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In the realm of web development, there are two primary types of websites: static and dynamic. A static site is one that contains the fundamental building blocks of web development - HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It doesn't have any additional functionality, database manipulation, or other advanced features. It simply displays the content as it was created. These three coding languages are typically all that's necessary to create a website, making static sites an efficient and practical option. When a static site is loaded, the browser reads and compiles the code, resulting in instant loading times. Additionally, all users are presented with the exact same content, making it easy to maintain consistency. One of the best methods to create a quality static site is by hand-coding.

On the other hand, a dynamic site, such as WordPress or page builders, incorporates server-side languages and technologies that draw on databases to stitch together the website's HTML, CSS, and assets as it loads on the server, after which it is sent to the browser. This process differs from static sites where the browser compiles the code. Dynamic sites are more vulnerable to malware and hacking attempts because of this. Furthermore, since every user is served different content individually, the load times tend to be slower.

Dynamic websites encompass those developed using various platforms such as WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, as well as those built using PHP, among others. These platforms store assets and content in a database, which the server uses to generate a landing page by pulling the necessary components from the database as requested by the browser. Although these page builders make website creation accessible and affordable, they come with significant drawbacks when compared to static websites that I create.

Why are do static sites perform better than dynamic page builder sites

In the battle between hand-made static websites and page builders like WordPress and Wix, the former almost always comes out on top. Static sites load in mere milliseconds, while it can take multiple seconds or more for a WordPress or Wix site to load. Moreover, due to their simplicity, static sites are virtually impenetrable to hacks and compromise, making them the clear winner in the race for your business.

Speed

Static websites are known for their fast page load times, since they don't require any server-side processing. When a user requests a page from a static website, the web server simply sends the pre-existing HTML file to the user's browser, which displays it on the screen. For informational static sites, speed is especially important, as users often want to quickly access the information they need. With a static website, users can easily navigate between pages without having to wait for pages to load. This can lead to a faster load time, better user experience and increase the likelihood of users staying on the site and engaging with the content.

On the other hand, page builder websites like Wix or WordPress often have a lot of additional code and functionality built-in, which can slow down page load times and affect website performance. These platforms include plugins, themes, and other features that bloat the site and decrease its speed. While these features can be useful for dynamic websites that require a lot of functionality, they may not be necessary for a simple informational static site.

The industry standard for website load time is 2 seconds, my custom-made static sites surpass this with lightning-fast speeds of under 0.5 seconds. I achieve this by optimizing the code structure, making it easier for browsers and Google to read and understand. This significantly improves load times, reduces bounce rates, and boosts your website's ranking on Google.

If your website is taking longer than 3 seconds to load, there’s a good chance visitors are leaving before it even loads.

Mobile First Code

Mobile-first programming is a design methodology that cannot be implemented by page builders. It involves writing code starting with mobile screens and then adding code for tablet and desktop screens as we proceed through the file. When the browser reads the CSS file to structure and style the page, it reads it from top to bottom. If we start writing desktop code at the top, the browser reads and loads it first, then keeps scrolling down the file to check for different screen sizes and load those designs, making changes to fit desktop content into mobile. If mobile code is at the bottom of the CSS file, and a user is on a mobile device, the browser has to read all the code in that file, loading desktop code and then squeezing it all into a mobile screen, resulting in wastage of time and resources.

In contrast, the mobile-first approach entails placing the mobile code at the top, ensuring it is read first. So when the site loads on a phone, the mobile styling code loads first, checks the screen size rules, and displays the code, making the site faster.It's easier to make content grow into its space instead of shrinking it down to fit smaller spaces. Employing mobile-first programming in static site development will result in lightning-fast sites that will impress users.

It's also worth noting that Google's recent search algorithm update, Mobile First Indexing, now ranks websites based on their mobile performance. This means that a faster-loading mobile site results in a better ranking. This is where static sites excel over other options.

Design Flexibility

Design flexibility is an important consideration when choosing between hand-coded static websites and page builder websites like Wix or WordPress. When hand-coding a static website, you have complete control over the design and functionality of the website. You can design it to your exact specifications without any unnecessary built-in code. This can lead to a leaner, faster-loading website that is optimized for user experience.

In contrast, page builder websites like Wix or WordPress offer many pre-made templates and design options to choose from. While this can be useful for users who don't have design or development skills, it can also be overwhelming and lead to a slower website. These platforms often include unnecessary code or plugins that can slow down the site and make it harder to maintain.

