Attending NACS Chicago as a first-time visitor provided valuable insights into the convenience store and foodservice industry, particularly from Homade's perspective as a design agency. The show offered a comprehensive view of how brands engage with customers in this unique retail environment and revealed several trends and opportunities relevant to our work. Store Layout and Design Philosophy One of the most striking observations was the variety in store design approaches across the exhibition floor. Open vs. Strategic Layouts Some retailers are embracing open-concept layouts that immedia
Think you've got your Webflow site SEO down to a T? Think again. The devil's in the details, and those details could be costing you valuable search engine rankings. But don't sweat it; we've got you covered. Page Checklist: The nitty-gritty of SEO settings and audits. Open Graph Images: Boost your social media performance. Accessibility: Simple tasks to make your site more accessible and SEO-friendly. Third-Party Tools: Sync up with Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools. Structured Data: How to add Schema Markup for rich results. CMS: Tips for Webflow CMS users. Page S
Some of the most fulfilling projects I do are rebrands and fixes. Working on a brand that already has a customer base and many implementations of their graphics in place across the web and as physical signage presents it's own set of challenges. The larger the company I'm working with the more financial risk there is consider. Imaging replacing twenty-thousand dollars worth of signs above your store, replacing logos, banners and graphics across social media and outreach only to be met with a "meh" by your customers, and even worse LOOSING customers. I'll walk you through
Introduction In today's digital age, having a well-designed website is essential for businesses and individuals alike. Webflow has emerged as a popular platform for creating visually stunning and functional websites without the need for extensive coding knowledge. However, as with any website project, one of the first questions that often comes to mind is, "What is the Webflow pricing?" In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the costs associated with building a website using Webflow, providing you with valuable insights to make an informed decision. Webflow Subscri
The Misconception of Beautiful Websites There’s a common belief among startups, designers, and business owners that a beautifully designed website with impressive animations will lead to higher sales. However, the reality is quite the opposite. While visually stunning websites may work for established brands like Apple, where customers already know what they want, most businesses need a website that prioritizes clarity and functionality over aesthetics. When a website is overloaded with parallax animations, flashy transitions, and excessive motion graphics, it often results in a poor user expe
You've tried other platforms, but your websites still look like they're stuck in the early 2000s. It's frustrating, right? What if we told you that achieving a flawless, responsive design is easier than you think? With Webflow, you're about to enter a new era of web design. A deep dive into the world of Webflow The ABCs of responsive design Real-world examples that nail it Pro tips for seamless user experience Tool recommendations to elevate your game Why settle for mediocrity when you can aim for perfection? Let's get you up to speed on creating responsive websites that no
Ever noticed how some brands just stick in your mind, like a catchy tune you can’t shake off? It’s no accident. It’s a meticulously crafted branding strategy that resonates, echoing in the corridors of your memory. A strategy that doesn’t just speak but converses, doesn’t just show but reveals. In the bustling marketplace of today, where brands jostle for a sliver of attention, how does one carve out a space that not only attracts but also retains? A staggering 89% of marketers say brand awareness is the most important goal, but how many truly crack the code to create a brand that doesn’t just
Introduction Ever look at a brand and think, "Wow, they just get me"? Chances are, their typography is doing a lot of the talking. Fonts aren’t just letters; they’re the voice of your brand , setting the mood and evoking emotions. The right typography choices can connect with your audience and make your brand unforgettable, while the wrong ones can confuse and drive them away. In this article, we’ll cover: The Psychology Behind Fonts: Why Arial feels corporate and Comic Sans seems playful. Font Pairing 101: How to combine fonts like a pro. The Do's and Don’ts: Common mistakes tha
Introduction You've built a sleek website, but it's missing that je ne sais quoi . Could it be the lack of interactive elements that make users go, "Wow"? Enter Webflow Interactions , the game-changer you didn’t know you needed. Think it's too complex? Think again. With a UX similar to Adobe products, if you’ve dabbled in motion or graphic design, you’re already ahead of the curve. Looking for expert help to make your website truly dynamic? Explore our Webflow services to see how Homade can elevate your website with custom interactions. Why Webflow Interactions Matter: Th
