How to Become a Webflow Developer

About 75% of businesses experience productivity improvement after adopting software solutions! 

Software solutions are crucial to accelerating business growth, efficiency, and customer retention to gain a competitive edge. But what type of software solution is right for your business—SaaS or Custom software development? 

 While choosing between SaaS and software development,  you should look for key features– customization, accessibility, ownership, security, and maintenance. 

In this guide, we'll explain the key differences and help you choose the solution that best suits your unique business needs. So, keep reading. 

What is SaaS (Software as a Service)?

SaaS, as Software as a service, is a ready-made software solution based on cloud hosting. It is actually a subscription model-based solution that allows users to access software without purchasing or installing it on individual devices and servers. 

SaaS has become the dominant software application, representing over 50% of the market. These statistics show how rapidly SaaS is commonly the best choice for all business sizes! 

Common Example of SaaS:

On average, 112 SaaS apps are used by different company sizes worldwide. You may not know, but you already use SaaS for project management tasks and business operations. Such as: 

Zoom: Zoom is the best video conferencing SaaS application used worldwide. It offers a subscription-based model over the Internet for users.

Shopify: Shopify is a popular SaaS Platform that provides cloud-based solutions. It allows businesses to create and manage their e-commerce store without the hassle of hosting, security, and maintenance.  

What is Custom Software development? 

Software development is custom-based software designed to meet specific business needs and goals. 

Custom software gives you full ownership and control over design, infrastructure, data, and security. Custom software has no limited features or access as it does not interrupt third parties. 

66% of businesses use custom-based software as a strategic advantage to improve efficiency.

Successful examples of Custom Software: 

McDonald's: McDonald's has integrated custom software with a contactless payment system and self-serve kiosks.  It contributes to an effortless payment system for users, which increases order volume!  

Alibaba: Alibaba is a recognized e-commerce platform spreading its popularity locally and internationally, with billions of merchants and customers. Alibaba's cloud computing services, Alipay, and innovative retail solutions are powered by custom software to support global operations and business growth.

SaaS vs Custom Software development: Quick Comparison Chart

SaaS vs Custom Software Development: Detailed Comparison

1. Customization

Software development offers a high level of customization compared to SaaS. 

Custom software tailored to unique features and solutions that are right for your business. So, there are many more options for personalization, even in future growth.

Whereas SaaS is a ready-made solution that fits all sizes of business. It focuses more on standardized solutions limited to predefined settings, themes, or configurations. 

2. Scalability

SaaS is highly scalable and can easily add or remove storage, data, and resources. 

 As SaaS is hosted on the cloud, a business can be scaled up or down by adjusting subscription plans. So you don’t need to invest in extra hardware or software licenses. 

Custom software is also scalable when it's built-in and has large-scale growth. Unlike SaaS, scalable custom software solution requires additional expertise, developer, or architecture to maintain frequent updates, security patches, and optimization. 

3. Deployment phase

The deployment process of SaaS is much faster and easier than custom software development.  

Depending on the project's complexity, custom software requires a longer development process, from weeks to months. Software development involves testing, configuration, integration,  and deep customization. 

In contrast, SaaS products are ready-to-go options. After subscriptions, you can start using the software instantly. You don't need to take the hassle of lengthy development, configuration, update, or other manual deployment– all things the providers handle.

4. Cost structure

SaaS is a more cost-effective solution than software development in the initial stage.

SaaS is a subscription-based pricing model. Mainly, it offers a tiered subscription  (Basic, Pro, Enterprise) fee to use the software. So, you may scale up your business by upgrading plans. 

SaaS is an affordable solution for those who don't have the resources to invest in development, infrastructure, or maintenance. 

Meanwhile, traditional software requires high upfront investment due to development and infrastructure costs, regular maintenance updates, and support.

A long-term software platform–where custom software shines! You’ll receive the highest ROI if the well-designed custom software runs align with your business needs. 

5. Accessibility 

When it comes to easy accessibility,  SaaS will leapfrog software development. 

Custom-built software requires installation on an individual device or platform. This might limit the accessibility for team members who work remotely. 

Unlike custom software, you can easily access SaaS products from any location and device without a specific installation or internet connection. Here, SaaS offers smooth data flow and interoperability compared to traditional software.

