- Why use Webflow?
- Why not host with Webflow?
- Overcoming common challenges
- Steps to self-hosting a Webflow site
- Upload files to hosting
- Testing your new site
- Tools and resources for self-hosting
- FAQ: Webflow Hosting—How to Do It Yourself
Not everyone wants to use Webflow’s integrated hosting.
But many professionals appreciate the no-code Webflow approach to website design.
What to do?
The answer is simple. Design your site on Webflow and host it elsewhere.
But how?
Let’s take a look.
Why use Webflow?
Webflow began in 2013 as a no-code solution for designing interactive media such as websites and mobile apps. As it grew in popularity, Webflow added Content Management System (CMS) capabilities, such as those at the core of WordPress and Drupal.
While WordPress still powers over 40% of all websites, Webflow has rapidly become the web’s top no-code site builder.
Webflow’s features include visual HTML and CSS editing through a drag-and-drop interface, support for professional design and prototype tools such as Figma, an integrated CMS, fully integrated hosting, SEO optimization, and many others.
Why not host with Webflow?
Webflow’s integrated hosting is convenient, but it has limitations.
- Over time, cost is an issue. External hosting might be cheaper in the long run.
- You are locked into Webflow’s ecosystem, which is not as large and robust as others like WordPress.
- If you already have a hosting environment, it may make much more sense to export Webflow code and install it on your own servers.
- You can avoid Webflow’s limitations by hosting elsewhere if you wish to customize your website or its server configurations beyond what Webflow offers.
Overcoming common challenges
Hosting your Webflow site elsewhere comes with some inconveniences, but workarounds are available.
Lost CMS functionality
The integrated CMS is missing. You must replace the Webflow CMS with your own solution, especially on static web servers.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLE: What is a Static Site CMS?
Handling form submissions
Integrated form handling is missing. Forms must be handled by your server’s backend or with an online form-handling service.
Managing updates
Updating your Webflow site design may require a new export from Webflow and a reinstallation on your servers.
Steps to self-hosting a Webflow site
Setup your hosting
Get web hosting that supports HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Less expensive static web hosting supports this, as do VPS or shared hosting.
Connect your domain
Connect your chosen domain to your destination web server. Some hosts do this for you. If not, you must point the domain to the server’s IP address and properly configure the domain DNS records.
Install SSL Certificate
Most hosting services offer automatic or one-click installation of the necessary SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. Standard SSL certificates are free of charge. More complex or e-commerce sites may wish to pay for a more feature-rich certificate.
Export Webflow site
In Webflow, export the website files from the CMS or Project menus.
- Login to your Webflow account and open the project site you want to download.
- Click on the “Settings” icon in the bottom left and select “Download Site” from the menu.
- In the download modal, choose whether to download just the HTML files or the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Select any other options, such as including images.
- Choose the format in which you want to download the files - either a zip file or separate files. I recommend choosing a zip file to keep everything together and organized.
- Click the “Download” button. Webflow will now compile and package the site files for you.
- When ready, click on the notification to download the zip file or click the links to download individual HTML, CSS, and JS files.
- The zip file or set of files containing your site code and assets will download to your computer.
- You can now use these files to self-host the site or migrate it to another platform. Just ensure any file paths are updated correctly.
Upload files to hosting
Use the appropriate tools to upload your exported Webflow files to your server.
If you haven’t chosen a hosting provider yet, we recommend our service, Tiiny.host.
Tiiny.host is the simplest way to host your exported Webflow site. Three steps, and your static site is live on the web. (CMS not supported. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript only.)
RECOMMENDED WEB HOST: Tiiny.host. Our service is simple, fast, and secure.
Here’s all you do:
- Choose a link-name for your website.
- Drag and drop your exported Webflow zip file into the dialog.
- Click the “Upload file” button.
After signing in, your site will be live on the web in seconds.
Host your Webflow site free. Low-cost subscriptions are available for added features.
Testing your new site
Test your new site thoroughly to ensure proper functioning.
Check links, images, text, and everything else you can think of.
Troubleshoot any issues with the hosting provider’s support.
Tools and resources for self-hosting
If you still have questions about how to host Webflow yourself, you can contact the awesome customer service people at Tiiny.host/help. No commitment is necessary.
You can ask Tiiny.host’s customer service about this article, hosting in general, static websites, or anything internet related. We’re here for you.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLE: How to Host a Website
RECOMMENDED ARTICLE: Static Website Hosting: A Beginner’s Guide
RECOMMENDED ARTICLE: Webflow vs. WordPress
FAQ: Webflow Hosting—How to Do It Yourself
What hosting do I need for a self-hosted Webflow site?
You’ll need standard web hosting that supports HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and HTTPS. Shared hosting and VPS plans typically work well. Tiiny.host is recommended.
How do I get my Webflow site files to the new host?
You can export your Webflow site files, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, directly from the Webflow dashboard. This gives you the site code. Zip them (if not already) and upload them to your new host.
What changes are needed to self-host Webflow?
You may need to update some links, redirects, and file paths in the code once it is on your own hosting. Be sure to test thoroughly.
