whether it’s enhancing your user’s experience or boosting your site’s speed. Here’s what Webflow offers in terms of technical optimization. 

Webflow.io subdomain 

When you’re creating your website with Webflow, you automatically get a staging domain to preview your masterpiece — a subdomain version of your site on webflow.io, which allows you to test and fine-tune your website before taking it live.

However, if you’re ready to move beyond the staging phase and want to disable the webflow.io subdomain, here’s the scoop — to bid farewell to the webflow.io domain, you’ll need to have a paid subscription with Webflow. Only with a paid plan can you unlock the option to disable the staging subdomain.

Disabling the webflow.io subdomain is a strategic move, especially if you’re aiming for a professional and polished online presence — having your custom domain enhances your brand’s credibility. So, when you’re all set and ready to launch, consider upgrading to a paid plan to take full control of your domain destiny.

Sitemap 

Creating a sitemap is like giving your website a roadmap for both users and search engines. Here’s how you can make it work seamlessly:

Auto-generate your sitemap

• Head to Site settings > SEO tab > Sitemap section.
• Toggle Auto-generate sitemap to “Yes.”
• Save changes and publish your site.

Tip: Set a default domain to avoid any redirect confusion.

Customize your sitemap

Prefer a personal touch? You can craft your own sitemap:

• Visit Site Settings > SEO tab > Sitemap section.
• Toggle Auto-generate sitemap to “No.”
• Paste your custom sitemap in the field.
• Save changes and publish your site.

Note: Once the sitemap is in, changing it will take some time and extra effort. Choose wisely!

For advanced users managing multiple sites

• Go to Site Settings > SEO tab > Indexing section.
• Toggle Remove sitemap.xml from robots.txt to “Yes.”
• Input your custom sitemap in the robots.txt field.
• Save changes and publish your site.

Submit to Google

Tell Google about your sitemap for quicker indexing. If you’ve disabled auto-generated sitemap, add it to your robots.txt:

• Go to Site Settings > SEO tab > Indexing section.
• Enter “Sitemap: https://{your-site.com}/sitemap.xml.”

Important: Skip this step if using Webflow’s auto-generated sitemap.

For all sites, submit to Google Search Console:

• Open Google Search Console.
• Choose your property.
• Type “sitemap.xml” and hit Submit.

Indexing 

Controlling what pages search engines explore is like being the gatekeeper of your website’s secrets. Here’s your guide on how to manage it effortlessly:

• Disable Indexing of Webflow Subdomain.
• Visit Site Settings > SEO tab > Indexing section.
• Toggle “Disable Webflow subdomain indexing” to “Yes.”
• Save changes and publish your site.

Note: This feature requires a Site plan or paid Workspace.

Enable/disable indexing of site pages

There are two simple ways to dance with indexing:

1. Sitemap indexing toggle:

To Disable:

• Go to the page you want to hide.
• Navigate to Page settings > SEO settings.
• Toggle Sitemap indexing “off.”
• Publish your site.

To Re-enable:

• Visit the page.
• Head to Page settings > SEO settings.
• Toggle Sitemap indexing “on.”
• Publish your site.

2. Robots.txt Magic:

To generate a robots.txt file:

• Go to Site Settings> SEO tab > Indexing section.
• Add desired rules.
• Save changes and publish.

Note: For previous content, use Sitemap indexing to ensure non-indexing.

404 page 

When you try to visit a webpage that doesn’t exist or has been moved or deleted, you’ll encounter a 404 error page. This page indicates that the content you’re looking for couldn’t be found on the server.

Locating the 404 page

The 404 page for each project is situated in the Utility Pages section of the Pages Panel. You can easily spot it as it’s highlighted under this section.

Customizing your 404 page

Feel free to personalize your site’s 404 page to match your design preferences. By default, it includes a large exclamation point icon, a text block with “Page Not Found,” and a user message. You have the creative freedom to modify it as you wish.

Testing your 404 page

Ensure your 404-page functions as expected by testing it. Open a new browser tab and enter a URL from your site that doesn’t exist (e.g., “your-site.webflow.io/does-not-exist”).

