06/26/2022

The Difference Between Static and Dynamic Websites

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If building a website is your top priority, you need to understand which website type will work best for you. Hybrids are increasingly popular. Hybrids combine static and dynamic web pages.

There are two types: static and dynamic websites. These two types of websites refer to how websites present and deliver their content.

This article will discuss the dynamic vs. static debate. We’ll be discussing key considerations when creating a website that works.

  • What is a static website?
  • What is a dynamic website?
  • What is the difference between a static and dynamic website?
  • A hybrid approach that combines dynamic and static

What’s a static website?

A static website is composed of pages that were created using HTML or CSS (all examples of web-development languages). Each page is saved as an HTML file. The HTML file is delivered directly from the server to the webpage as is.

Static websites can be modified manually. If you use a site builder, you can manually make changes to static websites.

A static site displays the same content to each visitor. These pages are ideal for pages that do not require frequent modifications or updates.

A resume website is a great choice for a static site. It has fixed content and doesn’t require changes to individual pages. This website allows for real-time updates based on user behavior.

A static site has many benefits      

We’ll discuss several reasons why static websites are making a comeback.

Faster page loading speed

The design of a static page prioritizes the speed of loading, which leads to a better browsing experience. Caching makes it easy to cache the content and decreases the chance that it will load with UX problems or delays such as broken images.

Static websites require less power and do not need any client or database infrastructure. Google uses this information to assess a website’s performance. This also appears to have a greater effect on SEO and rank performance.

Rapid creation

Static websites can be launched more quickly if time is an issue. Static websites are quicker to create and publish because they don’t need any connections to structured content databases.

A static website takes a lot of time to build and maintain. 

Increased security

It can be harder to hack static website pages in theory. We’ll explain 

Static pages don’t connect to any database and don’t use any plugins or extensions. These are all possible entry points for hackers, but static websites pose less risk to potential attackers.

It all depends on how you build your website.

A static site has its advantages

We have already discussed the benefits of static websites. Now we will discuss its drawbacks.

Limited scalability

The biggest problem with a static site is its inability to support complex, large-scale content. 

Each page in a static website should be an individual entity. Each page within a website that has multiple pages must be made separately.

Management is less effective

Static websites are simpler to create but can be more difficult to maintain. Websites load faster and have more content.

What’s a dynamic website?

Server-side technology and language are used to create dynamic websites. These websites allow for each page’s content dynamically displayed and delivered based on user behavior or user-generated content.

A dynamic site allows you to organize your data and content in a Content Management System backend that connects to your site pages.

What does all this mean? Customizing websites for specific users Multiple pages can be modified simultaneously.

You can choose which information users see based on their location (thanks Cookies). This means that every visitor will see a different version.

There are many other well-known examples of dynamic websites, including

  1. Instagram: Instagram is a social network that relies on user-generated material. It relies on a dynamic website.
  2. CNN Media outlets utilize dynamic websites to update their content as they react to breaking news.
  3. Disney Plus This dynamic streaming website allows users the ability to select and display their content according to their location, subscription, and preferences.        

The majority of dynamic websites are user-driven and content-rich.

Dynamic websites include event websites, eCommerce websites, online forums, membership websites, portfolio websites, and blogs.

A dynamic site has many benefits

Dynamic pages are the best way to go for many web designers       

Easy to Update

Keep your business and brand up-to-date. 

A dynamic website makes it possible to make changes to content automatically on other pages without having to change the design. This is particularly important for websites with many pages. It makes it much easier to maintain a website.

Multi-user access can make it easier to maintain a dynamic website. They can manage the site’s content and not have to change the structure.

Dynamic pages allow you to manage thousands of pages. 

A better user experience

A dynamic website provides content that is tailored to users’ needs. The page could display information based on their location or make changes to the content to reflect past actions, interests, or intent.

It doesn’t matter how complex the case may seem. A better user experience is created by being able to personalize the content visitors see and interact with. This improves the chances that visitors will return to your site and take further action.

More functionality

While static pages can be interactive, dynamic pages are more functional. Dynamic pages have boundless functionality–limited only by the complexity of the logic and language needed to build them, and the instructions needed to deliver content.

Netflix is one example of a dynamic, complex, and user-friendly website. It can also recommend what to watch based on previous viewing history.

The disadvantages of a dynamic website

You need more resources to create something 

A dynamic site can take longer to set up and maintain due to additional steps needed to connect your database with the right pages. 

Learn how to use Content Manager. Take our online course.

Performance issues

Dynamic websites require more work than static ones. This can take time and is not always easy to do. Many website-creation tools have made it their mission to prioritize site performance across all pages.

There are fewer performance concerns when creating a dynamic website with a website builder. Your dynamic website will be just as user-friendly as a static site.

Hybrid approach: Combining dynamic and static pages 

Many websites are getting more complex. Dynamic. Dynamic pages can be used in multiple places on a website.

Let’s look at how to create a hybrid website.

In action: A hybrid website

While you might have started with a static website, you might find that dynamic pages are more useful as your website develops. A hybrid approach will allow you to create a website that reacts dynamically to your visitors’ needs.

Let’s go back to our real estate website. You have a small inventory of apartments to rent. Your website will be very informative.

These pages could be added to your website:

  • A page about your company and the services that you offer.
  • A couple of location pages listing the cities where you have apartments.
  • A few landing pages provide information about the actual properties. For more information or to book, you can contact us directly.

These pages don’t need complex functionality or constant updates to information. 

You will see growth in your business and property portfolio. There are nearly 100 apartments for rent in six to seven cities. It is essential that your website can update information dynamically and show more apartments.

In this example, your website will display featured apartments according to available properties. For three months, a user will search your website for a Brooklyn one-bedroom apartment.

These pages are dynamic. Dynamic websites allow you to add pages to your inventory and update content. You can also modify search parameters. 

Based on your search criteria hundreds pages can dynamically be created by the user 

About the author

Kobe Digital is a unified team of performance marketing, design, and video production experts. Our mastery of these disciplines is what makes us effective. Our ability to integrate them seamlessly is what makes us unique.