Can You Publish a Webflow Website for Free?
Webflow is a popular web design tool that allows users to create stunning websites without writing a single line of code. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and powerful features, it has become the go-to choice for many designers and developers.
However, one question that often comes up is whether you can publish a Webflow website for free. In this article, we will explore the options available to you.
1. Free Plan
If you are just starting out or working on a personal project, Webflow offers a free plan that allows you to publish your website without any cost. With this plan, you can create up to two projects and host them on Webflow’s subdomain (yourwebsite.webflow.io). This is a great option if you don’t mind having the Webflow branding on your site and if your needs are relatively simple.
2. Lite Plan
If you want more control over your website and wish to remove the Webflow branding, you can upgrade to the Lite plan for $16 per month (billed annually). This plan allows you to connect your own custom domain name to your Webflow site, giving it a more professional look. It also includes additional features such as form submissions and basic CMS functionality.
2.1 Hosting with Custom Domain
To publish your Webflow site with a custom domain, simply go to the project settings in the Webflow Designer and select the “Hosting” tab. From there, click on “Add Custom Domain” and follow the instructions to connect your domain name. It’s important to note that while Webflow provides hosting for your site, you will still need to purchase a domain name separately from a domain registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap.2 Form Submissions
Form submissions are a crucial aspect of many websites, especially those that require user interaction or lead generation. With the Lite plan, you can enable form submissions on your Webflow site. The submitted data can be collected and managed directly within the Webflow Designer or integrated with third-party services like Mailchimp or Zapier.3 Basic CMS Functionality
The Lite plan also includes basic CMS functionality, allowing you to create and manage dynamic content on your website. This is particularly useful if you have a blog or need to regularly update content on your site. With the CMS features, you can easily add new blog posts, create collections, and organize your content in a structured manner.
3. Site Plans
If you have more advanced needs or require additional features, Webflow offers three site plans: CMS, Business, and Enterprise. These plans range from $20 to $45 per month (billed annually) and provide enhanced functionality such as advanced hosting options, team collaboration tools, and client billing capabilities. These plans are ideal for businesses or agencies that require more control over their websites and need to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Conclusion
In summary, while Webflow does offer a free plan that allows you to publish your website without any cost, there are limitations such as the inclusion of Webflow branding and hosting only on their subdomain. If you want more control over your site and wish to connect a custom domain name, it’s recommended to upgrade to the Lite plan for $16 per month (billed annually). For advanced needs and additional features like form submissions and CMS functionality, the Site Plans are worth considering.
Remember: The choice ultimately depends on your specific requirements and budget. Evaluate your needs carefully and choose the plan that best suits your goals.
- Free plan: publish on Webflow’s subdomain with branding
- Lite plan: connect a custom domain, remove branding, enable form submissions, and basic CMS functionality
- Site plans: advanced features, enhanced hosting options, team collaboration tools, and client billing capabilities
If you are just starting out or working on a personal project, the free plan can be a great option to get started. As your needs grow or if you require more control over your website, you can always upgrade to one of Webflow’s paid plans. Happy designing!