As we look around the internet, we may see a large amount of static websites. At first, you may not be able to tell if they are static or built with dynamic capabilities. However, here’s a good way to guess if the site is static. If it has a basic look and is for a small company, it is probably going to be a static one. Static websites can only be updated by someone who knows web coding. Yes, they are the most affordable on the market to host for smaller companies. Dynamic websites, however, are almost completely the opposite. At ClickFirst Marketing, we can help you choosing static or dynamic websites for your company.
To understand the two approaches to building a static vs a dynamic site, let’s look at the pros and cons of both.
- Static websites are quick to develop. If you need a site built in a day or few hours for a special project, then writing simple code will help you reach your goal. The biggest hurdle will be finding the right person capable of writing the code.
- The cost of building a static site is that involves elements that are stationery. Most static sites will have only a few scripts for forms and maybe ad display and carousel photos. But, the elements cannot be manipulated by the clients or the site visitors.
- Static sites are cheaper to host because of the reasons mentioned above. With simple code, there is a small amount of space that will be used on a server. A good developer will also know how to minimize the code and optimize the photos and graphics, so the costs remain less.
Now, let’s take a peek at a few disadvantages of static sites.
- The static site requires the web development expertise to update any page. Usually, that means having someone in your company who fully understands web coding. Or you can build a close relationship with companies like ClickFirst Marketing to help you make the necessary changes.
- Because the user cannot use the site other than reading information, they may not find it useful. Most visitors, if they are interested in keeping up with your products and services, would prefer to create an account where they can place items they want or would like to track. Creating a user-manipulated site or page is not possible.
- Stagnancy becomes the largest obstacle with static sites. If only the web coder can change elements, often photos, videos and graphics remain in place far too long. Yes, they were great at the start and visitors were intrigued. However, two months later, if the same elements are still on the pages and visitors have to search for what’s new, odds are they won’t be back.
With all the capabilities, bells and whistles, dynamic sites can be more expensive. However, the advantages with a dynamic site are much more than static ones. Dynamic features on a site are only limited by the imagination of the site creator and owner. ClickFirst Marketing can help bring out the creativity and exciting experience for the user.
Here some of the main advantages to choosing a dynamic site.
- Dynamic sites are much more functional. Various scripts can be written to automate different elements on the page to allow for more flexibility.
- Updating becomes easier. Before handing off a site to the company, the developer can teach many of the employees how to handle the backend content management system.
- The worry of stagnant pages is now eliminated, because new content can be added by employees and scripts to continuously refresh the page.
- Dynamic sites also allow staff and users to collaborate on various topics, like forums and message boards.
- Old and new visitors are bound to visit the pages, because internet robots, like those from Google and Bing will return more often to read the site’s new content.
With everything, there is a down side. And, the dynamic site does have its own set of disadvantages. With that said, if created properly, the troubles are few.
- Dynamic sites tend to be slower when it comes to loading a page. This is why it’s important to optimize graphics and minimize codes.
- The biggest factor is that the costs of dynamic sites is greater. The math is simple. If you have more moving parts and functions and databases, then you will need more room to store it on a server. Of course, it goes without saying. It will cost more to create all of the elements.
There many websites over the last decades that are static ones. Today more and more companies are realizing the value of dynamic sites and the great user experience they provide. Yet, there is still a great need and service for static sites. Since your website is the face of your company in this modern internet world, it’s best to put your best efforts forward. At ClickFirst Marketing, we are ready to help you decide which type sites works best for your company. And, we are ready to build it for you.