 6. Control

In that stage, software development will get a point for full control over infrastructure, design, data, and optimization.

Custom development gives you full control over ownership, security, and compliance. You can scale up or down your business without any limitations. Again, your highly sensitive business gets proper data security within this ownership option.

On the other hand, you can only have access to SaaS products, not ownership. With a predefined design system and limited access to data management, SaaS depends on providers' offering and ownership.

7. Security

While it's about security, custom software will be ahead in this competition over SaaS.

SaaS products are hosted by third parties like Cloud. So, the service provider handles the robust security practices.  

However, many SaaS providers ensure a secure platform while maintaining GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO standards. But that may not often align with your business-specific needs.

On the other hand, software development allows full control over security measures. Businesses can choose specific protocols, encryption, and access control. But, here you might have to invest in an in-house security team to maintain security patches and updates. 

8. Update and maintenance

The difference between SaaS and software development is frequent updates and ongoing maintenance.

SaaS is here the most hassle-free solution. The SaaS provider handles all automatic updates and upgrades within the same subscription fee. So, users don't need to worry about downloading or installing updates and patches.

In contrast, users handle updates, maintenance, and system improvement.  So, internal resources and investment are required to handle frequent updates and bug fixes by third-party developers.

SaaS VS Custom Software Development: Which One to Choose?

Still can't understand what will be more suited for your project? This time, you'll have a transparent scenario that reflects which one best suits you! 

When to choose SaaS?

• Your business needs a standard solution with an initial setup.
  
• Have limited resources(i.e. IT team) and budget.
  
• Low-maintenance solution to cut off extra expenses
  
• A pre-built plugin or integration system aligns with your business.
  
• When your business requires scale easily.
  
• You have remote teams or businesses that require easy accessibility with multiple devices.

When to choose Software Development?

• Your business needs specific functionalities and highly scalable solutions.
  
• Full control over features, updates, and deployment process.
  
• Data security is a top priority.
  
• Needs a custom UI/UX design for user experience aligned with your business needs.
  
• Your business runs on specific niches, like Health, Finance, or Real estate.
  

Get the Right Software Solution With ideapeel 

Should you choose prebuilt software or a custom solution? To make the right choice, it's best to consult an expert who can help you analyze your business needs and recommend the best approach.

ideapeel is a leading software development agency that prioritizes your business goals and gives you the right approach. 

That's not all! You don't have to look behind. We offer a several software development solution, such as:

B2B and B2C SaaS

We offer enterprise software development or an e-commerce SaaS platform with powerful SaaS tools that are aligned with your business needs.

Scalable MVPs

We deliver minimum viable products that ensure flexibility and scalable SaaS solutions within your business growth. 

Niche SaaS

Our expert team provides high-performing and customized SaaS applications tailored to your industry-specific goals and objectives.

Custom Software

Designed fully customized software with bespoke features that align with your business needs and long-term growth.

Contact ideapeel and get affordable Software solutions without any delay! 

FAQs

Is software development the same as SaaS?

No. SaaS product development differs regarding key features, usage, and benefits. SaaS offers a standard solution with an initial setup at a low upfront cost. Software development requires a long-term deployment phase that allows full business ownership. 

What is the difference between custom software development and SaaS?

SaaS is an initial software solution that doesn't require installation like custom software development. Again, SaaS has limited customization options. Custom software enables fully customized solutions that align with specific business needs. Custom software also has high upfront costs for updates, security, and maintenance.  

Is SaaS only cloud-based?

Not all SaaS is cloud-based. However, the cloud hosts the most common SaaS software for accessibility, budget, and cost-effectiveness. There's also On-premises SaaS available, which is less common. 

Conclusion

Deciding between SaaS and Software development is a tough decision. You better know which one fits your business needs. 

Always pay attention to the must-have features and solutions you need from the software! And compare the prices and ROI at the same time. You'll get the perfect solution.

This discussion is over, but I won't leave you alone. Partner with ideapeel to transform your ideas into functional software! Let's collaborate to grow your business. 

In today's fast-paced digital world, creating a visually stunning and functional website is essential for enhancing your online presence. 

With so many website builders available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Two popular options are Weebly and Webflow—but which one is the best fit for you?

Look no further! 

In this comparison guide, we'll break down the features, pros, and cons of Weebly vs. Webflow, helping you determine which platform best matches your needs in 2025.

