I regularly find myself explaining to new clients why they should host their website with Webflow (the platform that I use to develop websites) and what the cost goes towards.
I've (finally) written this blog post as a reference I can link to.
If you’re interested in learning more, read on....
The various files and structures that make up a website must be stored somewhere online.
I like to explain website hosting as the digital filing cabinet that stores these files.
When someone visits your domain name (i.e. www.domin8designs.com.au) there’s a process behind the scenes that points that link, to those respective website files and their storage place online.
Much like storing household items in a shipping container, storing these files isn't free - and the cost outlined to host with Webflow contributes to paying for this online space.
Hosting externally versus internal hosting
Depending on your website setup, hosting can often be done externally or internally (i.e. Webflow).
Hosting a website externally means exporting all the files required, and re-uploading these to a different hosting service.
A benefit of this is that using a different host may be slightly cheaper, however this is often outweighed by requiring a website developer to perform updates as the export/upload process isn’t easy and open for error.
In short, it means a strong reliance on an external party - and often cost - to perform even a simple update on your website.
By internal hosting, I mean the same platform used to develop the website also hosts it.
This may be slightly more expensive compared to an external host, but means that everything is kept neat and tidy in the same place.
Regarding Webflow, it also means it’s easy to perform even the simplest change to your website (think, changing one word on your about page).
Instead of having to log in, learn how to code, export the files, remember where and how to re-upload them and fix anything that’s been messed up in the process… it’s as simple as making the change in a website browser and hitting the ‘publish’ button to make the change live.
The content management system (CMS) and editor is only enabled by hosting with Webflow.
Whilst this seems like a limitation, it’s actually incredibly useful and wouldn’t be easily possible if a website was developed in Webflow and hosted externally.
The CMS and editor lets you make changes to your website, whether that’s editing some text, adding a new news item or changing a photo.
As above, traditionally this would all have to be done in code - meaning website updates were only possible by an experienced developer.
Using the CMS and editor reduces the ongoing costs associated with running a website, and makes updating easier.
Stay tuned for a blog post specific to just how easy the CMS and editor make editing and adding new content.
This is always a tricky one, however my answer to this would be because of the benefits of the CMS and editor.
I often hear clients express frustration at the cost and process to make an update - all of which is made easier using the editor and CMS.
Yes, there may be a downside: an overlap in costs where you're paying for your existing external host, as well as Webflow once your website is at a ready stage.
However, I do see this as some short term pain versus long term gain - and Wakeford Digital is always happy to come to an arrangement if this is an issue.
The benefits of hosting with Webflow are:
As new, or potential new client, I hope you've found this post useful in detailing a little bit more about what that 'hosting cost' actually goes towards - and the benefits that sit behind it.
If you haven't already, I invite you to engage with us on social media through our Facebook and Instagram pages. Wakeford Digital is also kicking some big goals at the moment and any support is appreciated.
Wondering what 2025 will bring for web design and SEO? Wakeford Digital owner Dominic shares the top trends small businesses in Hobart and Tasmania need to know to stay ahead in the new year.
Read PostGet the most out of your Google Business Profile with our five actionable tips, specific for businesses in Tasmania, from optimising information to posting updates - a powerful way to grow online.
Read PostDiscover five practical ways not-for-profits and small businesses can use AI to improve efficiency while addressing privacy concerns.
Read Post