Webflow CDN Setup: Step-by-Step Guide

Want a faster Webflow site? A CDN (Content Delivery Network) is key. It speeds up load times by serving content from servers closer to your visitors. Whether you're targeting better SEO, lower bounce rates, or improved user experience, integrating a CDN with Webflow can make a big difference. Before you start, here's what you'll need:

• Webflow Plan: A paid hosting plan that supports custom domains.
• DNS Basics: Know how to manage A records and CNAMEs.
• CDN Provider: Options include Cloudflare, Amazon CloudFront, or Fastly.

Steps to Set Up a CDN with Webflow:

1. Choose and Configure a CDN: Set up your account, add your domain, and configure SSL/TLS settings.
2. Update DNS Records: Replace Webflow's default records with those from your CDN.
3. Set Cache Rules: Optimize caching for faster performance and ensure updates reflect properly.
4. Test the Integration: Verify speed improvements, SSL security, and proper functionality.

Common Challenges:

• DNS Propagation Delays: Changes may take up to 48 hours to reflect globally.
• Cache Issues: Purge the cache if updates don’t appear.
• SSL Errors: Ensure the CDN uses "Full (strict)" SSL mode.

How to use Webflow with Cloudflare to cache and speed up your Webflow Project - Webflow Tutorial

What You Need Before Starting

Getting a CDN up and running with Webflow requires a bit of preparation. You'll need the right Webflow plan, a basic understanding of DNS, and a CDN provider that meets your requirements. Taking care of these upfront will help you avoid unnecessary headaches later. Here's what to focus on: confirm your Webflow plan, brush up on DNS basics, and choose a suitable CDN provider.

Webflow Plan and Account Requirements

To begin, you need a paid Webflow hosting plan that supports custom domains. Unfortunately, free plans don’t include this capability. Without the right plan, you won’t have access to the hosting settings where DNS records and domain connections are managed.

To check if your plan qualifies, go to Project Settings > Hosting in your Webflow dashboard. If you see hosting options there, you're good to go. If not, it’s time to upgrade.

Within the hosting settings, Webflow provides specific A records and CNAME records for your domain. For the root domain, two A record IP addresses are listed: 75.2.70.75 and 99.83.190.102. For the www subdomain, Webflow uses CNAME records pointing to proxy-ssl.webflow.com. While you won’t use these exact records when setting up a third-party CDN, understanding them helps you grasp how the DNS setup changes.

DNS Basics You Should Know

Think of DNS records as a directory that guides browsers to your website. When you integrate a CDN, traffic is rerouted through the CDN's servers before reaching Webflow. To make this work, you’ll need to understand a few key terms.

• A records: These direct your domain to a specific IP address.
• CNAME records: Instead of pointing to an IP, these direct your domain to another domain name. For example, Webflow’s www subdomain uses a CNAME record pointing to proxy-ssl.webflow.com.

When setting up a CDN, Webflow’s default DNS records are replaced with CNAME records from your CDN provider. For instance, Cloudflare users would replace Webflow's A records with a CNAME pointing to cdn.webflow.com. This ensures traffic is routed through the CDN first, allowing for custom performance and security tweaks.

DNS propagation is another important concept. After making DNS changes, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours for updates to fully take effect globally. This delay occurs because DNS information is cached at various levels, including your ISP, domain registrar, and global DNS servers. So, if your updates don’t show up right away, don’t worry - this waiting period is normal.

If you’re using Cloudflare, you’ll also encounter the proxy status setting. CNAME records should be set to "Proxied" (indicated by an orange cloud icon) to route traffic through the CDN. If set to "DNS only", the CDN is bypassed entirely, which defeats the purpose.

With these DNS fundamentals in mind, you're ready to explore CDN options.

Selecting a CDN Provider

Not all CDN providers work the same way with Webflow, so choosing the right one is key. Popular options include Cloudflare, Amazon CloudFront, and Fastly. Each offers distinct advantages, so your choice depends on your specific needs.

• Cloudflare: This is the easiest option for Webflow users, as it integrates smoothly with Webflow’s infrastructure. Using your own Cloudflare account creates a dual-layer setup - your Cloudflare instance handles traffic first, followed by Webflow’s. This allows for advanced features like Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules, bot management, and rate limiting. Without your own Cloudflare account, you’re limited to Webflow’s default Cloudflare settings.
• Amazon CloudFront: A great choice if you’re already using AWS services. It provides strong performance and detailed analytics but involves a more complex setup compared to Cloudflare.
• Fastly: Known for high-speed caching and real-time delivery, this option is ideal for frequent content updates requiring instant cache invalidation. However, it tends to be pricier.

