Disclaimer 1: This approach is not officially supported by Webflow right now, however it doesn’t exploit any Webflow vulnerabilities. So there’s hardly anything Webflow can do to affect its work.
Disclaimer 2: Setting up this approach requires certain software engineering skills.
Disclaimer 3: This approach has some disadvantages listed in the final section.
Introduction
Webflow is a great tool for building websites. Being a top-notch website development platform, it still lacks one important feature now: it doesn't allow several developers to work on a single website in parallel. While it’s not so important when your website is simple and small, it can slow you down dramatically when the website starts to grow.
At Akveo, we have faced this issue and tried to find a way to solve it. There is hardly any perfect solution, but the approach we’ve developed can help people who have encountered the same difficulties as we have. Though it still doesn’t support real-time collaboration on a single page, our team’s performance and speed have greatly increased as 2 Webflow developers can now work on the different logical parts of the website simultaneously.
Ingredients
What you need:
- 2 or more Webflow Site Plan accounts (equivalent to the number of users you need to work concurrently).
- A reverse proxy server like NGINX to combine all your Webflow websites in a single one.
- A CDN like Cloudflare to speed up your final website.
Guide
Webflow Accounts and Webflow Domain Setup
First of all, you need to split your website into several logical parts where your Webflow developers could work independently. These parts can be:
- Home page and blog.
- Home page and eCommerce pages.
- Landing pages and blog, etc.
Technically, there can be one developer per each website page.
NOTE: it still won’t be possible to work on a single page in parallel.
Then, you need to buy a Webflow Site Plan for each logical part of your website. If you already have common elements designed (header, footer, blocks, etc.) at this point, you can copy-paste them from one account to another.
Now, you need to set up the custom domains for your accounts. You can assign them to the subdomains of your website main domain. Thus, if you plan to have your website at yoursite.com, the first Webflow account should be part1.yoursite.com, the second one – part2.yoursite.com, and so on. Also make sure that Enable SSL toggle is switched off for each account, as it will simplify the NGINX setup later.
After this, your Webflow developers can start working on the different parts of your website while you’re finishing the setup. The only thing they need to do is keep the URL structure according to your domain root. So, if you choose a particular account to manage the pages under /part1, all the pages under this subdirectory should be placed within /part1 of this account.
One more important thing: one of your Webflow accounts should be responsible for providing correct sitemap.xml, which is important for SEO. If you want a sitemap file to be automatically generated by Webflow, you need to create an empty page for every page managed by another Webflow account. In such case, these pages will be present in sitemap.xml, but NGINX will serve them from another account. You will learn about it later.
NGINX Reverse Proxy Setup
Once you complete the Webflow setup, it’s time to configure your NGINX reverse proxy. To do this, you will probably need web development skills, or some help from a person with the relevant background. Actually, there’s another way around if you already have a Cloudflare Enterprise Subscription (according to the forums, Cloudflare Enterprise supports reverse proxy functionality). Besides, it can also be achieved with the use of AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Console.
In our case, we’ve already had the running NGINX server, so the setup process has taken just a couple of minutes. If you also have a running web server, you can try to use it for this matter as well.
So firstly, you need to have NGINX running on some VM. There are dozens of options on the market, but DigitalOcean is the best fit here in terms of the price/quality relationship. We see no need to duplicate their comprehensive (they really are) tutorials here. Instead, let us highlight those that you might need to study to get your NGINX server up and running:
- Creating an Ubuntu Droplet on DigitalOcean.
- Initial Server Setup with Ubuntu.
- Installing NGINX on Ubuntu (substitute yoursite.com for example.com).
Here are two main results you will get once the installation is finished:
- The DigitalOcean droplet is accessible via an IP address.
- NGINX website config located at /etc/nginx/sites-available/yoursite.com.
Now, we need to adjust our NGINX config to reverse proxy our Webflow website parts:
sudo nano /etc/nginx/sites-available/yoursite.com
After you save the config, restart NGINX:
sudo systemctl restart nginx
That’s it.
Cloudflare Setup
To make sure that the CDN proxy works, you need to transfer nameservers to Cloudflare. A pretty good tutorial is available here.
