How to build

How to Build Medium Style App on Webflow, Wized, and Xano

Creating a content publishing platform like Medium allows users to write, publish, and share articles with a wider audience. Using Webflow for the UI, Wized for content management, and Xano as the backend, you can develop a blogging platform with customizable layouts and reading options.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to bring your vision for Medium Style App to life using Webflow, Wized, and Xano.

1

User Flow and Project Scope

To kick things off, we need to set a clear scope and requirements. I recommend creating a user flow that maps out the main app functions and core business logic. This way, we’re clear on the size and complexity of the project from the start.
After defining the flow, we’ll compile everything into a Product Requirements Document (PRD). This document will outline what’s included in the first version and what isn’t, so we stay aligned and keep things moving smoothly.

Typical users for your Medium Style App

Writers: Publish articles and reach readers.
Readers: Discover and engage with content.
Admins: Ensure content quality and platform security.

To ensure the app functions well, we’ll include these essential flows:

Main user flows for your Medium Style App

App User Main Flows

Article Publishing: Writers create and publish articles on a variety of topics.
Engagement Tools: Readers can like, comment, and follow authors.

Client App (If Applicable)

Writer Dashboard: Allows writers to draft, publish, and track article performance.
Content Feed: Displays articles based on user interests and trends.

Intranet (Internal App for Managing Flows)

Admin Dashboard: Manages content quality, user activity, and platform security.
Reports: Tracks article popularity and user engagement.

2

Database Structure on Xano

To build an efficient and scalable Medium Style App, we’ll design a flexible database structure on Xano. Even if not all features are in the initial version, this structure will make it easier to expand and adapt as the app grows.

3

UX & UI Design

Once we’re clear on the scope and user flows, we’ll start with wireframes to visualize how each flow looks in the app. After the wireframes are approved, we’ll select a design direction and build high-fidelity visuals. By leveraging Webflow’s capabilities, we’re not limited in creating interfaces that look fantastic in production.
4

Frontend Development in Webflow

Webflow gives us a powerful platform for frontend development, allowing us to achieve pixel-perfect design and faster results compared to traditional development methods. Using Webflow’s visual editor for HTML and CSS, we’ll speed up the build process while maintaining flexibility.

wEBFLOW DEVELOPMENT FOR tWIRL BY PRODULIS
5

API and Logic Creation in Xano

Once the planning is complete, or even alongside frontend development, we’ll build the app’s core logic in Xano. Here, we’ll create the APIs to connect the backend with the frontend securely. Xano’s visual interface supports everything from database management to API creation and server-side logic, so we can handle complex workflows as needed.

6

Connect Frontend and Backend with Wized

Wized allows us to bring all the business logic, workflows, and APIs created in Xano into the Webflow frontend. Wized supports both visual JavaScript development and custom code if needed, giving us flexibility to include standard JavaScript libraries and meet specific requirements.

7

Quality Assurance Process

Quality assurance is essential to make sure everything works perfectly before launch. Our team will do thorough testing, and I encourage you to participate in the review as well. This way, we can ensure the app meets your expectations and provides a smooth experience for your users.

Conclusion

Creating Medium Style App involves more than just putting features together—it’s about building something scalable, efficient, and secure. By following this structured development process and using tools like Webflow, Wized, and Xano, we’ll have a strong foundation. Working with experienced professionals and prioritizing QA will ensure the app’s success. Check out our case studies to see similar projects we’ve brought to life and what’s possible for your vision.

Case Study, Twirl
Design, development & migration

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"If you work with Produlis, you will not look back."
Lara Stallbaum
Founder, Twirl