Is it possible to use an outside hosting service instead of Webflow's hosting service for my basic 6-page personal portfolio website? If so, what is the step-by-step process to do so and would this mean I don't have to pay Webflow's monthly fee?

Yes, it's possible to use an external hosting service instead of Webflow's hosting for your site. This allows you to avoid Webflow’s monthly site hosting fee, but you will need a paid Webflow Workspace plan to export your code.

1. Understand Export Limitations

• Exporting code is only available on a paid Workspace plan (Freelancer or Agency tier).
• You can only export static content: HTML, CSS, JS, and images.
• CMS features, dynamic content, forms, and Webflow interactions that rely on Webflow’s backend (like site search or the CMS) won’t work outside of Webflow hosting.
• You won't need to pay the site plan fee (e.g., Basic, CMS, Business) if you're hosting externally.

2. Choose a Paid Workspace Plan

• Go to your Webflow Dashboard.
• Select Upgrade Workspace and choose either the Freelancer or Agency plan.
• The basic Starter Workspace does not allow code export.

3. Export Your Site Code

• Open your Webflow project in the Designer.
• Click the Export Code icon in the top toolbar (arrow coming out of a box).
• Webflow will prepare a ZIP file containing:
• HTML files (one per page)
• A CSS folder
• A JS folder
• Images used throughout your site

4. Choose a Hosting Provider

• Use services like Netlify, Vercel, GitHub Pages, or traditional hosting like Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator.
• For static content, Netlify or Vercel are quicker and easier to deploy.

5. Upload and Host Your Files

• Unzip the export package locally.
• Use your chosen host’s method to deploy:
• Netlify: Drag & drop folder in the dashboard or connect to a GitHub repo.
• Vercel: Create a new project and upload or connect a repo.
• Traditional Host (e.g., Bluehost): Use FTP or a file manager to upload the exported files.

6. Set Up a Custom Domain (Optional)

• If you have a domain, update your DNS records to point to your new hosting provider.
• Your hosting service will provide the exact DNS information (usually A records or CNAMEs) to change with your registrar.

Summary

You can host your Webflow site externally by exporting the code with a paid Workspace plan, avoiding Webflow’s hosting fees. However, you lose access to Webflow CMS, form handling, and certain dynamic functions. The exported code is static and must be uploaded to a separate hosting provider like Netlify, Vercel, or traditional web hosts.