The Evolution of Logo Design: From 2D Simplicity to Digital Complexity When you're searching the internet today, you see a lot of the same logos over and over again. YouTube, Netflix, Google... what do they have in common? They're all 2D. This wasn't always the trend. In the mid-1900s, logos were mostly simple, clean 2D designs, focusing on typography and basic shapes. Rather than just trying to achieve name recognition, companies started to emphasize symbols that could convey their brand identity at a glance. As technology advanced, so did the possibilities for logo design. Compan
Password Protected This is a really simple addon I use to shut the front door on a website under construction. While I frequently work on sites where incidental traffic is a non-issue, I also work on site that already have organic traffic that could potentially stumble on us without our face on. This is while I lock it up as needed. With a 4.5/5 star rating and continued support, this addon is reliable. Smush Image Compression and Optimization The greatest benefit of Smush is that I don't need to do a thing. Just install it and as you upload new images to the media library it will compress
We’re thrilled to announce that Homade has officially acquired SEOFabric , a powerful SEO toolkit built exclusively for Webflow users. __wf_reserved_inherit What is SEOFabric? SEOFabric is a lightweight but powerful Webflow App that allows you to optimize your on-page SEO without ever leaving the Webflow Designer. From headings to meta descriptions and more, SEOFabric streamlines essential SEO tasks into one intuitive sidebar—right where you work. Whether you're managing a client site or launching a new campaign, SEOFabric lets you stay in flow while improving visibility on search engine
#### 1. Filing Out A Creative Brief It’s nothing too rigid or formal, but I always ask the client to describe their vision for their brand and how they differentiate themselves from their competitors. I ask their budget and ask for examples of graphic design styles they like. #### 2. Making A Mood Board Thanks to modern technology I find it very easy to create a broad sample of what I’m going for. This is something I do as early in the process as possible, often even before receiving a deposit because it’s so reliant on capturing the moment. Use Pinterest: Pinterest isn’t just for trendy recip
When a client needed a custom training portal mid-project, Homade partnered with Steel Croissant to deliver it using AI-assisted development—saving time, budget, and keeping the overall project on track. The Challenge: An Unexpected Requirement The client initially came to Steel Croissant for a comprehensive website redesign. Midway through the project, they identified a critical need: a full-featured Training Portal for their growing team. Rather than delay the website launch or balloon the budget, Steel Croissant brought in Homade to build the portal using AI-assisted development with Replit
You're at a crossroads. Webflow or WordPress? It's like choosing between a sleek sports car and a reliable SUV. Both have their merits, but which one will get you where you need to go, in style? With 43.2% of the web built on WordPress , it's the tried-and-true choice. But hold on—Webflow's revving its engine with cutting-edge features that are game-changers. You're in the right lane if you're looking for more than just a basic comparison. We're diving deep. Why WordPress is the Old Guard: The features that made it a household name. Webflow's New Groove: A look
At Homade , we’ve been tracking the rapid rise of AI and how it interacts with websites. AI tools are getting better at analyzing and citing web content—but there’s been one major problem: website owners have had no control over how their sites are interpreted . That changes today. We’re excited to introduce CiteControl , a groundbreaking application built specifically for Webflow users. With CiteControl, you finally have the power to guide how AI systems understand and reference your content online. The Problem: AI Misunderstanding Your Website Every day, AI systems and search engines crawl w
Why this matters for teams building in Webflow Webflow is great at making changes quickly, but most teams still lose time to: Hunting through Designer settings and scattered components Repeating the same checks across pages and clients Debugging “mystery” layout issues from CSS overrides, interactions, and symbols Updating SEO, accessibility, and performance details one-by-one The Webflow MCP server acts like a bridge between Claude and Webflow project data and operations. The Claude Connector then makes that bridge usable in day-to-day work by letting Claude “see” what is in the project and h
Ever wonder why some designs just feel right? It's not magic; it's color psychology. Colors wield the power to evoke emotions, influence decisions, and even alter perceptions. You're about to dive into the fascinating world of color psychology in graphic design, and trust us, it's a game-changer. In this article, you’ll discover: Unpacking the emotional impact of colors Case studies: Brands that nailed it How to choose the right color palette Pro tips for impactful design Did you know that 85% of consumers say color is a primary reason they buy a product ? Buckle up; we're
