Webflow and Domain Hosting: What You Should Know

Does Webflow host domains?

In short, Webflow does not host domains, but it expertly handles website hosting. To use a custom domain with Webflow, you need to purchase a Site (or Hosting) Plan. This plan lets you connect your own domain name—like www.yourbusiness.com—to your Webflow site, which Webflow hosts on robust infrastructure powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the Fastly Network. Here's what you need to know:

• Webflow handles website hosting, not domain registration.
• Purchase a domain from a third-party domain registrar like Google Domains or Namecheap.
• Connect your domain to Webflow with a Site Plan.

As the founder and CEO of Refresh Digital Strategy, I specialize in leveraging Webflow to empower small to mid-sized companies to thrive online. With experience in launching over 200 websites, I ensure my clients make the most of Webflow's robust hosting capabilities, even though it doesn't host domains directly.

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• Webflow UX design
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Does Webflow Host Domains?

Webflow Hosting Options

Webflow is all about website hosting—not domain hosting. When you build a site with Webflow, your website gets hosted on a powerful infrastructure powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the Fastly Network. This ensures your site is fast, reliable, and secure.

• Amazon Web Services (AWS): Provides global infrastructure for millions of sites, ensuring high uptime and reliability.
• Fastly Network: Delivers content quickly across the globe, enhancing site speed and performance.

Webflow offers various Site Plans, also known as Hosting Plans, to suit different needs. Whether you're a freelancer, a small business, or a large enterprise, there's a plan for you. These plans allow you to connect your custom domain and host your site with Webflow's robust infrastructure.

Custom Domain Integration

To use a custom domain with your Webflow site, you first need to purchase your domain from a third-party registrar, such as Google Domains or Namecheap. Once you have your domain, you can connect it to your Webflow site.

Here's how it works:

1. Purchase a Site Plan: Choose the right plan for your needs. This plan enables you to connect your custom domain and host your website on Webflow.

2. Update DNS Records: After purchasing a domain, you'll need to update the DNS records. This involves adding specific records provided by Webflow to your domain registrar's settings. This step links your domain to your Webflow site.

3. Registrar Coordination: Make sure your domain registrar supports DNS management. This is crucial for directing traffic from your domain to your Webflow-hosted site.

Connecting a custom domain to Webflow is straightforward, thanks to clear guidance and support. Once set up, your site will benefit from Webflow's reliable hosting infrastructure, without you having to worry about server management or maintenance.

With these hosting options and custom domain integration, Webflow provides a seamless experience for building and hosting your website. Now, let's dive into the different Webflow Hosting Plans and Pricing to find the best fit for your needs.

Webflow Hosting Plans and Pricing

Webflow offers a variety of hosting plans to cater to different needs and budgets. Let's break down the free vs paid plans and highlight the additional features of paid plans.

Free vs Paid Plans

Webflow provides a free plan that's perfect for getting started. This plan allows you to experiment with Webflow's features without any financial commitment. You can build your site using a Webflow.io subdomain, which is great for testing and development. However, it comes with limitations like restricted bandwidth and storage, and you can't connect a custom domain.

For those ready to take it to the next level, Webflow offers several paid site plans. These plans open up features like custom domain support and increased CMS capabilities. The Starter plan is the entry-level paid option, costing $14 per month if billed annually. It includes 150 site pages and supports up to 250,000 monthly visitors.

If you need more robust content management, the CMS plan is available at $23 per month (annual billing). It offers improved CMS features, three editors, and site search functionality. For businesses with higher traffic, the Business plan provides even more bandwidth and editor access.

Additional Features of Paid Plans

Paid plans come with a suite of additional features designed to improve your site's performance and security:

• Custom Domain Support: All paid plans allow you to connect your own custom domain, giving your site a professional touch.

• Surge Protection: Webflow's hosting is equipped to handle traffic surges, ensuring your site stays online even during high traffic periods.

• Hosting on AWS and Fastly Network: Enjoy fast and reliable hosting on Webflow's infrastructure, which uses AWS and the Fastly Network for optimal performance.

• Advanced Security: Paid plans include free SSL/TLS certificates, providing a secure connection for your visitors and boosting your site's SEO.

• Global CDN: Your content is delivered swiftly across the globe through a global content delivery network, enhancing user experience.