Canonical tags 

Canonical tags are crucial for managing duplicate content on your website and guiding search engines to the preferred version of a page. To set canonical tags in Webflow:

Navigate to the settings of the project and then:

• Open the SEO Settings.
• Find the “Global Canonical URL” field.
• Enter the preferred URL for the desired page, ensuring it is the canonical version.
• Save your changes.

This helps search engines understand the authoritative version of your content, which is especially useful for avoiding SEO issues related to duplicate content.

HTTPS

When it comes to websites, security is indispensable. All websites created on Webflow automatically use HTTPS by default. HTTPS encrypts the data transmitted between the user’s browser and your website, ensuring a secure and private connection.

With HTTPS, visitors can trust that the information they share on your site remains confidential. It also contributes positively to your site’s SEO, as search engines often prioritize secure websites. Enjoy the benefits of a secure connection without any extra configuration, as Webflow handles HTTPS for all websites.

301 redirect setting 

You can permanently redirect old pages or entire sets of pages to new locations on your Webflow site using 301 redirects. To do it, follow these simple steps:

• Navigate to Site Settings > Publishing > 301 redirects‍.
• Enter the old URL in the “Old Path” field (e.g., /old-url).
• Specify the new URL in the “Redirect to path” field (/entirely/new-url/structure).
• Click on “Add redirect path.”
• Publish your site.

To test the redirect, enter the old URL in a new browser tab. Refer to the escape characters section below for details on writing redirect URLs.

Redirecting an entire folder

Redirecting a complete folder follows a similar process:

• Go to Site Settings> Publishing > 301 redirects‍.
• Incorporate a capture group (.) in the old URL structure in the “Old path” field (e.g., /oldfolder/(.)).
• Utilize the target path %1 for the new URL structure in the “Redirect to path” field (/entirely/new-url/structure/%1).

Schema markup setting 

Enhance your Webflow website’s search engine visibility, elevate search results presentation, and boost overall performance by incorporating Schema Markup. Here’s a simple method to get you started:

• Identify pages. Choose the specific pages where you intend to implement Schema Markup, such as blog posts or service pages.
• Utilize a generator tool. Employ a Schema Markup generator tool to produce the suitable Schema Markup code for each identified page.
• Access Webflow CMS. Open your Webflow website in the CMS and navigate to the desired page.
• Access page settings. Click on the page settings icon located in the top bar, then proceed to the “Custom Code” tab.
• Insert markup code. Paste the Schema Markup code into the “Head Code” section of the custom code editor.
• Save and publish. Save your changes and publish the updated content.

Remember, while adding a Schema Markup is beneficial, it’s just one facet of an effective SEO strategy. To maximize results, optimize your website’s content and structure, cultivate high-quality backlinks, and regularly update your site with fresh and relevant content.

Performance 

Webflow empowers websites with swift loading times, as confirmed by our tests across various templates. To maximize performance, consider the following:

Considerations for optimal performance

While Webflow inherently supports rapid loading, sites heavily reliant on animations may experience slower load times. As such, you might want to reduce the number of animations. 

Additionally, incorrectly sized images can be a bottleneck for speedy page loading. Webflow addresses this by generating multiple versions of uploaded images, choosing the most suitable based on the viewer’s screen resolution.

Image load settings for efficiency

Webflow introduces a valuable feature to ensure swift loading, namely the “image load” setting. Users can opt for three loading options:

• Lazy: Loads images on scroll.
• Eager: Immediately loads images.
• Auto: Defaults to browser settings.

By the way, the built-in conversion tool helps reduce the image file size by converting them into a lighter and modern WebP format. This format allows web pages to load much faster and is recommended by Google’s PageSpeed Insights.

Best practices for image loading

To sustain optimal page loading speeds:

• Set images above the fold to “Eager.”
• Set images below the fold to the “Lazy” setting.

Note: Similar considerations apply to Core Web Vitals, where attention to animations and image optimization remains pivotal for a great user experience.

Reverse proxy 

To ensure your site works safely and reliably you can configure your server as a reverse proxy. This involves installing software like Nginx, Apache, or HAProxy and setting it up to handle incoming requests. Key steps include defining the listening ports, obtaining SSL certificates (if HTTPS is desired), and configuring the proxy to forward requests to your Webflow website.