Introduction Welcome to our comprehensive guide on logo file organization! You've just completed your design project in Adobe Illustrator, and now comes a crucial step that's often overlooked: establishing an effective file naming system. This guide will walk you through a professional approach to naming and organizing your logo files to ensure clarity and efficiency throughout the design process. If you're planning your next logo project and want to start with a well-organized approach, contact us to begin the conversation. The Importance of Professional File Naming A systematic n
Homade has been accepted into the Better Business Bureau (BBB) . This accreditation represents an important milestone in our journey and underscores our unwavering commitment to trust, transparency, and exceptional client service. What BBB Accreditation Means The Better Business Bureau has been the gold standard for business credibility since 1912. BBB accreditation isn't simply handed out—it's earned through a rigorous vetting process that evaluates a company's track record, business practices, and commitment to ethical standards. To become BBB accredited, businesses must: Demonst
Think a logo is just a tiny piece of art? Think again. A well-crafted logo can be the cornerstone of a memorable brand identity. In fact, companies that invest in quality logo design are 48% more likely to gain consumer trust . You're about to discover why cutting corners on your logo could be the costliest mistake you make. In this article, we will explore: The Importance of Research: Why understanding your brand and audience is non-negotiable. Avoiding Cheap Pitfalls: The hidden costs of a "bargain" logo. Crafting the Perfect Logo: Step-by-step guide to design that resonates. C
You've got the design skills, but your client list is shorter than a tweet. What gives? The missing link might just be content marketing. It's not just for the SEO gurus and social media mavens; it's the secret sauce that can catapult your web design business to new heights. Why Content Marketing Matters in Web Design A quick dive into the stats: How content marketing boosts client engagement Platforms to showcase your work: Where to network and gain visibility in the USA Crafting compelling content: From blog posts to portfolios SEO for web designers: Keywords, backlinks, and more
Introduction You’ve seen them—those eye-catching visuals that make you stop scrolling and take notice. Ever wonder why some designs work like magic while others fall flat? It’s not just luck—it’s the strategic use of illustrations . These visual elements go beyond decoration. They inject personality, simplify complex ideas, and evoke emotions that engage your audience. In this article, we’ll explore: Why illustrations are more than just pretty pictures How to choose the right illustration style for your brand The psychology behind why visuals engage us Ready to add some pizzazz to your designs
Think link building is dead in 2023? Think again. The game has evolved, but the stakes are as high as ever. We're about to debunk myths and set you on a path to SEO glory. A staggering 80% of SEO experts still consider link building a top-ranking factor . So, you're in the right place if you're looking to up your game. Myth-Busting: Why link building still matters The New Rules: Google's latest algorithm updates Strategies That Work: Proven methods for 2023 Toolbox: Must-have tools for effective link building Ready to dive in? Trust us, you won't want to miss this. Myth-Bus
The Webflow Conf Workshop 2023 was a treasure trove of information for designers and developers looking to supercharge their skills and enhance their Webflow capabilities. In this article, we'll delve into the key takeaways from the workshop, highlighting some of the most exciting announcements and insightful presentations. 2023 Keynote Announcements The keynote session of Webflow Conf 2023 was packed with exciting announcements. Here's a recap of some of the most significant features and updates: New Features: The Webflow team unveiled a host of new features designed to elevate your d
You've heard the buzz about Webflow CMS, but maybe you're wondering, "Is it really the game-changer everyone claims it is?" Spoiler alert: It is, but only if you know how to wield it like a pro. We're talking about streamlining your workflow to get tangible results—more traffic, better engagement, and a site that actually converts. Intrigued? You should be. Here's a quick rundown of what we'll cover: Unlocking Webflow's Robust Features: How to make the most out of its capabilities. Bulk Page Creation: The secret sauce for churning out blogs or SEO landing page
Think you've got the Windy City market cornered? Think again. Local SEO is the unsung hero of digital marketing, and if you're not on top of it, you're leaving money on the table. In fact, 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information . Ready to grab your slice of that deep-dish pie? Here's what we're serving up today: The ABCs of Localized SEO: What it is and why you can't afford to ignore it. Mastering SEMrush: How to leverage this tool for local keyword research. Google My Business Unveiled: Your step-by-step guide to setting up and optimizing your pro
