As a developer working daily with Webflow, this tool has profoundly impacted my professional journey. In this article, I share my Webflow journey to date, describing how I gradually "tamed" this tool.
1. First Encounter with Webflow
During the last year of my master's program, I was looking for a 6-month internship in the field of web referencing. That's when I came across an offer from Digidop to work on various SEO tasks.
As I discovered the agency, I started to learn about the tool they specialize in, which I had heard of briefly before, Webflow.
2. Watching a Development Video on Webflow
During my research, I stumbled upon several YouTube videos featuring tutorials that showcased builds using the tool or highlighted its various features.
Even though I didn't understand everything, I found the tool to be incredible. Adding to that were some YouTube ads stating "Webflow the future of web design," and soon I was determined to test the tool.
3. The Great Void
Without further delay, I decided to create an account on the tool to try it out thanks to its free version! The big problem was that I was faced with a blank page and had no idea where to start.
I didn't know what to build, and even if I had an idea facing this vast blank page, I wouldn't have been able to realize it. At this point, Webflow seemed less intuitive to me than WordPress.
4. Putting the Tool Aside for a While
Faced with this complexity and aware that not only ideas were needed but also skills to create something meaningful, I put Webflow aside.
My focus shifted to my arrival at Digidop and my first SEO tasks.
5. When Webflow Catches Up with Us
Some time after my integration at Digi, I began to see what Thomas was designing, and what Flo was developing on Webflow.
I fell under the charm of Webflow again, but before diving into concrete projects, I explored the tool for fun and shared my discoveries on the Digidop blog.
6. Turning the Tool Inside Out
I rediscovered Webflow, playing with Divs, elements, the CMS, customization options, and more.
I enjoyed exploring the tool and approached this learning as a game. I tested the different functionalities to try and understand how it worked. I quickly realized that what I was creating wasn't fantastic, but that the tool is very powerful.
7. Getting Trained
After grasping the basics of how Webflow works, I decided to train more seriously by watching various tutorials on YouTube (Finsweet, Timothy Ricks, etc.), watching videos from Webflow University, browsing forums, in short, doing a lot of research online.
Flo accompanied me in my training and provided me with plenty of advice to improve and develop well.
8. First Projects
Once the testing and theory phases were over, it was time to take action. I then developed my first Webflow projects (some pretty neat site development projects for the time with Flo's help).
I started to enjoy developing in Webflow more and more, but the next step was to create increasingly optimized projects.
9. Continuous Progression
In hindsight, my first projects weren't perfect, but they allowed me to evolve and learn more. Each project became an opportunity to enrich my knowledge in various areas: Client-First, SEO referencing, web accessibility, design, animations, and many other topics.
Every day, I learn new things, and each project is an opportunity to push my limits. All the existing resources: YouTube videos, blog articles, Twitter posts, LinkedIn posts, Webflow clonables enable me to learn endlessly.
A piece of advice for those learning Webflow (or any other tool): sharing your discoveries significantly accelerates your progress.
10. Enjoying Development
Throughout my journey with Webflow, I have enjoyed discovering and exploring the tool. Even as I mastered Webflow, I believe it is essential to maintain that enjoyment. Every project is unique, representing an opportunity to give my best to create exceptional sites.
In my view, every request from a designer for an animation or an original feature is a challenge I take on with determination, striving to best realize the proposed idea. The satisfaction from doing a good job on Webflow continues to motivate me to keep improving.
In summary, my journey with Webflow reflects an exciting evolution, from initial perplexity to gradual mastery. This adventure has shown me the importance of perseverance, sharing, and enjoyment in the creative process. Webflow has shaped the way I approach web development, turning each project into a unique opportunity. With a promising future ahead, I continue to explore the infinite horizons Webflow offers to create exceptional online experiences.
