Project Kickoff: Clarifying What the Site Needs to Do
It all starts with the design - typically in Figma or another static file - but the real work begins in the first conversation with the client or designer.
Not only do we dive deep into understanding the design itself, but we also clarify the functionality that needs to support it. What’s happening behind the scenes? Are there gated resources? A blog with filtering and categories? CRM integrations? Custom form flows?
These insights shape everything that follows. A well-crafted layout is just the beginning - a site must function as beautifully as it looks to truly deliver.
Webflow Build: Structured, Consistent, Scalable
To begin the build, I lean on a core set of tools, starting with components from Relume, a large library of Webflow-ready elements that helps streamline the layout process and maintain consistency across pages.
From there, the project is developed using the Client First methodology - a widely adopted framework that promotes clear naming conventions, logical structure, and clean class management.
The benefits are clear:
- Easier maintenance and scalability
- Organised, predictable layouts
- Smooth handoffs - whether to a client, another developer, or an internal team
A strong structure under the hood supports not just the launch - but the long-term success of the site.
Integrations & Automation: Connecting the Dots
Most modern websites need more than layout and styling - they need to function as part of a broader system. That’s where integrations and automation come in.
Common tools include:
- Zapier – for automating workflows, like sending form submissions to CRMs, triggering email alerts, or updating spreadsheets
- Memberstack – for gated content, user authentication, and membership functionality
- Calendly and other third-party embeds – depending on the project’s requirements
Each integration is scoped carefully and implemented cleanly - avoiding bloated embed codes or fragile, hard-to-maintain solutions.
Testing & QA: Browsers and Screen Sizes
Once the build is complete, thorough testing begins - and it goes far beyond a quick scroll through Webflow’s default breakpoints.
Every screen size from 320px to 2500px is checked - as are all modern browsers. Particular attention is given to:
- Tablet layouts – Webflow treats anything above 992px as desktop, which can lead to layout issues in the 992–1200px range
- Safari – not quite the new Internet Explorer, but still the browser most likely to behave unpredictably
- Mobile – with over half of all traffic coming from mobile devices, small-screen performance has to be flawless
Testing is done using BrowserStack for cross-browser accuracy. No site goes live until it performs reliably across the board.
Performance Optimisation: Speed Matters
Performance isn’t just about load time - it directly impacts SEO, user experience, and accessibility. A slow or unoptimised site can frustrate users, rank lower in search results, and create barriers for people using assistive technologies.
Before launch, every project is run through tools like PageSpeed Insights and Webflow’s built-in audits. These checks provide insight into three key areas:
- Page Speed – reducing load times by compressing images, eliminating render-blocking resources, and enabling lazy loading
- SEO – ensuring proper metadata, heading structure, and page hierarchy for better indexing
- Accessibility – flagging issues like missing alt text, insufficient colour contrast, or improper use of semantic elements
These optimizations are addressed before the site goes live, resulting in a faster, more inclusive, and search-friendly experience - one that feels polished both on the surface and behind the scenes.
Final Review, Launch, and Beyond
With testing and performance dialed in, the site goes back to the client or designer for a final review. Thanks to a structured build process, revisions at this stage are usually minimal - small UI adjustments, CMS tweaks, or copy edits.
Once approved, it’s time to:
- Point the domain and set the site live
The result is a launch that’s smooth, predictable, and stress-free.
Because the foundation is solid, the site is easier to maintain, easier to scale, and easier to evolve over time. Good Webflow development isn’t just about moving fast - it’s about building with clarity, so that creativity and collaboration aren’t held back by technical debt.
A well-structured process doesn’t slow things down. It keeps everything moving in the right direction.