Ah, the elusive ROI in the digital marketing world! It’s like trying to catch smoke with a net, isn’t it? You pump dollars into campaigns, watch the numbers dance, and at the end of the day, you’re left pondering: Did it really pay off? We’ve all been there, scrutinizing every post, every click, every like, and trying to decipher the secret code that translates social media actions into tangible dollars. But fret not, because the smoke is about to clear. In this guide, we’re not just tossing around theories. We’re diving deep, slicing through the digital chaos to bring you clarity on measuring
If you’ve built a beautiful website in Webflow and you’re now wondering: “Can I host it somewhere for free?" — the good news is: Yes, you can! With a simple static export and a free Netlify account, you can publish your Webflow site — with custom domains and SSL — at zero ongoing hosting cost. Here’s how it works, and what you need to know to do it right. Why Static Hosting Works for Some Webflow Sites When you export a Webflow project, it gives you all the code needed to run the site independently: HTML for your pages CSS for styling JavaScript for interactivity Images and fonts you used
Your logo is a critical part of your brand. Often, it's the first and only touchpoint you have. How can a logo be so important? Logos create brand recognition. When your logo is memorable it can be like a familiar face. That builds Trust and Authority – the cornerstones of a solid brand identity. Image some of the worlds most popular brands – could you recognize them by their logo design alone? Here are a few logos with words removed, can you spot them all? source: iamwire.com Why do designers demand a large fee for something so small? As a new business every dollar counts and often startu
Webflow SEO checklist: how to structure CMS content for rankings Ship faster without sacrificing search performance. Use this checklist to structure Webflow CMS content so it ranks, earns clicks, and converts. Why Webflow makes SEO edits easy Webflow centralizes SEO-critical settings and bindings so you can ship fast without developer bottlenecks. Collection Template pages let you bind titles, descriptions, canonicals, and Open Graph once and scale across hundreds of items. Visual CMS fields map cleanly to SEO properties, so content teams can update copy, alt text, and internal links directly.
It was a big day of product announcements, vision, and practical upgrades that push Webflow deeper into enterprise, code, and AI — while making everyday building faster. Day 1 at a glance Real‑time co‑editing slated for later this year Cloudflare partnership broadens performance and security by default Next‑gen CMS and API signal more headroom for complex content models Analyze grows from reporting to recommendations with AI Dev‑Link and code components bring React closer to the Designer Let's get into it! Webflow AI Assistant Webflow's new built-in assistant seamlessly integrates in
Step 1: Export Video Frames from Adobe Media Encoder Start by breaking your video into individual image frames: Open Adobe Media Encoder Import your video file Set export settings: Format: JPEG Sequence Dimensions: Use Original Frame Rate: Use Source Quality: Maximum Export to a new folder Step 2: Bring your new JPEG Sequence into After Effects Now you'll turn those frames into a working animation: Create a new composition in After Effects: Match your video’s resolution and frame rate Set the desired duration Use a transparent background (important for overlays) Import the JPEG sequence Ad
Navigating the Social Media Seas Can Be Tricky, Can’t It? Especially when you’re steering a design agency through the choppy waters of online advertising. We’ve all seen those campaigns that just sail —seamlessly merging creativity with strategy, and making a real splash in the digital ocean. But what’s the secret compass guiding them to success? Let’s Dive Deeper , shall we? We’re not just treading water here; we’re plunging into the depths of social media advertising, exploring the unique currents that design agencies must navigate to ensure their campaigns not only float but also cruise wit
Introduction Creative blocks can be a frustrating challenge for professional graphic designers, but there are effective strategies to break through these barriers. In this article, we'll explore ten proven methods that can help you regain your creative momentum. 1. Change Your Environment Feeling stuck in your design work? A change of scenery can often provide the creative spark you need. Consider these tips: Work from a different location, such as a cafe, park, or co-working space. Surround yourself with inspiring visuals, whether it's art, nature, or architecture. Seek out new experi
The Challenge Transferring billing for an existing website with CMS content presents several technical challenges. Simply changing the billing contact on an existing site risks losing content or causing site downtime. Our client needed a seamless transition without disrupting their online presence. The Solution: A Step-by-Step Process Billing Transfer Workflow Initial Client ConsultationSchedule a call with the client to explain the transfer process and set expectations. Ensure they understand the temporary duplicate site stage and the possibility of brief downtime. Site DuplicationInstead of
