When it comes to building a website, you’ve got two main options: you can either hand-code it from scratch (a static site) or use a platform like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace (dynamic sites). Now, if you’re not a web developer, these terms might sound a bit techy, but I’ll break it down in plain English.

What’s the difference between static and dynamic websites?

A static website is built with the bare essentials: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It’s like a good old-fashioned book – once it’s printed, it stays the same for everyone who reads it. The site is pre-made and ready to go as soon as you visit, which means it loads faster because there’s no middleman (like a database) piecing it together on the fly.

On the other hand, dynamic websites – like those built with WordPress, Wix, and other page builders – pull their content from a database. Think of it like a puzzle that the server has to solve every time someone visits. This can slow things down because the server has to pull all the pieces together before your browser can show you the page.

Why does speed matter?

In the fast-paced world of the internet, speed is everything. Studies show that if your website takes longer than 3 seconds to load, most visitors will leave before they even see your content. Google also favours fast-loading sites, especially on mobile, so a quicker site can help boost your rankings.

Static websites are lightning-fast because they’re ready to go right off the bat. Dynamic sites, on the other hand, have more moving parts and tend to load slower, especially if they’re loaded up with plugins and features. In fact, a hand-coded static site can be up to 10 times faster than a WordPress site.

Security: Static vs Dynamic

WordPress is a powerful tool, but with great power comes great responsibility – and by that, I mean it’s a bit of a hacker’s playground. WordPress sites often need regular updates and security patches to keep the bad guys out, and if you don’t keep up, your site becomes vulnerable.

Static websites, though, are much simpler and harder to hack. There are no databases or complex systems to attack, so there’s far less risk of someone sneaking in.

Mobile first: Why it’s important

These days, more people are browsing on their phones than ever before, which means your mobile site needs to be spot-on. Static sites can be built with a “mobile first” approach, meaning they’re designed to load quickly and smoothly on mobile devices before being adapted to larger screens like tablets and desktops.

Dynamic sites often struggle here because they’re trying to be everything to everyone – mobile, tablet, desktop – all at once. This can lead to awkward layouts and slower load times on mobile, which isn’t ideal for users or your Google ranking.

So, why not just DIY with WordPress or Wix?

You’ve probably seen the ads: “Build a website in minutes, no coding needed!” Platforms like WordPress and Wix make it easy for anyone to throw together a website. And if you’re on a tight budget or need a site quickly, that’s fine. But if you’re serious about growing your business and want a site that’s fast, secure, and easy for Google to love, a hand-coded static site will give you a much better return on investment.

Think of it like painting your house – sure, you could do it yourself, but a professional painter will get a far better finish. A professionally built static website is like that – it’s going to perform better, look sharper, and help you stand out from the competition.

When is a dynamic site the better choice?

There are definitely times when a dynamic site makes more sense. If you need a website with a lot of pages, a blog you can update yourself, or an online store, WordPress is great for that. It’s flexible and can handle more complex tasks, like pulling content from a database or allowing users to interact with your site in different ways.

But if you’re just after a simple, fast, and secure site that’s mainly for displaying information, a static site is the way to go.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, whether you choose a static or dynamic website depends on your business needs, budget, and priorities. If you just need something cheap and cheerful, WordPress or Wix can do the job. But if you’ve got a bit more to invest and want a website that will perform better and give you a competitive edge, a custom-built static site is worth considering.

And hey, if you’re not sure which way to go, that’s what web developers like me are here for – to help guide you and create something that works for your business. After all, your website is an investment, not just an expense.