Static vs dynamic website
What is a Static Website?
A static website is usually written using HTML (Hypertext Markup Language). A static website contains Web pages with fixed content. Each page is coded in HTML and displays the same information to every visitor. Static sites are the most basic type of website and are the easiest to create. A Website that is static can only supply information that is written into the html and this information will not change unless the change is written into the source code.
Advantages
- There is no need for any CMS. it is the responsibility of one person
- More flexibility is available, as you are not restricted to any template layout (although this can affect the usability of your website)
- No change is required to your web hosting Quick to develop
- Cheap to develop
- Cheap to host
Disadvantages
- More expensive to maintain in the long term if updates are more frequent. This is because any changes have to be made to pages individually. For example, if you had a menu item that appeared on every page that required amending, each individual page throughout the site would have to be updated.
- Not up datable by the Client, thus relying on the Web designer to edit.
- Increased risk to business, as the person with web skills could fall ill or leave, meaning that the website can no longer be maintained without complications.
- Management is restricted to one machine. If changes need to be made then this is only possible where the editing tool is installed.
- Website editors need significant training and skills to develop the website to modern day standards and practices. This is time consuming, expensive and ongoing.
What is a Dynamic Website?
A dynamic website can be either a web page with dynamic code or a web page with dynamic content. The Dynamic Websites use programmers to manage the contents, and the owner can make changes frequently and easily using an administrator control panel.
Advantages
Additional features available by implementing a dynamic website:
By constructing the website with dynamic capabilities it opens up a wide range of possibilities such as:
Disadvantages
A dynamic website can be either a web page with dynamic code or a web page with dynamic content. The Dynamic Websites use programmers to manage the contents, and the owner can make changes frequently and easily using an administrator control panel.
Advantages
- Restructuring of dynamic websites is easier, thus ensuring its longevity
- Can be developed/amended/added to as and when required
- Access to be able to content manage the website from any computer, anywhere in the world (that has Internet connection)
- Website content contributors/editors only need basic content editing skills
- Multiple user access for updating/content managing – Users or employees who are ‘experts’ in their subject area can add information to their relevant section of the website. The amount of access can also be setup.
- A Dynamic Website allows you to archive past material on a certain date or allows an item to be published or removed at a certain date automatically.
- As the content is held within a database it allows the user to search the database for content, also a site map is automatically generated as content is added.
Additional features available by implementing a dynamic website:
By constructing the website with dynamic capabilities it opens up a wide range of possibilities such as:
- Online booking
- E-Newsletter
- E-commerce
- Voting/Polls
- Forums/Message Boards
Disadvantages
- For smaller companies a Dynamic website might be too expensive or seen as unnecessary so the investment might not be justified
- Slightly longer initial development time
- Cost of implementing training of Content management system to Client/Staff
- Hosting costs a little more.
Why Use a Dynamic Website?
Dynamic websites have all the advantages over static websites. Apart from audience expectations around websites and content, the way we search and participate with brands online has changed. Here are a few simple reasons to use a dynamic website:
Dynamic websites have all the advantages over static websites. Apart from audience expectations around websites and content, the way we search and participate with brands online has changed. Here are a few simple reasons to use a dynamic website:
- Cost over time is less expensive. The ability to add content, change content and control your content will ensure you do not need to pay anyone to make these changes, or changes will require less time.
- Compete control over content and calls to action
- Improved SEO Services .
- Integrating Eecommerce website development.
- Capturing User Generated Content
- Custom website development is easy.
- how audiences are navigating through your website, what content they are looking at, where they are coming from and who is sending people to your website.