When deciding on a provider, consider the following:

• Ease of setup: Some providers have user-friendly interfaces, while others require technical know-how.
• Pricing: Options range from pay-as-you-go models to fixed monthly rates.
• Features: Look for capabilities like advanced security tools, custom caching, or edge computing.
• Regional performance: Ensure the provider has edge servers near your audience.
• SSL/TLS support: Verify that the provider can handle secure connections.

You’ll also need access to your domain registrar’s DNS management dashboard, whether you use GoDaddy, Namecheap, or another service. Familiarizing yourself with your registrar’s interface will make the setup process smoother.

Lastly, confirm that your CDN provider supports SSL/TLS certificates and can work with Webflow's default certificates from Let’s Encrypt or Google Trust Services. For Cloudflare users, set the SSL/TLS mode to Full (strict) to maintain end-to-end encryption and avoid security warnings. With these details sorted, you’ll be ready for a seamless CDN integration.

How to Set Up a CDN with Webflow

Once you've sorted out your Webflow plan, brushed up on DNS basics, and picked a CDN provider, it's time to connect the dots. The setup involves four main steps: configuring the CDN, updating DNS settings, tweaking cache rules, and testing the integration. While the specific details might differ depending on your CDN provider, the general process stays the same. Start by setting up your CDN provider before moving on to DNS updates.

Step 1: Configure Your CDN Provider

With your plan ready and DNS knowledge in hand, the first step is to configure your CDN. Begin by creating an account with your chosen provider. For this guide, we’ll focus on Cloudflare, which works seamlessly with Webflow, though the steps apply to most providers.

Once you’ve signed up, add your domain to the CDN account. In Cloudflare, click Add a Site and enter your domain name. The platform will scan and import your DNS records automatically. Double-check these records to ensure they match your current setup.

Cloudflare will provide you with two nameservers (e.g., ns1.cloudflare.com and ns2.cloudflare.com). Make a note of these for the DNS update step. If you’re using Amazon CloudFront, you’ll receive a domain name like d111111abcdef8.cloudfront.net. Similarly, Fastly will provide a distribution URL upon setup.

Cloudflare also offers advanced features like a web application firewall (WAF), bot management, and rate limiting for enhanced security and performance.

Before moving forward, configure SSL/TLS settings. In Cloudflare, set SSL/TLS to Full (strict) to ensure secure, encrypted connections between visitors, Cloudflare, and Webflow. Webflow already provides valid SSL certificates (via providers like Let’s Encrypt), so this step is crucial to avoid security warnings or errors.

Step 2: Update Your DNS Settings

This step determines how traffic gets routed to your website and varies slightly depending on your CDN provider.

For Cloudflare users:
Instead of editing individual DNS records, update your domain's nameservers. Log into your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy or Namecheap), find the nameserver settings, and replace the existing ones with the two provided by Cloudflare. DNS changes usually propagate within 48 hours.

For other CDN providers (like CloudFront or Fastly):
Start by removing any A or AAAA records pointing to Webflow’s IP addresses (75.2.70.75 and 99.83.190.102). Then, add these new CNAME records for your domain:

• Name: @ (or leave blank for the root domain)
  Type: CNAME
  Value: cdn.webflow.com
• Name: www
  Type: CNAME
  Value: cdn.webflow.com

If you’re using Cloudflare, ensure both CNAME records are set to Proxied (indicated by the orange cloud icon). For quicker updates, reduce the TTL (time-to-live) to 300 seconds during the setup phase, and increase it once propagation is complete.

Step 3: Set Cache Rules

Configuring cache settings is essential for speeding up your site while ensuring updates are reflected promptly. Assign different cache durations based on content type. Static assets like images, CSS, and JavaScript can be cached for 30 days to a year, while HTML pages or dynamic content might need shorter cache times, ranging from a few hours to a day.

In Cloudflare, go to Caching and adjust the Browser Cache TTL settings to suit your needs. You can also use Page Rules to customize caching for specific URL patterns. For instance, you might cache files in an /images/ directory for 365 days but limit caching for the homepage to 24 hours.

Enable file compression (e.g., Gzip) to reduce file sizes - this can shrink files by up to 70%. Set up cache purging options to clear cached content when you make updates. Most CDNs let you purge all cached files or specific URLs. Be sure to exclude user-specific pages, like forms or checkout processes, from caching by creating bypass rules.

Once caching is configured, you’re ready to test the integration.

