How can I improve performance on a client site in Webflow?

Optimizing a client site in Webflow requires improving page speed, asset optimization, and best practices for performance. Follow these steps to ensure the site loads quickly and runs efficiently.

1. Optimize Images and Media

• Use WebP format for images where possible. Webflow supports automatic image compression but manually optimizing images before upload can help.
• Set images to "Responsive" in Webflow’s asset panel for automatic resizing.
• Enable Lazy Loading ("Auto" or "Lazy" for images and videos) to defer loading offscreen media.
• Remove unnecessary animations or optimize Lottie files by reducing the frame rate and limiting playback.

2. Reduce Unused CSS and JS

• Avoid unnecessary interactions and limit animation effects, especially large scroll-based animations.
• Remove unused Webflow components like Lottie player, Lightbox, or Ecommerce if they are not in use, as they add extra scripts.
• Minify and combine CSS & JS (Webflow does this automatically, but double-check under Project Settings > Hosting).
• Turn off Webflow’s jQuery if not needed (under Page Settings > Custom Code).

3. Optimize Fonts

• Use system fonts when possible to avoid extra font downloads.
• Limit Google Fonts to 2-3 styles (avoid excessive font weights or unnecessary variants). Webflow loads all variants unless you specify only the required ones.
• Use Variable Fonts to reduce multiple font file requests.

4. Improve Hosting and CDN Usage

• Enable Webflow’s built-in CDN under Project Settings > Hosting, which distributes assets globally for faster load times.
• Ensure Domain Settings are correct to avoid unnecessary redirects (301s slow down the page load).
• Use Cloudflare if needed for additional performance benefits, but avoid conflicting settings.

5. Minimize Third-Party Scripts

• Remove unused embeds and scripts in Page Settings > Custom Code. Each third-party script (e.g., chat widgets, tracking codes) can slow down the site.
• Use Google Tag Manager (GTM) instead of adding multiple tracking pixels separately.
• Load scripts asynchronously or defer non-essential scripts (e.g., use defer for non-critical JS).

6. Enable Webflow’s Performance Features

• Check browser caching settings (Webflow automatically optimizes this, but ensure your external resources have proper cache rules).
• Use Webflow’s preloading settings for key resources. This can help prioritize above-the-fold content loading.

7. Test and Monitor Performance

• Use Google Lighthouse (Chrome DevTools) or PageSpeed Insights to find bottlenecks.
• Check Webflow’s Audit feature under Designer > Audit Panel for layout and performance optimizations.
• Monitor load times using Webflow’s Site Performance reports in the dashboard.

Summary

To improve Webflow performance, focus on optimizing images, reducing unused assets, limiting third-party scripts, and ensuring fast hosting. Regularly test with Lighthouse and Webflow’s Audit panel to identify further improvements.