Can you Build Tailwind Landing Pages without knowing CSS?

Do you need to build converting and modern landing pages but want to avoid breaking the bank by paying $30/month platform fees? If you think like that, you should try Tailwind CSS-based platforms even if you are not a coder like me.

In this blog post, I’ll explain why non-technical or marketing people should consider Tailwind CSS as a practical/alternative solution to well-known landing page builders in the market. I have developed tens of landing pages and a-few side-project using Tailwind CSS as a non-technical individual, and it is not as complicated as it looks.

What is Tailwind CSS?

Tailwind CSS is a utility-first CSS framework for building modern websites into HTML files.

W3Schools: CSS is the language we use to style a web page.

Tailwind CSS provides a huge set of ready-to-use classes to apply directly to any HTML element. It’s like having a whole library of pre-designed styles at your fingertips!

Since we are not tech-savvy developers, I won’t mention how Tailwind CSS differs from Bootstrap or other frameworks. Still, I’ll drop some exciting facts about Tailwind CSS said in Tailwind Connect 2023 on July 19, 2023.

Tailwind CSS framework installed over 25 million times per month.

Tailwind CSS has been installed 300 million times so far.

Tailwind CSS became the most downloaded CSS framework on all of npm.

Tailwind Connect 2023

How is Tailwind CSS an option for no-coders?

Actually, Tailwind CSS is not a direct option for building landing pages, but it enables us to own the code; HTML file and host it whenever we like. This makes us less dependent on the landing page platform we locked in. Let me explain the step-by-step process.

Building a landing page with a subscription-based platform:

1. Sign-up
2. Build your landing page with drag and drop editor
3. Pay at least $18/month to launch and maintain your landing page

Building a landing page with a Tailwind CSS landing page builder:

1. Sign-up (let’s use Shuffle as an example)
2. Build your landing page with drag and drop editor
3. Pay $24/month to build and export your code
4. Create a new GitHub account and a repository (free)
5. Upload (push as a geeky term) your exported file from Shuffle
6. Create a Vercel account and import your Github repo (free)
7. Publish (deploy, in other words) your code and connect the domain (free)
8. Host your landing page on Vercel (free)

Creating a new GitHub account and repository allows you to host your code independently for free. Using Vercel, you can easily (It is really easier than it looks) deploy your landing page and connect your domain without additional costs. This way, you save significant money, avoiding recurring fees that could amount to more than $190/year for just one website.

It’s important to note that Tailwind CSS and the Shuffle-like builders may not be the optimal choice for every landing page scenario. For simple, static landing pages with less than 20 pages that don’t require periodic updates, Tailwind CSS is a cost-effective solution that gives you full control over your design and hosting.

However, for more complex landing pages requiring CMS integration, paywall implementation, and other features like built-in SEO controls may be ok to go with an all-in-one landing page tool. The trade-off here lies in balancing the convenience and support offered by subscription-based platforms against the long-term cost savings and flexibility of Tailwind CSS.

Let’s explore Webflow on one side and Shuffle on the other to see different practices for building landing pages:

Advantages and Disadvantages of Webflow

Webflow is a user-friendly web design platform that hosts more than 200,000 websites for businesses large and small.

Webflow

✅ Webflow Advantages

• Hassle-free hosting
• Bulit-in CDN
• Built-in CMS option (starting from $29/mo)
• Native e-commerce integration (starting from $29/mo)
• You really don’t have to worry about security
• SEO controls are easy to understand if you are a newcomer to the SEO world.

⚠️ Webflow Disadvantages

• Complicated pricing
• Things can get very pricey if you manage multiple websites
• You still need to know HTML basics to get the most out of the drag-and-drop editor
• Webflow templates are very good looking but most offer limited component variations.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Shuffle

Shuffle is a drag-and-drop online code editor for Tailwind CSS with 4,100+ UI components and 29+ Tailwind template libraries.

Shuffle

✅ Shuffle Advantages

• Pre-built dashboard and landing page UI templates
• Easy-to-navigate page builder
• No export limit
• Simple documentation
• 4,000+ UI components included in the price
• You can import any code from other UI libraries

⚠️ Shuffle Disadvantages

• You should know the basics of HTML and Tailwind CSS if you want to tweak your design & code.
• You can’t edit your imported designs on Shuffle visual editor. You can use it, and update its look via the code editor but not on the visual code editor.
• You have to learn how to publish your code.

Ultimately, the decision between the two approaches depends on each project’s specific needs and goals. Tailwind CSS presents an enticing option for no-coders who desire autonomy, reduced costs, and a deeper understanding of their website’s inner workings. Consider your unique project requirements wisely to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective path to success for your landing page endeavors.

Can you Build Tailwind Landing Pages without knowing CSS?

Photo by Stephen Phillips - Hostreviews.co.uk on Unsplash

If your landing page mainly uses standard components like hero sections, call-to-action components, footers, and more, you can create landing pages without any CSS knowledge using Tailwind CSS.

11 Best Tailwind CSS Component Libraries in 2023

However, if you want fancy animations, built-in blogging, or e-commerce features, it’s better to stick with typical landing page builders you’re familiar with.

If you decide to go with Tailwind CSS, you don’t even have to design a template or component from scratch. You can access a premium library containing over 500 meticulously crafted components and numerous templates, available for a one-time fee of approximately $99.

With this option, all you need to do is customize colors, fonts, copywriting, and images to create an entirely fresh landing page design and code. Voilà, your brand-new landing page is ready to shine! 🎉”

Check out the Tailkits marketplace to discover top-rated Tailwind templates and component libraries.

Directory of everything to build with Tailwind CSS

At the moment, I haven’t had the opportunity to write a step-by-step guide on building a landing page with Shuffle, Tails, or other Tailwind-based landing page builders.

However, it’s in the pipeline, and I’m excited to bring it to you soon! If you’d like to stay updated and encourage me to publish it sooner, please subscribe or show your support by clapping this post.

Thank you for reading!