Your company website is at the forefront of your online presence. It’s often your opportunity to create a great first impression for your clients and get across your unique service or products.
There are many approaches when it comes to getting your website online, ranging from a static HTML website to platforms such as WordPress which offer additional usability and features. Different approaches come with their own advantages and disadvantages, so knowing which platform is best for your use case can help set your business up for online success.
What is a static HTML site?
A useful comparison to a static website would be a traditional leaflet/brochure. It is a way to convey and display information to your user, but it does not contain the additional functionality that you will sometimes find on websites such as a blog, interactivity or the ability for clients to sign in as users and leave comments.
Due to the lack of a content management system on static websites, changes to the site, including text or images, will need to be made by a developer or someone with some knowledge of the code ‘under-the-hood’.
How is that different from a WordPress website?
WordPress is a CMS (content management system) platform where you can create a dynamic site. It gives you the option of either selecting a pre-built template or opting for a developer to build a custom website that is compatible with all WordPress features.
Unlike static websites, WordPress utilises more than just the basic building blocks of a static site. WordPress implements useful functions that allow users to update their website from an easy-to-use interface as well as the ability to implement features with almost limitless possibilities.
Originally designed as a blogging platform, WordPress is a great option for companies and businesses keen to promote their products through blog posts or news articles.
We’ve chosen to compare static html websites to the web’s most popular CMS platform with just over a third of the web using the platform.
WordPress vs Static HTML stand off
Expandability – Adding new content and pages to your website
WordPress:
Adding a page or blog post on WordPress is as easy as clicking a button and does not require any coding know-how to add new content to your website. Changing the structure of your website with no outside help is easier than ever, with the ability to add and rearrange menu items.
As mentioned, WordPress was originally designed as a blogging platform meaning that the user interface centred around blogs. This means the process of posting and even scheduling blogs is simple.
Static HTML:
Updatability is not impossible but may prove difficult. Without the help of a web developer, you will need to know the basics of HTML to make sure that your updates are completed correctly and do not break the structure of your website.
Due to the fact that static websites are not dynamic, applying global changes to multiple pages can be a time-consuming process even for a developer. A static website would only be advisable if you know you won’t need updates to your website very often and have a web developer on hand to help.
Functionality – Adding features to boost your websit
WordPress:
Additional functionality in WordPress can be added without the help of a coder / developer in the form of plugins. WordPress has over 59,000 plugins, all offering additional functionality and insights into your website. These plugins range from offering robust protection and security all the way to implementing booking systems into your website, and everything in between!
Static HTML:
Static websites are lacking in the feature department and are better used for providing short form information and contact details for users. If you are looking for features such as a booking system, or ecommerce platform, steer clear of a static site.
Speed – How fast does your website load for users?
WordPress:
The speed of a WordPress website can vary depending on a number of factors including how well your chosen theme or custom WordPress website has been optimised. The number of features available on WordPress websites can take a toll on your site speeds.
Site speeds are an important factor when it comes to search engine optimisation and ranking successfully on Google. When choosing a WordPress site, make sure yours has been properly optimised for the fastest possible performance.
Static HTML:
One of the advantages of a lightweight static HTML site is the speed of the website. The less the browser has to load, the faster you can get your site to run. Having a simple lightweight static website with no complex features usually results in lighting fast loading speeds.
Security
WordPress
WordPress websites can be vulnerable to security threats if no care is put into keeping your website secure. There are a number of effective plugins that will monitor, alert and remove threats from your site. Practises such as keeping your plugins updated will further help to ensure that there is no malicious access to your website. Provided best practises are followed when setting up your WordPress site, the platform can be a safe robust platform for your company’s website.
Static HTML
As static HTML sites do not access databases, websites are generally very secure and difficult for hackers to gain access and make harmful changes. The lack of a content management system like WordPress means that there is no way for a hacker to access your site through user accounts. Due to the fewer ways for a hacker to access your website, static sites prove to be a secure option.
Conclusion
We’ve explored the pros and cons of a static html site and what the potential limitations are, but what is the verdict?
Winning in most categories, it’s no surprise that WordPress makes up over a third of the web. The inclusion of plugins for functionality as well as the easy-to-use user interface sets it apart from both static websites and even competing content management systems.
As long as the correct security is set up and maintained on your website, It is a great choice for those looking for the ability to update and expand your website with minimal hassle.
When is a static website the right choice?
Static html websites could be the answer for a low cost and simple website where you do not require full functionality and have no plans to expand your website in the near future. Its potential for faster loading times comes at the cost of functionality.
