Tired of Webflow's hosting fees? Unlock ultimate control and savings by exporting your Webflow project and hosting it yourself. This guide reveals the cheapest and easiest method, walking you through the entire process, from export to deployment. No coding experience needed! Discover how to maintain full ownership of your website while significantly reducing costs. Let's get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare for Export
- Navigate to your Webflow Dashboard and select the site you wish to export.
- Locate the export code icon (between the green tick and share button) in the top right corner.
- A paid Webflow plan is required).
Prepare for Export -
Export Webflow Code
- Download the exported HTML code as a zip file.
Export Webflow Code -
Host on tiny.host
- Go to tiny.host.
- Upload the downloaded zip file to tiny.host.
- Name your website and optionally set it to private mode.
- Launch your website to the public once ready.
Host on tiny.host
Tips
- Exporting Webflow code allows you to save money on hosting fees, especially with high-traffic websites.
- This method offers more control over your website compared to relying solely on Webflow's platform and terms of service.
- You can sell your exported Webflow templates as a business.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Incorrectly exporting the code
Reason: Exporting the wrong file type or missing crucial assets like images or fonts leads to a broken website on the new host.
Solution: Ensure you select the correct export option (usually a zipped folder containing all necessary files) and double-check that all assets are included.
2. Ignoring server-side requirements
Reason: Webflow exports client-side code; the new server might need specific configurations (like .htaccess files or PHP dependencies) that Webflow handles automatically.
Solution: Thoroughly research the hosting provider's requirements and configure the server accordingly before uploading the exported files.
FAQs
Will exporting my Webflow project lose any functionality?
Generally, no. However, some Webflow-specific features (like certain CMS integrations or advanced animations heavily reliant on Webflow's interactions) might require adjustments or might not fully translate. It's best to test thoroughly after exporting and deploying.
What hosting provider is best for my exported Webflow site?
Many providers work well! Shared hosting (like HostGator, Bluehost) is affordable for smaller sites. For larger, more complex projects, consider a VPS (Virtual Private Server) or cloud hosting (like AWS, Google Cloud, DigitalOcean) for better scalability and performance. Consider your budget and site traffic when choosing.