Once your server is ready, proceed to set up the reverse proxy in Webflow:

• Log in to your Webflow account.
• Navigate to your website’s dashboard, click on “Settings,” and select the “Publishing” tab.
• In the “Production” section, click “Add Custom Domain,” enter your domain, and click “Add Domain.”
• Save settings and wait for DNS changes to propagate (up to 24 hours). Incoming traffic will now flow through your reverse proxy.

Next, it’s a good idea to perform testing. To do so:

• Access your website using the custom domain to confirm proper loading and asset display.
• Verify SSL certificate status for secure HTTPS connections using online SSL checker tools.
• Conduct various tests on your website functionalities, such as form submissions and secure area access.
• Monitor server logs and performance metrics to identify and address any potential issues.

Congratulations! If testing goes well, you’ve successfully implemented a reverse proxy on Webflow.

Mobile-friendly support 

Webflow offers robust support for mobile-friendliness through its adaptive design features. Users can seamlessly preview their websites on various devices, ensuring optimal display on tablets and smartphones in both portrait and landscape orientations.

Key features

Adaptive design. Webflow’s design capabilities extend to creating responsive layouts that adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions.

Preview options. Users can utilize Webflow’s preview functionality to visualize how their websites will appear on tablets and smartphones, whether held in portrait or landscape mode.

How to preview on mobile devices

The process is quite simple:

• Log in to your Webflow account and navigate to the Webflow Designer.
• Click on the preview mode to see your website as it would appear live.
• Choose various devices, such as tablets or smartphones, within the preview options. Toggle between portrait and landscape modes to assess the adaptability of your design.

Extensions and tools

In this section, we will explore the plethora of extensions and tools provided by Webflow to boost website performance and user experience.

Plugins and extensions

Webflow distinguishes itself by not mandating plugins or extensions for creating a functional website, setting it apart from platforms like WordPress. While not a necessity, Webflow does offer a variety of plugins and extensions to enhance your website-building experience.

Exploring plugins

Navigate to the Apps & Integrations section on the Webflow website, specifically the Find an App button. Here, you’ll discover a collection of plugins and extensions categorized by type, allowing users to selectively incorporate additional features into their projects by clicking Authorize App.

Flexibility without dependencies

Unlike other platforms that heavily rely on plugins, Webflow provides a robust set of built-in features, minimizing the need for external plugins. However, the availability of plugins ensures users can tailor their websites to specific needs.

Analytics tools

Webflow integrates analytics tools to empower users with insights into their website’s performance. While the platform includes an e-commerce tracker, more detailed analytics are accessible through extensions and integrations.

Built-in analytics

For basic analytics needs, Webflow’s built-in e-commerce tracker is available. Users can leverage this tool by enabling both Webflow E-commerce and Google Analytics integration.

Advanced analytics

To delve into more comprehensive analytics, extensions and integrations like Nocodelytics and Google Analytics offer detailed metrics and insights. These tools go beyond the basic analytics provided by Webflow, allowing users to gather in-depth data about their website’s performance.

You can access them by visiting the Webflow Ecommerce settings and enabling the Google Analytics integration to activate the basic analytics tool. For more advanced analytics, explore the available extensions in the “Plugins and Integrations Library.”

Webflow ensures flexibility by offering basic analytics tools while accommodating users who seek advanced insights through various extensions and integrations.

Customer support

Webflow offers support through email, assisting within a specified schedule. The response time is typically prompt, to ensure that users receive timely help. The support is available in multiple languages, enhancing accessibility for a global user base.

Halo Lab expertise in Webflow

Halo Lab excels in Webflow website development and optimization. As our own website is built on Webflow, we’re continually engaged in refining our skills and applying best practices. 

Our team knows how to ensure Webflow projects look awesome and work perfectly. Besides making things look good, we’ve got experts who understand how to get your website noticed by search engines. This collaboration ensures seamless implementation of advanced SEO settings — going beyond the limitations of the CMS.

So, is Webflow good for SEO?

We can safely say that Webflow is a robust platform for SEO, offering a range of features and capabilities to optimize your website’s search engine performance. With its user-friendly design and powerful tools, it stands as a favorable choice for those aiming to enhance their site’s SEO. If you’d like us to develop your Webflow website or lend a hand with optimizing it, just drop us a line and we’ll figure out the rest.