During the Webflow Conf 2024, several new features and enhancements were presented, focused on improving the user experience and expanding code-free design capabilities. Key announcements include improved tools for team collaboration and deeper integrations with other platforms. Webflow has focused on the accessibility and performance of sites, with tools designed to facilitate compliance with best web practices.
We've broken down these improvements for you to summarize them.
Existing feature enhancements
We obviously start with improvements to the existing ones that will contribute to the creation of ever more efficient and scalable sites. Among these updates, we find:
The possibility to change the style by Locale
Since last year, it was possible to translate your Webflow site natively. One of the bottlenecks was the inability to make design changes between 2 languages. It is now fixed with the ability to edit the style of a language. A highly anticipated feature! Moreover, you can find a complete guide to Localization here.
Webflow has also listened to its community by increasing the possibility of adding additional languages. We can now add 10 languages vs 5 previously. The only downside here is that it's only available for the “Localization Advanced” plan at $35/local/month. Too bad it's not available directly on the “Essential” plan, which is more accessible ($12/local/month)
More powerful design systems with Component Style Variants
The Design System reinforces visual development for all teams. After the variable management updates last month, Webflow is announcing the component style variants. These variants will make it possible to define several style options for the same component, thus reducing the number of components to manage, while increasing flexibility.
More flexibility and power for the CMS
The capabilities of the CMS API can now support bulk operations. This will make it possible to integrate data from third-party sources into Webflow more effectively and in a more scalable way. This will save a lot of time and push the limits of Webflow.
Simplified form management
Forms are essential to the success of a website, as they allow you to collect lead data, user feedback, build mailing lists, and more. And honestly, it felt like Webflow wasn't doing much to improve them. Lots of spam, an unintuitive interface, it was time for that to change!
The new bot prevention feature works in the background to avoid unwanted form submissions while protecting data privacy. The display of form settings in the Designer has also been redesigned to centralize login and submission notifications. The objective is clearly to simplify the workflow between the Designer and the dashboard, and we love that!
Enabling better collaboration between teams
New features to facilitate teamwork were presented:
The “Page building” accessible to all
Long reserved for “Enterprise” customers, Webflow announced the possibility of creating page branches for all customers. This is excellent news that will make it possible to streamline the work process.
Page building allows marketers, customers, and less-technical colleagues to quickly create pages via a drag-and-drop experience in Webflow, using designer-approved building blocks. Designers remain in control of the Design System while marketers can create brand-compliant pages independently. No need to be afraid of making “a mistake”, all you have to do is assign the right role to each person!
New navigation on Webflow for better productivity
This tab-based navigation will allow you to easily switch between the Designer, the CMS, tools such as Analysis or Optimize and Preview Mode. You'll also be able to see who's working with you in real time on the same page, add comments, or even post your site while collaborating with your team.
The addition of design approvals
The design approval process ensures that proposed changes to the site are reviewed and approved by design officials. Small negative point, this feature will only be available for “Enterprise” customers, so you will have to wait longer if you are on a “classic” plan.
The launch of 2 new products: Analysis and Optimize
Webflow has launched new products as the “first experience platform” for websites. Webflow introduces new features that extend its capabilities beyond simply building sites. This approach sees the web experience as a continuous cycle of construction, management, and optimization. It is in this spirit that Webflow is launching “Webflow Analyze” and “Webflow Optimize”, its two new products that allow you to fully control the experience and performance of your website.
Analyzing your website natively with “Webflow Analyze”
Webflow introduced”Webflow Analyze“, a native analytics solution that provides a unified view of visitor behavior for data-based decisions, thus improving site performance. This system allows for easy understanding of site, page, and click performance directly in Webflow, accessible to designers, content creators, and developers. Installation is simple with one click and event tracking is automatic. “Webflow Analyze” also respects privacy and integrates with consent management solutions in order to be GDPR compliant.
The analysis solution native to Webflow is open to everyone, pricing starts at $39/month.
Make way for native A/B testing with “Webflow Optimize”
Webflow introduced”Webflow Optimize“, an A/B testing solution. This will allow for more personalization, and account-based marketing. This solution will be coupled with an artificial intelligence layer. The objective is clear: to maximize return on investment by running multiple tests simultaneously, analyzing user behavior, and customizing the experience for each visitor. “AI Optimize” uses AI to automatically adjust experiences based on visitor feedback in real time.
However, you will have to be ready to pull out your wallet to access this feature, which will be available from $299 per month.
The launch of an integrated AI assistant
A new AI assistant has been announced with two main features:
AI design
Webflow AI Assistant makes it possible to design sites more quickly by automatically generating new page sections from an existing Design System. This feature makes it easy to quickly create common sections like prices, features, testimonials, etc. After generating a preview, you can further customize the section to fit your site perfectly. The AI Assistant helps launch new campaigns more quickly while maintaining total control over published content. Available in limited beta, this function will probably be chargeable eventually.
Writing by AI
The AI assistant can help marketing teams quickly create relevant content directly on Webflow. By taking advantage of the mass generation of sample CMS articles, the AI Assistant can generate a comprehensive CMS article with contextually relevant content that is tailored to the brand's tone from the first draft. Ideal for content marketing teams and designers, this tool accelerates content creation and frees up time for more strategic tasks.
Regarding this launch of the AI assistant, Webflow affirms its commitment to data privacy, stressing that data belongs to users. They clarify that the generative models launched today do not use user data. In the event of a change in this policy, Webflow promises transparent communication and will offer the option to choose to participate rather than automatically unsubscribe.
Acquisition of GSAP
Webflow announced the acquisition of GreenSock, the company behind GSAP, a powerful and robust JavaScript animation library that allows you to animate almost anything. Webflow's mission is to democratize development superpowers, thus making it possible to create interactive and captivating web experiences.
We can't wait to see how this announcement evolves as we use GSAP on almost all of our sites now.
Continue to grow the Webflow community
Several announcements were made to support community growth:
New “Webflow Practitioner” certification
Webflow announced exciting updates for Webflow University, including the beta launch of Webflow Practitioner certification, as well as the opening of a dedicated help center. The latter offers quick and easy access to answers via Webflow documentation.
Updates for template creators
Webflow is updating its template marketplace, offering creators new data to better understand demand and dominant trends. Webflow also relaxes the exclusivity rule for template designs, allowing them to be distributed on other marketplaces.
The redesign of the Webflow certified experts program
Already in place since this summer but re-explained during the Webflow Conf, the certified experts program has been completely overhauled in order to better reflect the level of expertise of the partners.
We are also very proud to be part of the very closed circle of Webflow Premium Partners.
Webflow also announces the return of “Client Billing” (which will now be called “Client Payment”). This feature allows you to request payment information from customers to cover hosting costs and other billing surcharges while building and hosting the site in your workspace. In the future, it will include the possibility of charging recurring project fees for services offered. Uninterrupted transfers will also be available, making it easy to move from a site to a customer's workspace without disrupting the site subscription. These features will be available to all users of agency and freelance workspace plans later this year, with the launch of project fees scheduled for early next year.
Conclusion
Webflow Conf 2024 unveiled major innovations to strengthen the interaction and efficiency of websites through improved management tools and deeper integration with other platforms. Among the strengths, the introduction of “Webflow Analyze” and “Webflow Optimize” marks a significant advance, allowing deep analysis and optimization of site performance. The focus on collaboration, accessibility, and continuous improvement underscores Webflow's commitment to providing a powerful and accessible tool.
AsWebflow agency, we can't wait to test these new features.
