What effect is my prospect customer asking about on their current website when they want me to redesign it in Webflow?
TL;DR
- Ask the client for specific visual references (e.g., screen recordings or annotated screenshots).
- Analyze their site for standout effects (animations, hover states, scroll behaviors).
- Use browser dev tools to inspect how effects are implemented (CSS, JavaScript).
- Check if Webflow can replicate the effect via Interactions, Lottie, or custom code.
- Clarify the client’s intent to determine whether to replicate or improve the effect.
To understand what design effect a prospect client is referring to on their current site, you need to analyze their request based on visual or interactive cues.
1. Request Visual Examples
- Ask the client to point out the exact section or interaction they’re referring to.
- Have them provide a screen recording, annotated screenshot, or link with timestamp/instructions (e.g., "Scroll to hero section, hover over button").
2. Inspect the Website Yourself
- Visit their current site and observe any standout effects, including:
- Animations on scroll (e.g., fade-in, slide-up)
- Hover effects on buttons, images, or text
- Sticky headers, scrolling marquees, or parallax effects
- Custom cursors or mouse-following elements
- Video backgrounds or Lottie animations
3. Use Browser Dev Tools to Analyze Mechanics
- Right-click and Inspect elements involved in animations.
- Watch for:
- CSS class names or animations
- JavaScript-based interactions (especially if they're using a library like jQuery or GSAP)
- Inline styles triggered by scroll or click
4. Match Features to Webflow Capabilities
- Determine if Webflow’s native interactions and animations (under the Interactions panel) can replicate the effect.
- If not, assess whether it can be recreated using:
- Lottie animations
- Custom code embeds via the Custom Code area or Embed elements
5. Clarify Goals and Intent
- Ask why they like the effect—engagement, visual appeal, usability, etc.
- This helps define whether to replicate it exactly or enhance it for the redesign.
Summary
To identify the effect your client wants from their current site, ask for specific visual references, audit the site yourself for interactive or animated elements, and use Webflow’s tools (or code embeds) to reproduce or enhance the experience.