In this comprehensive guide, "Optimizing Webflow Sites for Search Engines: A Step-by-Step Guide," you will learn how to master the art of SEO for Webflow websites. Discover proven strategies to boost your site's search rankings and attract more traffic. This guide covers various topics, including setting up page settings for SEO success, optimizing publishing options for faster page load speed, choosing the right default domain, disabling indexing of your Webflow.io domain, crafting effective robots.txt and sitemaps, and much more. Get ready to elevate your Webflow SEO game and b
It’s never been easier to ship software. And that’s exactly the problem. For the last couple of years, AI-assisted development has made it feel like anyone can spin up an app with a few prompts and some persistence. The barrier to entry dropped, the output quality got “good enough,” and the internet started filling up with new products at a pace that would’ve been unthinkable a decade ago. But the next phase isn’t a story about better tools. It’s a story about a crowded market, exhausted customers, and a rising premium on craftsmanship. The real bottleneck isn’t coding anymore—it’s differentia
There are several types of logo designs: but which type of logo is right for you? This guide will help you decide. 1. Emblems Emblem logos are just about the oldest form of logo. Also known as seals or crests, people have been using them since at least the middle ages, if not before. An emblem is the type of logo that includes text inside of a symbol. It’s a classic look that gives your logo a traditional quality. That’s why you’ll often see them used by schools and government agencies — they make everything feel nice and official. Emblems are often more detailed than other types of logos, and
You've heard the buzzword: "Mobile-First SEO." But what if we told you it's not just a trend, but a game-changer? In a world where 54% of web traffic comes from mobile devices, ignoring this shift is like leaving money on the table. Why Webflow? We'll break down how this platform is your secret weapon for mobile optimization. The Webflow Advantage: Why it's your go-to for mobile-first design. Core Principles: The nitty-gritty of optimizing for mobile users. Pro Tips: Little-known hacks to get ahead of the competition. Ready to dive in? Trust us, you won't want to
https://www.youtube.com/embed/_zOsXiyZ2-g?start=93 Hey its me! Was so happy to get to ask this question. I'll let you know, I thought this answer was decent. I understand that apps like Monto are a great example of their ethos here...let the people build what they need and make a marketplace around it. Makes good business sense, but I would like to have heard more about making parts of ecomm more customizable...improvements to the API...let us choose our own tax application, more fulfillment options built-in, more payment options built in...that kind of thing. Exploring Webflow's Featu
Webflow is a powerful platform for creating websites and web applications, and one of its standout features is the ability to extend its core capabilities with third-party applications known as "Apps." These Apps, which can be installed from the Webflow Marketplace, offer a wide range of functionalities that enhance your Webflow experience. In this blog article, we'll explore Webflow Apps in detail, covering how to add them to your site or Workspace, manage their access, utilize them in the Designer, and address frequently asked questions. Understanding Webflow Apps Webflow Apps
Introduction A great logo is more than just colors, letters, and shapes; it's the strategic use of those elements to create a powerful visual representation of your brand. Your logo should align with your business model and convey your core values clearly, succinctly, and memorably. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the essential components of a successful logo, from typography and design to color palette. The Significance of Typography Typography plays a crucial role in logo design. The choice of font, text scale, and arrangement can greatly influence how your logo is percei
The Importance of a Logo Significance of a Logo In the business world, first impressions matter significantly. Your logo, far from being just a symbol, is the visual representation of your brand's identity and plays a pivotal role in creating that crucial first impression. A high-quality logo can help you stand out in a crowded market and leave a lasting mark on your audience's memory. However, as many businesses quickly realize, creating a top-notch logo design isn't inexpensive. In this article, we'll explore why investing in an exceptional logo design is not merely an expens
Introduction The world of SEO—where the only constant is change. Imagine investing time and effort into crafting a strategy, only to find it outdated by the next algorithm update. Frustrating, right? You’re not alone. Over 63% of marketers now cite improving SEO and growing organic traffic as their top inbound marketing priority . The challenge? Navigating evolving algorithms and trends while staying ahead of the curve. But fear not! We’re about to explore the SEO landscape of 2025 , unraveling trends, strategies, and shifts that ensure your efforts are future-proof. In this guide, we’ll cover