Webflow: An Overview

Webflow is a no-code website builder featuring responsive and SEO-friendly website design without the hassle of complex code.

This platform is popular among web designers, developers, and large business owners who need more advanced design, customization, functionality, and premium features to scale their business anytime.

With Webflow, you may have to consider only the learning curve, but you won't regret choosing Webflow over other platforms!

Weebly: An overview

Weebly features a simple and user-friendly website that is accessible to any non-tech-savvy user. Its drag-and-drop editor allows you to create a generic website for small businesses or online stores.

Whether you want to start a basic ecommerce platform or start a small business, going with Weebly is a wise decision, as it offers basic hosting plans and features with a free plan. 

Its popularity continues due to affordable solutions and quick setup for small to medium-sized businesses and e-commerce.

Webflow vs Weebly: Quick Comparison Chart

Webflow vs Weebly: Detailed Key Differences

1. Design flexibility

Webflow offers more customized design and functionality than Weebly.

Weebly has a visual drag-and-drop editor, which allows you to design a more straightforward website! 

Though it's a more beginner-friendly platform for those with zero coding or development knowledge, its advantages stop here with limited customization options.

Using Webflow, you can create highly customized designs with control over every element—layout, typography, visual elements, animation, and interaction. 

This website builder has freedom of design with an advanced visual editor and custom code flexibility, allowing you to create pixel-perfect platforms.

2. Templates and customization 

Webflow has a wide selection of custom templates compared to Weebly.

Weebly provides pre-designed templates to help you design websites quickly, making it ideal for beginners. 

However, the templates can't be customized for complex layouts or unique designs. You can only change colours, fonts, and some structural elements.

Unlike Weebly, Webflow offers a variety of templates that can be customized and tailored to brand identity. So, your website doesn't look like a typical template website. 

3. Ease of use

Weebly is a more beginner-friendly website builder than Webflow.

In Weebly, a more straightforward interface and drag-and-drop functionality let you create a website with minimal effort.

However, the Webflow website presents a more challenging learning curve because of its customizable design options.

 Therefore, Webflow is ideal for users who have coding knowledge and can experiment with custom code in web design.

4. E-commerce functionality

Weebly is a built-in e-commerce tool that shines more than Webflow.

Weebly is ideal for users searching for basic e-commerce features with a quick setup. You can create a simple e-commerce store with a shopping cart, product catalogs, and payment processing on the Weebly platform.

Meanwhile, Webflow offers robust e-commerce features that customize store designs. However, third-party integration is required to manage payment processing. 

Webflow is only suitable for creating a highly customized platform tailored to specific business needs.

5. CMS features

Webflow's content management system is more powerful and maintains a complex content structure. 

In contrast, Weebly includes a basic CMS system that supports standard blog posts and simple content structure.

So, Webflow is a better option for large enterprises to maintain dynamic content.

Weebly is beneficial for small to midsize businesses to ensure an essential online presence.

6. SEO control and integration

Webflow offers advanced SEO control and flexible integration options compared to Weebly.

Weebly includes basic SEO features and third-party integration to enhance the user experience. However, using Weebly, you are limited to detailed SEO settings like structured data or advanced meta tag management.

Meanwhile, Webflow controls meta tags, URL structure, and sitemaps. This website building also integrates with advanced SEO tools to enhance online presence effectively.

7. Hosting and performance 

Considering faster loading speed and reliable hosting, Webflow is a far better option than Weebly.

Webflow offers faster website performance due to optimized and cleaner code. Webflow hosting is built on AWS and CDN integration, which ensures faster and more secure hosting.

While Weebly offers dependable hosting, it lacks advanced features such as Webflow. Weebly might also suffer from slower speeds due to bloated codes.

8. Customer support

Weebly offers extensive customer support through live chat, 24/7 email, and phone support.  

Like Weebly, Webflow offers live chat support but responds within 24-48 business hours. 

Wait! Webflow can exceed your expectations with a stronger community support platform than other website builders. 

Webflow has a strong community platform where users get technical help from fellow members. Again, Webflow University offers webinars and e-courses for advanced technical resources.

Check out comparisons of popular website builders' platforms:

• Webflow Vs WordPress
• Webflow VS Wix‍

Webflow vs Weebly: Pricing

Webflow

Webflow offers a free starter plan for building and designing a website. However, a paid plan is required to get a hosting service.

