Why are buttons not clickable and navigation to other pages not possible when first loading the Webflow website?

Published on
September 22, 2023

When first loading a Webflow website, the buttons may not be clickable and navigation to other pages may not be possible due to a few common reasons:

  1. JavaScript loading: Webflow websites heavily rely on JavaScript, which is responsible for the interactivity and functionality of the site. If there is a delay in loading the JavaScript, it can result in buttons not being clickable and navigation not being possible at the initial stage of loading.

  2. Page load time: If the page takes too long to load, it can result in a delay between the rendering of the HTML and the availability of the necessary JavaScript resources. During this time, the buttons may appear but are not functional until the JavaScript has finished loading.

  3. Render blocking resources: Webflow websites often include external resources like fonts or third-party scripts. These resources can sometimes be render blocking, meaning they need to be fully loaded before the page can become interactive. If the render blocking resources are slow to load, it can cause a delay in making the buttons clickable and navigating to other pages.

To address these issues and ensure buttons are clickable and navigation is possible upon loading the website, consider the following steps:

  • Optimize page load time: Reduce the size of images and optimize code to improve the overall loading speed of your website. This will help ensure that the rendering of the HTML and the loading of JavaScript resources occur as quickly as possible.

  • Load JavaScript asynchronously: Instead of loading JavaScript resources synchronously, consider loading them asynchronously. This will allow the HTML to render and the buttons to become functional even before the JavaScript has finished loading.

  • Minimize render blocking resources: Analyze the external resources used on your website and determine if any are render blocking. If possible, load them asynchronously or defer their loading until after the page has become interactive.

  • Use a preloader: Implement a preloader or a loading screen that displays while the page is loading. This can help manage user expectations and provide visual feedback that the website is loading.

By implementing these strategies, you can ensure buttons are clickable and navigation is possible when first loading your Webflow website, enhancing the overall user experience.

Additional Questions:

  1. How can I optimize the page load time of my Webflow website?
  2. What are the benefits of loading JavaScript asynchronously in Webflow?
  3. How can I defer the loading of render blocking resources in Webflow?