After you finish with it, add Cloudflare CNAME records for each of your Webflow Site Plan accounts to make them available via subdomains we specified earlier:
Now, add A record to your main website domain. As an IP address, use the IP address of the droplet we’ve created at step 2. Please note: in this case, we turn on DNS proxy in the DNS settings with Cloudflare. This would make Cloudflare CDN work.
Additionally, you can turn on the Cloudflare Flexible SSL support:
And finally, set up Always HTTPS redirect using Page Rules:
Basically, that’s it! Your setup will work now. If not, please let us know in the comments.
On a Final Note
As we have said, this is not the most elegant approach. It has several downsides:
- The cost of this approach is higher because of the prices of several Webflow Site accounts and a DigitalOcean droplet.
- The header, the footer, and other common components need to be updated in each of your Webflow Site accounts.
- Multiple collaborators in Editor on a single page is still not possible.
- The loading time of some pages increases since technically, you will load a duplicated CSS while in another case it could be cached.
But nevertheless, this approach works, we know it for sure from our own experience. https://www.akveo.com is our main Webflow account, and everything nested under https://www.akveo.com/services/design is another Webflow account.
Our approach is useful if several developers actively work on your website in parallel. Nonetheless, we hope that Webflow will support the simultaneous work of several users on a single website some day, and it will be achieved with fewer efforts and drawbacks.
Retool Dashboards with HubSpot Integration
Our client needed a centralized tool to aggregate account and contact activity, improving visibility and decision-making for the sales team.
The solution
We built a Retool application integrated with HubSpot, QuickMail, and Clay.com. The app features dashboards for sorting, filtering, and detailed views of companies, contacts, and deals, along with real-time notifications and bidirectional data syncing.
The result
- MVP in 50 hours: Delivered a functional application in just 50 hours.
- Smarter decisions: Enabled data-driven insights for strategic planning.
- Streamlined operations: Reduced manual tasks with automation and real-time updates.
Lead Generation Tool to Reduce Manual Work
Our client, Afore Capital, a venture capital firm focused on pre-seed investments, aimed to automate their lead generation processes but struggled with existing out-of-the-box solutions. To tackle this challenge, they sought assistance from our team of Akveo Retool experts.
The scope of work
The client needed a tailored solution to log and track inbound deals effectively. They required an application that could facilitate the addition, viewing, and editing of company and founder information, ensuring data integrity and preventing duplicates. Additionally, Afore Capital aimed to integrate external tools like PhantomBuster and LinkedIn to streamline data collection.
The result
By developing a custom Retool application, we streamlined the lead generation process, significantly reducing manual data entry. The application enabled employees to manage inbound deals efficiently while automated workflows for email parsing, notifications, and dynamic reporting enhanced operational efficiency. This allowed Afore Capital's team to focus more on building relationships with potential founders rather than on administrative tasks.
Learn more about the case
Retool CMS Application for EdTech Startup
Our client, CutTime, a leading fine arts education management platform, needed a scalable CMS application to improve vendor product management and user experience.
The scope of work
We developed a Retool application that allows vendors to easily upload and manage product listings, handle inventory, and set shipping options. The challenge was to integrate the app with the client’s system, enabling smooth authentication and product management for program directors.
The result
Our solution streamlined product management, reducing manual work for vendors, and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Building Reconciliation Tool for e-commerce company
Our client was in need of streamlining and simplifying its monthly accounting reconciliation process – preferably automatically. But with a lack of time and low budget for a custom build, development of a comprehensive software wasn’t in the picture. After going through the case and customer’s needs, we decided to implement Retool. And that was the right choice.
The scope of work
Our team developed a custom reconciliation tool designed specifically for the needs of high-volume transaction environments. It automated the processes and provided a comprehensive dashboard for monitoring discrepancies and anomalies in real-time.
The implementation of Retool significantly reduced manual effort, as well as fostered a more efficient and time-saving reconciliation process.
Creating Retool Mobile App for a Wine Seller
A leading spirits and wine seller in Europe required the development of an internal mobile app for private client managers and administrators. The project was supposed to be done in 1,5 months. Considering urgency and the scope of work, our developers decided to use Retool for swift and effective development.
The scope of work
Our developers built a mobile application tailored to the needs of the company's sales force: with a comprehensive overview of client interactions, facilitated order processing, and enabled access to sales history and performance metrics. It was user-friendly, with real-time updates, seamlessly integrated with existing customer databases.