Step 4: Test Your CDN Integration

After DNS propagation is complete, verify that your CDN setup is functioning as expected:

• Visual Check: Open your site on various browsers and devices to confirm everything loads correctly. Look for missing images, broken CSS, or JavaScript errors.
• Inspect HTTP Headers: Use browser developer tools to examine HTTP headers. Indicators like "X-Cache" or "CF-Cache-Status" confirm if the CDN is delivering content.
• Performance Tests: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, or WebPageTest to measure improvements. Typical load times can improve by 30% to 50%.
• SSL/TLS Validation: Ensure your site loads over HTTPS without any security warnings. If issues arise, revisit your SSL/TLS settings.
• Interactive Features: Test forms, login pages, and checkout flows to confirm they work without issues.
• DNS Verification: Use tools like WhatsMyDNS to confirm your domain resolves to your CDN’s IP addresses.

Finally, keep an eye on your CDN analytics during the first week. Monitor metrics like cache hit ratio (aim for 80%–95%), bandwidth savings, and request patterns. This will help you identify and address any configuration issues early on.

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Fixing Common CDN Setup Problems

Setting up a CDN can streamline your website's performance, but it’s not uncommon to face a few hiccups along the way. Most of these issues fall into three main categories: DNS propagation delays, cache invalidation problems, and SSL/TLS certificate errors. Understanding how to tackle these challenges can save you a lot of time and frustration.

DNS Propagation Delays

When you update your domain's DNS records to point to your CDN provider, the changes don’t take effect instantly. DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours, during which some visitors might still connect to your old server setup while others access the new CDN configuration.

To monitor DNS propagation, use tools like WhatsMyDNS. These tools help confirm that your domain resolves to the correct IP addresses (and not Webflow's IPs like 75.2.70.75 and 99.83.190.102). You can also use curl commands or SSL Labs tests for verification. If propagation hasn’t completed after 48 hours, double-check your DNS records for typos or conflicting updates that could be causing delays.

Cache Invalidation Issues

CDNs work by caching content to deliver it faster, but this can sometimes create problems when you update your Webflow site. Symptoms include outdated content being served, changes not appearing immediately, or CSS and JavaScript files failing to update.

The solution? Start by manually purging the CDN cache. Then, clear your browser cache and test the updates in a private or incognito browsing window. If the problem persists, review your CDN’s caching settings to ensure cache durations aren’t set too long.

SSL/TLS Certificate Errors

SSL/TLS certificate errors often show up as browser warnings like "certificate not trusted" or mixed content issues. These errors usually happen when there’s a mismatch between the SSL certificates used by your CDN and those provided by Webflow, or when the CDN can’t fully validate Webflow’s SSL certificate.

To fix this, set your CDN’s SSL/TLS mode to "Full (strict)". This mode ensures that only valid, trusted certificates are used - an ideal match for Webflow’s SSL certificates from Let's Encrypt or Google Trust Services. For instance, in Cloudflare, head to the SSL/TLS settings and select "Full (strict)" instead of "Flexible" or "Full." After making this adjustment, run an SSL Labs test to confirm that the CDN’s edge servers are delivering content with valid certificates. If errors persist, reach out to your CDN provider’s support team for help.

Another common cause of SSL errors is DNS record conflicts. If you’re using a proxy setup like Cloudflare’s O2O with Webflow, make sure to delete any existing A or AAAA records before adding your new CNAME records. Additionally, confirm that your CNAME records are set to "Proxied" (indicated by the orange cloud in Cloudflare) instead of "DNS only."

Here’s a quick summary of common issues and their fixes:

When troubleshooting, it’s best to follow a systematic approach: start with DNS propagation, then move on to SSL/TLS settings, and finally clear all relevant caches. If everything seems configured correctly but the problem persists, check your CDN provider’s status page for any ongoing issues. Don’t hesitate to contact their support team, providing specific error messages and test results to get the help you need.

Tracking CDN Performance After Setup

Once your CDN is configured, keeping an eye on its performance is crucial. Regular monitoring helps ensure speed improvements and allows you to catch configuration issues early.

Focus on metrics like page load time, Time to First Byte (TTFB), and cache hit ratio. Ideally, your cache hit ratio should fall between 70–90%. If it dips below 70%, it’s time to reevaluate your caching rules and Time to Live (TTL) settings.

It’s also important to measure performance across various geographic locations. A well-optimized CDN ensures consistent load times, typically within 1–2 seconds of each other, regardless of the user’s location. Use analytics tools and benchmarks to quantify these improvements and track progress.

Performance Analytics Tools

Start by utilizing your CDN provider’s dashboard. Platforms like Cloudflare, Amazon CloudFront, and Fastly provide detailed insights into cache performance, request distribution, and geographic traffic patterns. To get a broader view, combine these metrics with tools like Google Analytics 4, Webflow analytics, WebPageTest, and GTmetrix.

For real-time alerts, tools like New Relic or Datadog can notify you if performance metrics fall outside acceptable limits - for instance, if TTFB exceeds 500ms or error rates climb. Additionally, uptime monitoring services like Pingdom or UptimeRobot can alert you immediately if your site becomes unreachable.