Dynamic sites also have limitations, such as the inability to leverage the benefits of mobile-first design. For instance, if you try to resize a Wix site, you'll notice that it doesn't offer a tablet version of the site, and the page is not very responsive, meaning the content doesn't change or move as the screen size changes. This can cause your content to be cut off or wrap around images in odd ways that distort the layout, making your site appear broken. Page builders like Wix and WordPress do not provide sufficient control to make your site responsive for any possible screen size without advanced coding skills and access to the page builder's API for custom, complicated work.

Security

Security is a critical concern when it comes to any website, and it's important to consider when choosing between a static website and a page builder website like Wix or WordPress. Static websites are considered to be more secure since there there are no scripts running on the server that could be exploited by hackers unlike dynamic websites.

Page builder websites like Wix or WordPress have a lot of code running on the server. This makes them potentially vulnerable to attacks like SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and server-side scripting attacks. Additionally, page builders often rely on third-party plugins or themes, which can introduce additional security risks if they are not properly maintained or updated.

With a hand-coded static website, you have complete control over the code and can ensure that it is properly secured. By avoiding server-side processing, you eliminate many of the potential vulnerabilities that can exist in dynamic websites. You can also take steps to protect the website, such as regularly updating software, using strong passwords, and implementing security measures like HTTPS and SSL/TLS.

An Investment for your Business

Why hire a developer?

It's a common question for small business owners to ask themselves: Why should I pay someone to make a website when I can make it myself? Platforms like Wix and WordPress advertise that anyone can create a website for free, which can be very appealing to those on a tight budget. However, it's important to consider the drawbacks of using a page builder website compared to hiring a professional developer to create a static website.

One of the biggest advantages of a hand-coded static website done by a professional is the ability to optimize for page speed, loading times, security, and Google rankings. With a static website, you have complete control over the code and can ensure that it is properly secured and optimized for speed and search engine optimization. This can lead to a better user experience and increased visibility in search engine results pages.

In contrast, page builder websites often rely on pre-made templates and plugins, which can slow down page load times and introduce security vulnerabilities. Additionally, these platforms may not be as customizable as a hand-coded static website, which can limit your ability to stand out from the competition.

While it may seem cheaper to create a website yourself using a page builder website, the cost of lost customers and opportunities can be much higher in the long run. Investing in a hand-coded static website may seem expensive upfront, but it can pay off in the long run by converting more customers and setting your business apart from the competition.

Investment vs Expense

Flipping your mindset about hand-coded static websites from being an expense to an investment can be one of the best decisions you make for your business. Just like any other investment, it is important to evaluate the value and the return on investment. Entrepreneurs understand that putting money into their business is an investment that will yield long-term returns.

For instance, if you invest $3000 in a hand-coded static website, you may be able to increase your customer base by improving the user experience and reducing bounce rates due to slow load times or outdated design. This can lead to an increase in revenue, which could translate to an extra $10,000 per year or more. When viewed from this perspective, the investment in a hand-coded static website becomes a smart business move that pays off in the long run.

Let's examine my approach to selling websites at a monthly rate of $150. Some may wonder, "why should I commit to paying every month for years?" However, consider this: do the benefits of my static websites bring in more than $150 in value each month? The answer is almost always yes. For instance, a painter can earn $800 or more for each new client. If my site brings in just one additional client per month, that's a $650 return. Every new customer you gain each month adds to the value of my sites. Additionally, for that $150 per month, you have access to someone who is available 24/7 to manage your website, make updates to the site based on changes in search algorithms, and answer any questions you may have. You're receiving more than just a website; you're gaining a partner who is invested in your business's success.

To ensure that your investment pays off, it is crucial to find the right developer who can deliver a high-quality and visually appealing website. The quality of the website is often dependent on the price paid for it. Therefore, it’s essential to do your due diligence and find a reputable developer who can create a website that reflects your brand's value, set you apart from the competition and generate a substantial return on investment.

Conclusion

Ultimately, your decision on whether to choose a static or dynamic website depends on your budget and priorities. If you have limited funds and simply need a basic website or you require more complex features such as a database, then options like WordPress or Wix can suffice. However, if you have the budget for a high-quality, custom-built website that can significantly enhance your online presence, then a static site is the better investment.

With my business model, you no longer have to choose between doing it yourself to save costs or paying a high price for a developer's services. Instead of charging thousands of dollars upfront, I offer a zero-down payment plan with a monthly fee of $150, making my services more accessible to small businesses that need reliable web solutions. I can dedicate my time and expertise to building long-lasting, high-quality websites that help grow your business.