The result? Increase in productivity of the sales team and improved decision-making process. But most importantly, positive feedback from the customers themselves.
Developing PoC with Low Code for a Tour Operator
To efficiently gather, centralize, and manage data is a challenge for any tour operator. Our client was not an exception. The company was seeking to get an internal software that will source information from third-party APIs and automate the travel itinerary creation process. Preferably, cost- and user-friendly tool.
The scope of work
Our experts ensured the client that all the requirements could be covered by Retool. And just in 40 hours a new software was launched. The tool had a flexible and easy-to-use interface with user authentication and an access management system panel – all the company needed. At the end, Retool was considered the main tool to replace the existing system.
Testing New Generation of Lead Management Tool with Retool
Our client, a venture fund, had challenges with managing lead generation and client acquisition. As the company grew, it aimed to attract more clients and scale faster, as well as automate the processes to save time, improve efficiency and minimize human error. The idea was to craft an internal lead generation tool that will cover all the needs. We’ve agreed that Retool will be a perfect tool for this.
The scope of work
The project initially began as a proof of concept, but soon enough, with each new feature delivered, the company experienced increased engagement and value.
We developed a web tool that integrates seamlessly with Phantombuster for data extraction and LinkedIn for social outreach. Now, the company has a platform that elevates the efficiency of their lead generation activities and provides deep insights into potential client bases.
Building an Advanced Admin Portal for Streamlined Operations
Confronted with the need for more sophisticated internal tools, an owner of IP Licensing marketplace turned to Retool to utilize its administrative functions. The primary goal was to construct an advanced admin portal that could support complex, multi-layered processes efficiently.
The scope of work
Our client needed help with updating filters and tables for its internal platform. In just 30 hours we've been able to update and create about 6 pages. Following features were introduced: add complex filtering and search, delete records, styling application with custom CSS.
Together, we have increased performance on most heavy pages and fixed circular dependency issues.
Creating MVP Dashboard for Google Cloud Users
Facing the challenge of unoptimized cloud resource management, a technology firm working with Google Cloud users was looking for a solution to make its operations more efficient. The main idea of the project was to create an MVP for e-commerce shops to test some client hypotheses. Traditional cloud management tools fell short.
The scope of work
Determined to break through limitations, our team of developers turned Retool. We decided to craft an MVP Dashboard specifically for Google Cloud users. This wasn't just about bringing data into view; but about reshaping how teams interact with their cloud environment.
We designed a dashboard that turned complex cloud data into a clear, strategic asset thanks to comprehensive analytics, tailored metrics, and an intuitive interface, that Retool provides. As the results, an increase in operational efficiency, significant improvement in cost management and resource optimization.
Elevating CRM with Custom HubSpot Sales Dashboard
Our other client, a SaaS startup, that offers collaborative tools for design and engineering teams, was on a quest to supercharge their sales efforts. Traditional CRM systems were limited and not customizable enough. The company sought a solution that could tailor HubSpot to their workflow and analytics needs.
The scope of work
Charged with the task of going beyond standard CRM functions, our team turned to Retool. We wanted to redefine how sales teams interact with their CRM.
By integrating advanced analytics, custom metrics, and a user-friendly interface, our developers provided a solution that transformed data into a strategic asset.
In 40 hours, three informative dashboards were developed, containing the most sensitive data related to sales activities. These dashboards enable our customer to analyze sales and lead generation performance from a different perspective and establish the appropriate KPIs.
Building a PDF Editor with Low-Code
Our client, a leading digital credential IT startup, needed a lot of internal processes to be optimized. But the experience with low-code tools wasn’t sufficient. That’s why the company decided to hire professionals. And our team of developers joined the project.
The scope of work
The client has a program that designs and prints custom badges for customers. The badges need to be “mail-merged” with a person’s info and turned into a PDF to print. But what is the best way to do it?
Our developers decided to use Retool as a core tool. Using custom components and JavaScript, we developed a program that reduced employees' time for designing, putting the data, verifying, and printing PDF badges in one application.
As a result, the new approach significantly reduces the time required by the internal team to organize all the necessary staff for the conference, including badge creation.
