TL;DR: Webflow needs a $16+/month site plan for custom domains. Skip it — redirect your domain to your
yoursite.webflow.ioURL using Domain-Forward.com (free plan). HTTPS, 5 minutes.
Webflow makes beautiful sites. But connecting your own domain requires their paid site plan — $16+/month ($192/year). For a portfolio, landing page, or simple business site, that’s steep just for domain connection.
A redirect gets your audience to your Webflow site via your branded domain — for free. Visitors type yourdomain.com and land on your Webflow content.
Setup (5 Minutes)
Step 1: Find your Webflow site URL
In Webflow: Project Settings → Publishing. Your staging URL is yoursite.webflow.io.
Step 2: Sign up at Domain-Forward.com
Free, no credit card.
Step 3: Add your redirect
- Source:
yourdomain.com(add both root andwww) - Destination:
https://yoursite.webflow.io - Type: 301
Step 4: Update DNS
| Record Type | Host | Value |
|---|---|---|
| A | @ | 138.68.125.144 |
| CNAME | www | edge.domain-forward.com |
For registrar guides: GoDaddy, Namecheap, Porkbun.
Step 5: Wait and test
DNS propagation: 1-4 hours. SSL automatic. Test with our redirect tester tool.
Webflow Paid vs. Domain Redirect Comparison
| Feature | Webflow Site Plan ($16+/mo) | Domain Redirect (Free) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $192+/year | Free |
| Domain in browser bar | Yes | No (shows webflow.io) |
| HTTPS | Yes | Yes |
| Webflow CMS features | Yes | Available on free staging |
| Remove Webflow badge | Yes (higher plans) | No |
| Custom code | Yes | N/A |
| Forms | Limited on free | Same as free |
When a Redirect Works
- Personal portfolios shared via branded URL
- Early-stage startup landing pages
- “Coming soon” pages before committing to a plan
- Internal or team-shared project pages
- Event pages or temporary sites
Save $192+/Year During Development
Use a redirect while building and testing your site. When ready to go live “properly” (index in Google, remove badge, use CMS), upgrade to Webflow’s paid plan at that point.
Also see: How to redirect to Wix free site for a similar approach with Wix.
Create your free account, paste your Webflow.io URL, update DNS. Email stays working — MX records untouched.