Choosing between free and paid plans depends on your specific needs. If you're just starting out, the free plan is a great way to explore Webflow. But if you're serious about building a professional site, a paid plan offers the features and support you'll need.

Next, we'll explore how to connect your domain to Webflow, ensuring your site is up and running smoothly.

How to Connect Your Domain to Webflow

Connecting your domain to Webflow is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to DNS management and domain settings. Let's walk through the steps and troubleshoot common issues.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose a Site Plan: To use a custom domain, you'll need a paid Webflow site plan. This allows you to connect your domain and make your site live with a professional touch.

2. Access DNS Settings: Log in to your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap) and steer to the DNS settings. This is where you'll manage the DNS records required to connect your domain to Webflow.

3. Add DNS Records: Webflow provides specific DNS records that you need to add at your registrar. Typically, this includes:

   • CNAME Record: Points your domain to your Webflow subdomain, usually in the format of proxy-ssl.webflow.com.
   • A Records: These IP addresses are provided by Webflow and need to be added to your DNS settings. They ensure that your domain points correctly to Webflow's servers.

4. Set Up Nameservers: Ensure your domain's nameservers are set to the default ones provided by your registrar unless instructed otherwise by Webflow.

5. Verify and Publish: Once you've added the DNS records, return to your Webflow dashboard. Here, you can verify the connection and publish your site to your custom domain.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best preparation, DNS errors can occur. Here are some common issues and solutions:

• DNS Propagation Delays: It can take up to 48 hours for DNS changes to propagate. If your site isn't connecting immediately, give it some time.

• Incorrect DNS Records: Double-check that you've entered the correct CNAME and A records. A small typo can prevent your domain from connecting.

• SSL Configuration: Ensure SSL is enabled in your Webflow settings. This is crucial for security and SEO.

• Support: If you're still experiencing issues, Webflow support is available to help. You can reach out via email or explore the Webflow community forum for advice.

By following these steps and addressing common issues, you can smoothly connect your domain to your Webflow site, ensuring it is live and accessible to your audience.

Next, we'll dive into frequently asked questions about Webflow and domain hosting.

Frequently Asked Questions about Webflow and Domain Hosting

Does Webflow Host Websites for Free?

Yes, Webflow does offer a free plan, but there are some limitations. The free plan allows you to build and host your site on a Webflow.io subdomain. This means you can't connect a custom domain unless you upgrade to a paid plan. While the free plan is great for testing and learning, it doesn't support advanced features like CMS or ecommerce.

Do I Have to Host My Webflow Site with Webflow?

No, you don't have to host your site with Webflow. You have the flexibility to export your code and host it externally. This is a great option if you prefer using a different hosting provider. However, be aware that if you choose external hosting, you will lose access to Webflow's CMS features. This means you won't be able to manage content dynamically from within Webflow, which might be a consideration if your site relies heavily on CMS functionalities.

Does Webflow Have Nameservers?

Webflow does not provide its own nameservers. Instead, you manage DNS settings through your domain registrar. This means you need to update DNS records like CNAME and A records at your registrar to point your domain to Webflow. By managing DNS settings at your registrar, you can ensure your domain is correctly linked to your Webflow site. If you encounter any issues, Webflow's support and community resources are excellent for troubleshooting DNS management challenges.

With these FAQs addressed, let's explore the diverse hosting plans and pricing options Webflow offers to see which one might be right for you.

Conclusion

At Refresh, we understand that navigating the complexities of Webflow and domain hosting can be daunting. That's why we're committed to providing expert Webflow support custom to the unique needs of small to medium-sized businesses. Whether you're just starting out or looking to optimize your existing website, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Webflow Support and Expertise

Our team specializes in Webflow, offering not just technical support but also insights into leveraging Webflow's powerful features to improve your online presence. From setting up custom domains to ensuring seamless integration with Webflow's hosting services, we ensure your website is optimized for both performance and user experience.

Long-Term Partnerships for Success

We believe in building long-term partnerships with our clients. This means we're not just a service provider but a strategic partner invested in your success. Our comprehensive services, including SEO, branding, and social media management, are designed to drive growth and engagement for your business.

By choosing Refresh, you're not just getting a Webflow website; you're gaining a partner dedicated to helping your business thrive online.

For more tips and insights on Webflow hosting, visit our Webflow Tips page. Let's work together to create a powerful online presence for your business.