Static websites and dynamic websites—what’s the big difference (and the big deal) anyway?  It’s a fair question, and while dynamic sites are definitely more popular these days, there’s still a time and a place for static websites too.  But before we go any further, let’s slow things down a bit and take a look at what the terms “static” and “dynamic” actually mean anyway when it comes to web design.

A static website is one that’s hard-coded, generally in the HTML language.  In other words, what’s written in the code—and this includes both text and graphic elements—is exactly what’s shown in the web browser each and every time that web page is accessed.  It’s kind of like what’s written in the code is “locked” just like when you print a document on paper.  What’s there is what it is.

On the other hand, with a dynamic website, content is regenerated each time a page is visited or refreshed.  Using a coding language like PHP, dynamic sites look for changes—perhaps from a separate database—every time a web page is loaded.  Even a dynamic site will often still use some static features though, such as wrapping the dynamic coding with specific fixed HTML elements.

Okay…enough of the geek speak already!

It’s confusing and pretty much irrelevant for our purpose here anyway.  Let’s get down to business—what’s the real difference between a static website and a dynamic website when it comes to creating a new site for you?

Static Websites

Well, static websites are almost always less expensive and faster to develop.  Static HTML is often used these days when creating a basic “brochure-type” website.  You know…the standard 5 page kind of site that usually includes a home page, about page, contact page, and maybe a services page or two.

When the content—text and pictures alike—is just fine remaining the same for long stretches at a time, a static site might just fit the bill.  Thing is, if you’re not familiar with code or any of the other behind-the-scenes components used to create a website, you’ll probably have to pay a web developer to make changes and updates each time they’re required.  This can get very burdensome and expensive over time.

Dynamic Websites

A dynamic website is naturally going to be more expensive to develop…initially, anyway.  After all, it takes much more work and customization to make it all happen.  But the good news here is that with certain added features that dynamic sites enable, like Content Management Systems (CMS), it’s really easy for anyone to log in and make updates and changes without the need for expensive web developer fees in the future.

This alone makes it a win-win proposition for many—but there are many, many more benefits to going dynamic.  Interactivity with your website visitors is probably the most notable plus here.  Dynamic websites enable features like photo galleries, blogs, forums, and many additional web “apps” for your site.  They can also be coded to be smarter, for lack of a better term, than a traditional static site.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a site that is easy and affordable to maintain, dynamic is for you.  Plus, the features that going dynamic opens the door up to are what most savvy visitors demand from a website these days.  On the other hand, if you’re simply looking to get on the web quickly and at the most affordable upfront cost—without regard to really developing an interactive platform—a basic static website might be just the answer you’ve been looking for.

Have additional questions?  If so, please just let us know…we’re here to help!