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A Beginner's Guide to the Client First Framework in Webflow
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August 23, 2024
The Client First framework, developed by Finsweet, is revolutionizing how developers approach Webflow projects.
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?
- Saves Time: Minimize confusion with clear, reusable components.
- Improves Collaboration: Teams can quickly understand and adapt existing projects.
- 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, ortext-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, andhero-contentclasses. - Buttons: Define
button-primaryandbutton-secondaryfor consistent styling.
- Hero Sections: Create
Step 4: Test for Accessibility
- Ensure all content is keyboard-navigable.
- Use accessible font sizes and color contrasts.
Pro Tips for Mastering Client First
- Leverage REM Units: Use REM for scalable and responsive designs.
- Document Your Structure: Keep notes on component names and their purposes.
- 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.
FAQ
What is the main benefit of the Client First framework?
Can beginners use the Client First framework?
What resources are available for learning Client First?
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You've done a great job! I am grateful to you for such fast and high-quality work. We were able to launch the booking system several weeks earlier than expected.
Thank you very much.
YAVACO is an extremely professional agency. They moved quickly, had great communication, and were always helpful throughout the project. I highly, highly recommend!
Great work by YAVACADO they worked non stop and really quickly completing the work. They will definitely be first in my list when I have future CSS HTML projects.
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The website was set up and ready in the timeline we discussed, and according to the specification, not only, YAVACADO team did it fully responsive, with creative and cool animations!
I'm more then happy with the outcomeIf you are looking for a true talnet here on Upwork - YAVACADO is your team. Thanks again! And will surely used your services again
YAVACADO team did a fantastic job building out my Webflow project. The team is friendly and attentive and there are knowledgeable professionals who I highly recommend and look forward to working with again.
Incredible outcome. Fast , reliable and exactly what I wanted to impress the audience for my presentation.
You did a great job! We have acquired a stable and reliable partner to manage our website.
It was comfortable working with the team. The assigned task of developing a webflow site was completed on time and with the expected result. I'm glad I was able to start the business as planned.
Great provider and easy to work with! Professional, dependable, flexible, and delivered all that was needed! Would work with you for future project!
From intricate integrations to design finesse, you've tackled each challenge with precision and passion.
Thanks to the new website, we've seen a significant boost in inquiries and client interactions. The design perfectly reflects our brand, and the site's functionality is exactly what we needed!
Thanks to the new system, our processes became more transparent and efficient, saving us valuable time and effort.
"A great Webflow developer, he can pixel-perfect develop figma designs into Webflow. Really good quality work and speed.
The professional team that can manage any of your requests
We hired YAVACADO to design our company's website, and the entire process went exceptionally well. They worked at a record pace and delivered outstanding results. The YAVACADO understood our vision perfectly and was quick to make any adjustments we needed, ensuring the final product met all our expectations. Professionalism of YAVACADO's team, speed, and ability to grasp our requirements made the experience seamless. Highly recommended!
Very helpful in getting our website up to spec, very patient in helping us with compromises etc. Would recommend to anyone!
It is easy to work with. He will make the necessary adjustments to make your work the best. I definitely recommend him.
Thank you for being so helpful in designing and developing the site! Now it looks great. I see that now we are much more prestigious and attract more clients.
You've done a great job! I am grateful to you for such fast and high-quality work. We were able to launch the booking system several weeks earlier than expected.
Thank you very much.
YAVACO is an extremely professional agency. They moved quickly, had great communication, and were always helpful throughout the project. I highly, highly recommend!
Great work by YAVACADO they worked non stop and really quickly completing the work. They will definitely be first in my list when I have future CSS HTML projects.
YAVACADO Agency is very responsive and I appreciate their commitment to work - team's very skilled and responsible. The quality is also great, would work with them again in the future.
YAVACADO's expertise in Webflow resulted in a flawless website with captivating animations that truly brought it to life. We will build future cooperation.
The website was set up and ready in the timeline we discussed, and according to the specification, not only, YAVACADO team did it fully responsive, with creative and cool animations!
I'm more then happy with the outcomeIf you are looking for a true talnet here on Upwork - YAVACADO is your team. Thanks again! And will surely used your services again
YAVACADO team did a fantastic job building out my Webflow project. The team is friendly and attentive and there are knowledgeable professionals who I highly recommend and look forward to working with again.
Incredible outcome. Fast , reliable and exactly what I wanted to impress the audience for my presentation.
You did a great job! We have acquired a stable and reliable partner to manage our website.
It was comfortable working with the team. The assigned task of developing a webflow site was completed on time and with the expected result. I'm glad I was able to start the business as planned.
Great provider and easy to work with! Professional, dependable, flexible, and delivered all that was needed! Would work with you for future project!
From intricate integrations to design finesse, you've tackled each challenge with precision and passion.
Thanks to the new website, we've seen a significant boost in inquiries and client interactions. The design perfectly reflects our brand, and the site's functionality is exactly what we needed!
Thanks to the new system, our processes became more transparent and efficient, saving us valuable time and effort.
"A great Webflow developer, he can pixel-perfect develop figma designs into Webflow. Really good quality work and speed.
The professional team that can manage any of your requests
We hired YAVACADO to design our company's website, and the entire process went exceptionally well. They worked at a record pace and delivered outstanding results. The YAVACADO understood our vision perfectly and was quick to make any adjustments we needed, ensuring the final product met all our expectations. Professionalism of YAVACADO's team, speed, and ability to grasp our requirements made the experience seamless. Highly recommended!
Very helpful in getting our website up to spec, very patient in helping us with compromises etc. Would recommend to anyone!
It is easy to work with. He will make the necessary adjustments to make your work the best. I definitely recommend him.
Thank you for being so helpful in designing and developing the site! Now it looks great. I see that now we are much more prestigious and attract more clients.
You've done a great job! I am grateful to you for such fast and high-quality work. We were able to launch the booking system several weeks earlier than expected.
Thank you very much.
YAVACO is an extremely professional agency. They moved quickly, had great communication, and were always helpful throughout the project. I highly, highly recommend!
Great work by YAVACADO they worked non stop and really quickly completing the work. They will definitely be first in my list when I have future CSS HTML projects.
YAVACADO Agency is very responsive and I appreciate their commitment to work - team's very skilled and responsible. The quality is also great, would work with them again in the future.
YAVACADO's expertise in Webflow resulted in a flawless website with captivating animations that truly brought it to life. We will build future cooperation.
The website was set up and ready in the timeline we discussed, and according to the specification, not only, YAVACADO team did it fully responsive, with creative and cool animations!
I'm more then happy with the outcomeIf you are looking for a true talnet here on Upwork - YAVACADO is your team. Thanks again! And will surely used your services again
YAVACADO team did a fantastic job building out my Webflow project. The team is friendly and attentive and there are knowledgeable professionals who I highly recommend and look forward to working with again.
Incredible outcome. Fast , reliable and exactly what I wanted to impress the audience for my presentation.
You did a great job! We have acquired a stable and reliable partner to manage our website.
It was comfortable working with the team. The assigned task of developing a webflow site was completed on time and with the expected result. I'm glad I was able to start the business as planned.
Great provider and easy to work with! Professional, dependable, flexible, and delivered all that was needed! Would work with you for future project!