Setting Performance Benchmarks

Before enabling your CDN, document your site’s current performance metrics. Tools like Google Analytics, Webflow’s built-in analytics, GTmetrix, or Pingdom can help you capture baseline data. Key metrics to record include:

• Page load time
• TTFB
• Core Web Vitals: Target a Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) under 2.5 seconds, First Input Delay (FID) under 100ms, and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) below 0.1.

Test your site at different times and from various locations to get a well-rounded baseline.

Most CDNs show measurable improvements within 24–48 hours of activation. You can expect page load times to drop by 30% to 50%.

Keep a record of key metrics such as page load time, TTFB, cache hit ratio, bandwidth usage, and geographic performance. Monthly reviews will help you compare current results against your baseline and past data. Also, monitor bandwidth reduction - effective caching and compression can cut bandwidth usage by 30% to 60%, leading to noticeable cost savings. Even a 100ms improvement in page speed can increase conversions by about 1%.

If performance gains are minimal after 48 hours, it’s time to troubleshoot. Start by confirming that your DNS changes have fully propagated using tools like WhatsMyDNS. Incomplete propagation can disrupt CDN functionality. Check your cache TTL settings as well - ensure they’re set above 1 hour for effective caching. For a deeper dive, use WebPageTest to analyze slow-loading resources and determine whether the issue lies with your CDN setup or Webflow hosting.

Conclusion

Setting up a CDN with Webflow requires a few key steps: selecting a provider, updating your DNS records, configuring SSL/TLS settings, and verifying the integration. Once the DNS changes propagate - usually within 24 to 48 hours - you should start noticing performance improvements.

After the initial setup, it's important to stay on top of things. Regularly check cache settings, SSL certificates, and DNS records to keep your site running smoothly. Aim for cache hit ratios between 70–90%, and remember to renew SSL certificates periodically. These routine checks help ensure your site stays fast and ready to convert visitors into customers as your business grows.

To maintain speed and security, document your configurations, establish performance benchmarks, and schedule audits to review SSL certificates and cache settings. Testing your site’s performance from various geographic locations can also help guarantee fast load times for users around the world.

A properly configured CDN can boost load times by 30–50%, significantly improving the user experience and driving higher conversion rates. Even small speed improvements can make a noticeable difference in engagement and customer actions.

If you’re looking for expert guidance, The Hoop Studio provides tailored support for marketing teams. They specialize in building fast, conversion-driven websites, offering technical SEO optimization and ongoing Webflow assistance.

FAQs

What should I consider when choosing a CDN provider for my Webflow site?

When picking a CDN provider for your Webflow site, it's important to prioritize performance, reliability, and seamless integration. Look for a provider that ensures quick load times, has servers distributed globally, and works smoothly with Webflow's hosting.

You’ll also want to evaluate features like security measures (such as DDoS protection), the ability to handle traffic surges (scalability), and pricing that aligns with your budget. If your audience is concentrated in a specific region, choose a CDN with strong server performance in that area to deliver the best possible user experience.

What mistakes should I avoid when updating DNS records for a CDN setup in Webflow?

When setting up a CDN in Webflow and updating your DNS records, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. These can impact your website's performance or even make it inaccessible if not handled carefully:

• Entering incorrect DNS record values: Always double-check the CNAME or A record values provided by your CDN provider. Even a minor typo can throw off the entire setup.
• Not waiting for DNS propagation: DNS changes don’t happen instantly. They can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate. Avoid making additional changes during this time, as it can make troubleshooting more complicated.
• Accidentally deleting critical records: Be careful not to remove essential DNS records, like those related to email services or subdomains. Deleting these can disrupt other important functions tied to your domain.

By keeping these points in mind, you can streamline the setup process and reduce the risk of downtime.

How can I track and evaluate the performance benefits after adding a CDN to my Webflow site?

To evaluate how your Webflow site performs after adding a CDN, start by using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, or WebPageTest. These tools can give you detailed insights into page load times, server response times, and other performance metrics - both before and after the CDN integration.

Focus on key metrics such as Time to First Byte (TTFB), First Contentful Paint (FCP), and overall page load speed. If your CDN offers an analytics dashboard, use it to track things like bandwidth usage, cache hit ratios, and the geographic distribution of requests. These stats can reveal how well the CDN is optimizing content delivery to your audience.

For ongoing monitoring, check bounce rates and user engagement metrics in tools like Google Analytics. Faster load times can often lead to better visitor behavior, like lower bounce rates and longer session durations. Make it a habit to test your site’s performance regularly to ensure the CDN continues to deliver consistent results.