Well, here's a list of Webflow pricing:

Webflow Site plans 

Basic: $18/mo (billed monthly), $14/mo (billed yearly)

CMS: $23/mo (billed monthly),  $29/mo  (billed yearly)

Business: $49/mo (monthly), $39/mo (billed yearly)

Webflow ecommerce plans

Standard: $42/mo (billed monthly), $29/mo (billed yearly)

Plus: $84/mo ( billed monthly),  $74/mo (billed yearly)

Advanced: $235/mo (billed monthly), $212/mo (billed yearly)

Weebly:

Like Webflow, Weebly also offers a free plan, and this version includes a hosting plan—which Webflow lacks.

Webflow pricing plans are primarily expensive compared to Weebly. One thing to note: Webflow's pricing is worth it for large businesses with advanced features and faster hosting plans.

Weebly Site plans

Personal: $13/mo (billed monthly), $10/mo (billed yearly)

Professional: $16/mo (billed monthly), $12/mo (billed yearly)

Performance: $29/mo (billed monthly),  $26/mo (billed yearly)

Webflow vs Weebly: Choose the Best Website Builder

Choosing between Weebly and Webflow is quite a tough decision. Let's simplify it by considering website builders' specific features that align with your business needs.

Picking up Webflow is a worthy decision for the following reasons:

• Complete control over design and layout
• Advanced SEO features to improve site performance 
• Premium e-commerce features—customizable product pages, rich snippets, and seamless integration with payment systems like Stripe.
• Responsive and mobile-first design.
• Suitable for large and scalable websites.
• Comfortable with a learning curve and expensive plans.

Go with Weebly if you need more straightforward features like:

• Simple and user-friendly interface.
• It is an affordable solution with basic ecommerce features.
• Running a small online store doesn't need any advanced SEO performance or customization.
• Start a small business website with free plans and hosting.
• A quick setup with minimal effort. 

Partner with ideapeel to elevate your business using Webflow:

Are you looking for a digital transformation solution with Webflow?

At ideapeel, we deliver customized Webflow solutions tailored to your unique business needs and vision.

Share your goals and requirements with us for a complimentary strategic approach. Step ahead of your competitors and unlock profitable growth with ideapeel.

Contact us today

FAQs:

What is the best website builder?

It depends on your business objectives and needs. Overall, Webflow is the best website builder compared to Weebly. Webflow stands out for its advanced custom design capabilities, massive collection of templates, dynamic CMS, faster-hosting performance, and scalable solutions to help you grow your business without hassle.

Is Weebly 100% free?

No. Weebly has a free plan, which includes basic features and hosting plans to start a new business without cost. However, you have limited features that this free site plan offers.

Is Webflow good for SEO?

Webflow has optimized and clean code that allows for faster load speed, which ensures better SEO ranking. Again, Webflow has better control over SEO settings, including meta tags, structured data, and 301 redirects.

Wrapping Up

There's ultimately no king on the top of a long website builder list. Both Webflow and Weebly offer unique features that cater to different user needs. 

Whether you want a more straightforward website, a user-friendly interface, or a quick setup to fulfill the basic needs of your startup business, Weebly will win.

Again, choosing Webflow will be an excellent decision for larger enterprises, making your online presence stand out from competitors! 

So, what have you decided to go with? If it sounds like Webflow, consider ideapeel to build and launch a stunning, custom website that elevates your brand and sets you apart from the competitors.

Is it challenging to convert your existing Figma design into a live website? Then, you may be overwhelmed with so many tutorials without a clear solution.

No worries! 

You don't have to spend extra hours in learning or experimenting. We've covered the most straightforward methods to migrate your static Figma design into an interactive Webflow website. 

In this guide, we'll reveal how to use Figma to Webflow tools and plugins seamlessly transition without the hassle of a heavy learning curve. Let's get started.

Does Figma to Webflow Conversion Work?

While you want to save a ton of time from building design from scratch, exporting Figma design to Webflow is a great option –obviously, it works!

Just get your existing Figma design on screen. Then copy it directly to the Webflow with a standard pre-built layout and elements– it's as simple as that.

