Do Webflow Websites Work in China?
Webflow websites do work in China, but there are significant considerations to keep in mind as found by the largest group of Webflow Users in the world.
Performance Issues Webflow sites can be extremely slow to load in China, sometimes taking up to 45 seconds. This slowness is often due to certain resources, such as fonts and scripts, that might not be compatible or are blocked in China. Additionally, Webflow's content delivery network (CDN) isn't optimized for China, which further contributes to the slowness.
Solutions for Optimization
- Chinafy: This service can optimize your Webflow site for China, helping it to load faster and work more smoothly.
- Removing Google-Related Elements: To improve accessibility, you should remove any elements related to Google, such as Google Fonts and Google Analytics, as these are often blocked in China.
Alternative Hosting Options
- Export and Host Locally: Another option is to export your Webflow build and serve it from a China-based host. This can improve loading times and ensure better performance.
- Netlify and Similar Services: Exporting your build to host via services like Netlify can be similar to using Chinafy for better performance in China.
Accessing the Webflow Editor in China
A common question is whether the Webflow editor can be accessed inside China to publish updates. There are some practical solutions and experiences shared by the community:
- Using eSIMs: Some users have successfully used Airlo eSIMs with no firewall restrictions to tether their laptops to their phones, allowing them to push Webflow updates. While this method works, the speed is generally passable but not excellent. Additionally, eSIMs charge by the gigabyte, so data usage should be conservative.
- VPNs: VPNs are another option, but they can be very unreliable in China, making it challenging to maintain consistent access to the Webflow editor.
Alternative Analytics Solutions
Since Google Analytics doesn’t work in China, finding alternative analytics tools is essential for tracking website performance. Here are some recommendations from the community:
- Matomo
- Woopra
- GoSquared
- FoxMetrics
- Mixpanel
- Heap
- StatCounter
- Chartbeat
- Clicky
- Leadfeeder
- Fathom Analytics
- Plausible.io: Known for being cookie-free.
- Microsoft Clarity: Another free and simple alternative, though its availability in China may vary.
Ensuring Video Accessibility in China for Webflow Sites
When managing a Webflow site with a global audience, particularly in China, video accessibility can be a significant challenge due to the restrictions on platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. The Webflow community has shared several strategies and alternatives to overcome these hurdles.
Community Recommendations
Google Drive Some users have suggested using Google Drive to host videos. However, Google services are also restricted in China, making this a less reliable option.
Alternative Video Hosting Solutions
- China-Specific Video Platforms: Using local video hosting services such as Youku or Tencent Video can ensure that your videos are accessible within China. These platforms are designed to comply with Chinese regulations and provide reliable access to video content.
- Chinafy: Chinafy is a service specifically designed to optimize websites for access within China. It can help improve the load times and performance of your Webflow site, including video content. While not a video hosting service itself, it helps make existing resources more accessible.
- Self-Hosting on Chinese Servers: Hosting your videos on servers within China can significantly improve accessibility and performance. Services like Alibaba Cloud or Tencent Cloud provide robust hosting solutions that comply with local regulations and deliver content efficiently to Chinese users.
Conclusion
Webflow websites can work in China, but they require optimization to address performance issues. Using services like Chinafy, removing Google-related elements, and considering local hosting options are effective strategies. For ongoing management, alternatives to VPNs, such as eSIMs, can provide more reliable access for publishing updates.
Additionally, using alternative analytics tools like Matomo, Mixpanel, or Microsoft Clarity will help track your website’s performance without relying on Google Analytics.
By following these recommendations, you can ensure that your Webflow site remains accessible and performs well in both Hong Kong and mainland China.
