When considering the creation of a website, have you ever wondered which type of site you should choose? Today we bring to you an explanation about static sites vs dynamic sites.
Know that this is a common question among entrepreneurs, developers, and anyone looking to establish an online presence.
When launching a site, it is essential to evaluate various aspects, with a focus on performance and loading speed, which are important differences between static and dynamic sites.
After all, nearly 70% of consumers indicate that page speed affects their willingness to buy from an online retailer, according to a report published by Tooltester.
Given the importance of this topic, let’s explore the differences between static and dynamic sites, highlighting the features that make each shine, their strengths, and limitations.
We will also discuss how combining the two types can be the ideal solution for your specific needs. Stay with us and find out which approach best fits your project!
The main differences between static sites and dynamic sites
Among the main differences between static sites and dynamic sites, we can highlight:
Fixed content vs custom content
Static sites are made up of pages with fixed content that does not change for visitors.
This means that everyone who accesses the site sees the same information and visual elements.
On the other hand, dynamic sites adapt to the user, showing different content depending on the profile or actions of the visitor, such as browsing history, login, personal preferences, or location.
A blog is an example of a dynamic site. This is because the blog content is regularly updated with new articles and posts, and the display of these posts can vary depending on the publication date, categories, or even reader interactions (such as comments).
For example, when you publish a new post, it automatically appears on the blog’s homepage and is organized according to the site’s settings. In addition, readers can interact with the content by leaving comments or sharing on social media, making the experience even more dynamic and personalized.
Speed vs performance
Static sites are faster because they are simpler and require less from the server.
This is because they do not need to constantly search for information or access databases.
On the other hand, dynamic sites, which change content in real-time, require more processing, which can slow down loading, especially if the server is weak or if there is a lot of traffic on the site.
Ease of creation vs management flexibility
Creating a static site is easier and faster because it is made with simple files like HTML, CSS, and sometimes JavaScript. However, updating these sites can be more complicated, as each change needs to be made manually in the code, which is not easy for those who do not understand programming.
On the other hand, dynamic sites are a bit more difficult to set up initially, but they become much easier to update over time. This is because changes are made in a Content Management System (CMS), a tool that allows you to change content without touching the code, and these changes appear automatically in various parts of the site.
What is a static site?
A static site is like a fixed poster: once you create it, it will always show the same thing to everyone.
If you need to change something, like correcting information, you need to go back to the “poster,” make the change, and put it back in place. The site works the same way. Each page is a separate file, and when someone accesses it, the server simply sends that file ready to the browser, showing the content exactly as it was created.
This makes static sites faster and simpler to create, but if frequent updates are needed, it can be a hassle, as manual changes are required every time there are updates.
Also check out: Web Accessibility: What it is, guidelines and examples in 2024
Advantages of a static site
Among the advantages of static sites, we can mention:
Loading speed
One of the biggest attractions of static sites is their speed!
Since the content is pre-built and the same is displayed to all visitors, there is no need for additional server processing.
Basically, this results in fast loading times that leave your visitors happy and engaged.
Who doesn’t like a site that loads in the blink of an eye, right?
Ease and speed in creation
Creating a static site is like putting together a simple puzzle, so with a little knowledge of HTML and CSS, you can have a functional site in no time.
Without complications with complex programming or databases, the creation process is usually straightforward and efficient.
Security
It may not seem like it, but less is more when it comes to security in static sites.
Without server processing and databases, there are fewer vulnerable points for hackers to exploit.
Thus, your static site can be more secure against attacks.
Disadvantages of a static site
On the other hand, you need to pay attention to a few points:
Difficulty to scale
As your site grows, managing a static site can become a challenge.
Adding new pages or updating content requires manual modifications to the HTML files, which can be time-consuming and error-prone.
So, for growing businesses, this approach can become a problem.
Laborious management
Without a Content Management System (CMS), you will have to update and maintain your site manually. And you will need technical knowledge to do so.
In other words, you will need to spend hours adjusting HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files, a very valuable time for you, I bet…
For sites with a lot of content or that require frequent updates, this can become a difficult and inefficient task.
Check out an example we did for a static site with React technology for a client:
Visit the site to understand better: https://www.abacuscapitaladvisors.com.
What is a dynamic site?
A dynamic site can adapt content based on the preferences and actions of each visitor, as if it were customized for each person.
For example, in an online store, it can show updated prices, available product options, and personalized recommendations, all based on your preferences and browsing history.
This makes dynamic sites more interactive and personalized, creating a unique experience for each user.
Consequently, the content you see may be different from what another person will see, even when accessing the same page.
Advantages of a dynamic site
Some of the main advantages of having a dynamic site are:
Easy and quick updates
Using a database or a Content Management System (CMS), you can make changes centrally, so you just need to log in to your CMS, edit the content, and publish.
This way, changes made in one place are reflected throughout the site, simplifying maintenance and keeping everything up to date without extra effort.
Personalized experience
Dynamic sites can offer a personalized and interactive experience for visitors as well!
By using cookies and location data, you can tailor content to individual user preferences.
For example, a restaurant site can display local promotions based on the visitor’s location, making navigation more relevant and engaging.
In addition, it is possible to have a responsive site that adapts to different access devices.
Scalability for the future
During the website creation process, you need to consider your company’s goal. Dynamic sites are designed to grow with your business, they are much more versatile.
Connected to a CMS or database, they can handle large amounts of data and increasing traffic without compromising performance.
With this, your site can expand and adapt as your needs grow.
Disadvantages of a dynamic site
As not everything is perfect, the two main disadvantages of dynamic sites are:
Development costs
Creating a dynamic site may require more resources and expertise, as the site design and development process is more complex, requiring advanced programming and database configuration.
In financial terms, this can mean higher costs and the need to hire a specialized developer.
Security
With all the advanced functionality comes greater technical complexity, which can increase the risk of security vulnerabilities.
Unlike static sites, dynamic sites, due to their many components and interactions, require extra attention to protect against attacks and ensure the security of user data.
Check out an example of a dynamic site made for our client Live In The City:
Check out the site here: https://liveinthecitynews.com/.
A hybrid approach: combining static and dynamic pages
Now that you know the types of sites and their characteristics. If you are undecided between using a static or dynamic site, maybe the ideal solution is a hybrid approach that combines the best of both worlds.
The idea behind this approach is to use static pages for content that does not change frequently and dynamic pages for elements that require constant updating or customization.
For example, you can keep the site structure, such as institutional information, as static pages, ensuring speed and simplicity.
By using static pages for fixed content, you ensure fast loading times and less need for server resources.
On the other hand, you can use dynamic pages for interactive features, such as a blog, login areas, or user panels.
This combination not only improves the overall efficiency of the site but also provides a richer user experience.
By incorporating dynamic pages, you can offer advanced and personalized features, tailored to specific user needs.