You can follow manual or automation processes to migrate Figma into Webflow. These two are:

1. Using UI Kit(manually): Complex projects requiring custom design and control.

2. Using Figma to Webflow Plugin (Automation): Quickly building basic website structure.

Get a quick guide on how to become a Webflow developer. 

Method 1: Step-by-Step Guide on Figma to Webflow Migration Using UI Starter Kit

In the beginners' guide, you'll learn from the design in Figma, export the design to Webflow, and then successfully convert it into a real Website. Let's dive into the details. 

Step 1: Open Figma

First, start by opening Figma in your browser. Then, go to the 'community tab' option on the right toolbar. 

Step 2: Select UI Starter Kit

Search 'Webflow', and you'll see many resources related to Webflow. Select 'UI starter kit'.

Now, press duplicate, and a page will appear with different components required for design. 

Step 3: Search for landify kit

Again, go to the community tab and search 'landify' as before. Here, select 'landify page UI kit.' This tool will help you to convert high-fidelity design into Webflow.

Step 4: Start design in Figma

Go to the Figma' Draft' tab. Start a Blank Canvas. Rename the draft from Figma to Webflow. 

Start with the UI kit page and copy the Pre-built layout. Paste it in a draft page opened just before. Next, open the UI kit page and Select block.‍

Pro tips: A pre-built layout is a Webflow guideline for creating a new design. 

Step 5: Create a new artboard

Open the Figma file draft again, and create a new artboard beside the previous layout. The artboard will be 1440 pixels wide. Height can be varied. 

Step 6: Import  Figma elements from the Landify UI kit

You'll follow the prebuilt layout per the Webflow guideline at this stage. An, just designusingn the new framework you've builn.

• Import navigation: Go to Landify UI kit and select a standard navigation. Copy and paste it into a new framework. Drag the navigation option to the correct position.
  

Pro tips: Delete unwanted navigation elements like the Google Play Store option.

• Import hero element: Import all the hero elements below the navigation option. Ensure all components are grouped by pressing Command+G or Ctrl+G on the keyboard.

Select all elements again, right-click, and press "Use Mask". Then, all required components from the Landify UI kit will be imported using the above process.

Step 7: Add complex gradient

To add some juicy look, create a new tab and search for  “Complex gradient LS graphics”. Select the preferred gradient and copy the image.  

Create a rectangle in the prepared file where you want to add gradients. Now, Paste the gradient with  Command+V. Make some adjustments.

Step 8: Preparation for Figma Design Export to Webflow

Now, all are ready to export to Webflow. But, here, the element you want to be in the image and illustration should be separate. Double-click on the component and place the text outside of the group. 

Step 9: Export design to Webflow

Go to the right sidebar tool and scroll to the bottom to get Export options. Click on the “+” icon and select the jpeg format. 

Now, go to the menu bar on the top left bar tool. Then, select file>Export. Figma has now saved all exported elements into a folder. Get the folder in the right toolbar and select Export. This file is saved as a Zip File. 

Step 10: Start a new project on Webflow

Go to Webflow.com and create a new project. Select the ‘Asset’ icon from the left sidebar tool. Go back to the Zip file. Drag and drop all elements into the Asset manager zone. 

Step 11: Repeat the Figma design

Go to the Add Elements icon (+) and select Layout. A prebuilt layout and other elements will appear on the plugin modal window.

• Setup navigation: Now, click on 'Sticky Nav’. Then, click the Nav icon settings option and choose the navigator image. Ensure the High Dpi and adjust the size (100 pixels)
  

Copy and paste from the Figma to web flow draft file you've prepared before. Now, adjust the background color, size, bottom, and others to your preference.

• Setup hero section: Go to Add element>Layout>hero overlay from the plugin modal window. Simply drag it and place it on the screen.
  

Step 12: Customize the design

After positioning,  click on the background. Then, select the styling icon from the top right bar. Scroll down to the Image & gradient option. Delete the rgba (0,0,0,0.6) option from here.  

Now, change the image by selecting the image from the asset manager. Get the navigator option and now jump to ‘Centered Container’.

Click on the position from the right bar. Change it from Static to Relative. 

Next, select color styles and button styling and create a swatch card. Adjust the color, position, and sizes according to your needs. You may add animation to a custom template available on the Webflow library. 

Note: Continue to add sections and elements within the same process. 

