A Beginner's Guide to the Client First Framework in Webflow

The Client First framework, developed by Finsweet, is revolutionizing how developers approach Webflow projects. By prioritizing organized class naming, reusable components, and accessibility, it offers a clear and scalable structure for Webflow sites. Whether you're new to Webflow or looking to streamline your process, this guide walks you through the essentials of Client First.

What is the Client First Framework?

Client First is a naming convention and strategy designed to help developers build Webflow websites in a way that is:

• Readable: Easy to understand for clients, marketers, and developers.
• Scalable: Designed for growth, making updates and iterations straightforward.
• Consistent: Establishes a uniform system for naming and structuring classes.

Key Features of Client First

1. Organized Naming Conventions

• Use meaningful names to describe what classes do (e.g., margin-large, text-center).
• Apply prefixes to indicate component groups (e.g., hero-header, testimonial-slider).

2. Reusable Components

• Create standardized elements like buttons, cards, or grids to reduce redundancy.
• Utilize pre-designed style guides like Relume or Finsweet’s resources to kickstart projects.

3. Accessibility Focus

• Ensure websites meet modern accessibility standards for a seamless user experience.

Why Use Client First?

1. Saves Time: Minimize confusion with clear, reusable components.
2. Improves Collaboration: Teams can quickly understand and adapt existing projects.
3. Enhances Client Handoffs: Clients can easily edit and manage their sites without a developer.

How to Get Started with Client First

Step 1: Install a Style Guide

• Download a free style guide from Finsweet or Relume.
• Use pre-defined classes for spacing, typography, and components.

Step 2: Understand the Naming System

• Start with global classes like margin-large, padding-small, or text-heading.
• Combine orientation and size for specificity (e.g., margin-vertical-large).

Step 3: Create Components

• Use a consistent structure for common elements:
  • Hero Sections: Create hero-wrapper, hero-header, and hero-content classes.
  • Buttons: Define button-primary and button-secondary for consistent styling.

Step 4: Test for Accessibility

• Ensure all content is keyboard-navigable.
• Use accessible font sizes and color contrasts.

Pro Tips for Mastering Client First

1. Leverage REM Units: Use REM for scalable and responsive designs.
2. Document Your Structure: Keep notes on component names and their purposes.
3. Use a Calculator: Tools like Finsweet’s REM calculator simplify size calculations.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Forgetting Class Purposes

Solution: Adopt a naming convention that clearly describes functionality.

Challenge: Overwhelming Learning Curve

Solution: Start with basic components and gradually implement advanced features.

Challenge: Accessibility Concerns

Solution: Follow Finsweet’s guidelines and test your site using tools like Wave or Lighthouse.

Conclusion

The Client First framework is a game-changer for Webflow developers. By prioritizing organization, reusability, and accessibility, it simplifies project management and enhances user experience. Start incorporating Client First into your Webflow projects today to create scalable, client-friendly websites.

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