March 2016 Summaries

Webflow's new SSL option simplifies the process of securing and installing SSL certificates by enabling users to set up SSL in seconds through pointing custom domains to new DNS records. This approach not only provides a high-quality SSL certificate, as evidenced by an “A” grade in Qualy's SSL certificate score, but also ensures compatibility with modern devices, excluding older versions like Internet Explorer 6 on Windows XP. The service offers end-to-end SSL security between Webflow servers and websites, automatic SSL delivery for various file types, and optimized certificates for better compatibility, all without requiring extensive setup. Although SSL sites are limited to non-apex domains, redirecting traffic to a "www" domain allows the use of GeoDNS to direct visitors to the nearest Webflow datacenter, promising fast load times globally. Users primarily outside North America will soon benefit from enhanced server availability, and support is available via email for any setup issues.

Enhancements have been made to streamline the process of linking to both static and dynamic pages on a website, allowing users to select them from a dropdown or find them quickly by typing the page or collection name. Users can also set external links to open in a new tab, facilitating easy navigation back to the original site. The addition of anchor links enables direct navigation to specific sections of a page, which requires adding an ID to the targeted element in the Designer. To simplify communication, mailto and tel links can be created, enabling customers to email or call with a single click, with options to add default subject lines to email links. Additionally, the Rich Text editing experience has been improved with features like typing next to linked text without creating links and using keyboard shortcuts to toggle bold and italic formatting, along with other minor tweaks for a smoother editing experience.

The second installment of a freelancer's guide focuses on the process of initiating a new project, emphasizing the importance of carefully selecting clients, finalizing contracts, and preparing for project execution. Freelancers are advised to be selective in accepting clients, avoiding projects taken for the wrong reasons, as bad clients can negatively impact business. A critical step is finalizing a contract, which should clearly define the timeline, deliverables, and budget, and must be signed by all parties involved. Once the contract is in place, freelancers should prepare by selecting a host, securing a domain, setting up necessary accounts like email and analytics, and gathering design assets such as stock photos and fonts. These preparatory steps aim to facilitate a smooth design process and contribute to project success. The guide encourages feedback and sharing of personal preparation techniques in the comments section.