Step 13: Launch your website

You've now got an initial Webflow site to launch. You can update the design, elements, or other settings anytime after launch. So, go to live with confidence. 

Method 2: Figma to Webflow Conversion Using  Plugin

This process is just about copy and paste! How? Transfer design directly to Webflow using these simple steps.

Step 1: Run the Figma to Webflow Plugin

Go to the Figma ‘Community’ tab and search for the Figma to Webflow plugin [HTML, CSS and Website] launched by Webflow labs. Press the 'Try it Out’ button. 

After that, a draft document will appear on the screen within the plugins' information. Click  ‘Run’.

Step 2: Connect your Webflow Account

You'll have suggestions for Figma and Webflow auto layouts. Click the Next button continuously; then, you'll be asked to connect your Webflow account.

Connect your existing account or create a new Webflow account. It's free! 

Next, select the Workspace. Then select  ‘authorized app’. After this, there'll be a confirmation on the screen.

Step 3: Start the design

Go back to the ‘Figma’ tab. Here, you'll see the Webflow link has already been connected. Tap on the  ‘let's started’  button.

When you open the plugin, you'll see a library of pre-made components. Forget about making a design from the Scratch. There's no more hassle now! 

Step 4: Use Webflows' Div frames to build the basic foundation 

Pick up a Nav Logo on the screen. Next, add the hero section and necessary elements for a complete frame. 

Step 5: Open the Webflow App

Jump to the Webflow site tab, select a new site button, and then a blank site. Name your site and wait to create a site. 

Step 6: Export design to Webflow

Again, open the Figma tab. Just choose the Webflow site from the plugin page, where the designs from Figma are to be shifted.

You'll see the  ‘Copy to Webflow' option below. Click it on and select ‘Copied to Clipboard'. Now, press Command+V to paste the selected section.

Here you go! Follow this process to copy and paste other components and variables and get a successful export.

Step 7: Go to mobile

Ensure Responsive Webflow Design with the mobile icon option on the top bar screen. Check if it's responsive across all screen sizes.

Step 8: Customize, test, and publish

You've only got the basic foundation of your website. Use global styling to customize the heading, font, paragraph, color, and necessary elements. Next, add animation for a better user experience and bring life to your website.

Next, test whether everything is going perfectly to launch your first webflow website. Conduct a trial of how it looks when live.

Congratulations! You already know the process of how to convert Figma to Webflow! 

Launch your new website! 

Ready to Convert Figma to Webflow? 

Wait! What we already discussed above is the basic Webflow foundation from Figma design. That will not eventually work for your web development project. 

So, do you want a fully functional and dynamic Webflow website? ideapeel will help you out.

ideapeel as a Webflow expert agency, helps you transform Figma design into a realistic Website with seamless animation and custom templates integration. 

Our Webflow designer ensures that your website is visually stunning, responsive, and fully SEO optimized– that actually works!  

What to find else? 

Partner with ideapeel and let us handle the complex migration seamlessly –cheers to a smooth transition! 

FAQs

Can I export from Figma to Webflow?

You can export Figma to Webflow with a plugin by Webflow Labs by following a a few steps. These are-

• Run the Figma to Webflow plugin on your screen.
  
• Connect to your Webflow account and go back to the Figma tab.
  
• Use Webflows' Div frames to build the basic foundation.
  
• Open the Webflow App and create a new site.
  
• Export design to Webflow
  
• Ensure Responsive Webflow Design
  
• Customize, test, and publish
  

Can Webflow integrate with Figma?

Yes, Webflow can integrate with Figma within a plugin. Just go to the Figma Community tab. Search for Figma to Webflow plugin. Next, run it. It'll act as a bridge between two platforms. You can easily export the figma design to Webflow. 

Is it better to design in Figma or Webflow?

Figma is popular for creating designs or prototyping. You may turn this static Figma design into an interactive website design in Webflow. So, depending on your project, the decision between Figma or Webflow, it may vary. 

Final thoughts

If you are primarily familiar with Figma, converting it into Webflow can be slightly challenging.

There are a few differences in features between Figma and Webflow. So, getting a basic concept of Webflow workflow and features will help you to stay ahead.  

One more thing: Your Website is your credentials. So, don't let it seem unprofessional! Take the help of experts to build a stunning and responsive website that aligns with your business. Here, consider ideapeel and make a schedule today!