My second brain is in Notion! Bringing our exploration and documentation out of Notion and into our Webflow has never been easier thanks to Whalesync. Now we can leverage Notion’s advanced Markup editor, Ai and Agent to turn our insane ramblings into useful articles ready to share. Creating and managing high-quality blog content requires both an efficient writing environment and a robust publishing platform. By writing your blog posts in Notion and syncing them to Webflow with Whalesync, you can leverage the strengths of both platforms while eliminating their individual weaknesses. Why Notion
If you've recently noticed that your Webflow form submission emails are missing critical information like form names or types, you're not alone. After Webflow's November 2024 form system update, many users discovered that their email notifications no longer included the identifying labels they relied on to process leads effectively. This guide will walk you through identifying and fixing this issue so you can get back to properly routing inquiries, adding subscribers to the right lists, and delivering requested resources. The Problem After the November update, form submission email
A candid look at what it's really like to hand your calendar over to an AI — the stumbles, the breakthroughs, and what I'd tell anyone thinking about trying it. 🌱 How It Started Like most people who work in product and project management, I didn't have a time problem — I had a prioritization problem. My task list was technically complete. Every to-do was captured, tagged, and sitting in a Notion database. But every morning I'd open the board and feel the same low-grade dread: Where do I even start? That's what led me to build and deploy a custom AI agent directly inside my
Think you need a graphic design degree to create stunning visuals for social media? Think again. The digital age has democratized design, and we're here to spill the beans. You're about to unlock the secrets to crafting shareable, eye-popping graphics without breaking the bank or your brain. Why pay a pro when you can DIY? According to a Canva study, visuals increase the willingness to read content by 80% . So, let's get you in on this action. Tools of the Trade: Canva, Adobe Express, and other user-friendly platforms. Cost Comparison: DIY vs. hiring a professional designer. Pro Ti
Introduction Ever felt boxed in by traditional e-commerce platforms? Think you need to be a coding wizard to build a jaw-dropping online store? Think again . Webflow E-commerce is shaking up the game, offering a fresh alternative to the Squarespaces and Wixes of the world. And guess what? It’s easier than you think . Looking to build or upgrade your ecommerce site? Explore our Webflow-native ecommerce service and discover how Homade can help you unlock the full potential of your online store. The E-commerce Showdown: Webflow vs. Squarespace vs. Wix You’ve heard the names—Squarespace, Wix, and
In today's evolving search landscape, optimizing your Webflow website for AI search engines is no longer optional—it's essential. As large language models (LLMs) increasingly power search experiences, forward-thinking website owners must adapt their SEO strategies beyond traditional keywords and backlinks. This guide will walk you through implementing LLMs.txt, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and AI search readiness techniques for your Webflow site using CiteControl. Understanding LLMs.txt and Why It Matters for Webflow Sites LLMs.txt is the AI-era equivalent of robots.txt—a file tha
If your Webflow site won’t connect to HubSpot using the official HubSpot app, here’s a quick guide to diagnose and resolve the most common causes, including accounts with two‑factor authentication (2FA). Symptoms The HubSpot app install flow in Webflow seems to complete but the connection isn’t established You’re bounced back to Webflow without a clear error Repeated prompts to choose the HubSpot account, then nothing happens The most common cause Many connection failures happen when the target HubSpot account requires 2FA but the app’s handoff doesn’t surface a clear message. If the HubSpot u
In the dynamic field of Graphic and Web Design, working remotely has become the new norm, whether you are a salaried employee, a contractor, or a freelancer. As someone who has been immersed in remote work since day one, I have gathered valuable insights and strategies over the years to help you not only adapt but also thrive in this professional landscape. Let's delve into these tips, each designed to enhance your remote design career. Create an Inspiring Home Office Maintaining a professional mindset is essential, and a significant aspect of that is the physical space you work in. Settin
In recent years, there has been a lot of debate about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the job market, with many people arguing that AI tools are threatening the jobs of creative professionals. While it's true that AI has the potential to automate certain tasks and processes, it's important to understand the full picture and not jump to conclusions. One of the main arguments against AI in the creative industry is that it could replace human workers. This is certainly possible in some cases, as AI can be trained to perform certain tasks with a high degree of accuracy. For e