Why static websites are best for most

First off, there are two types of websites; static and dynamic.

Static web pages are pages that have been created and saved entirely prior to being placed live on the web. Users who visit a static page are immediately provided the entire already saved document.

Dynamic web pages are created “on demand” when a user clicks a link to visit the page(s). Users who visit a dynamic web page will trigger the build of the page each and every time as pieces of the page are assembled on the fly using a database.

Static web pages are faster

Static web pages / websites are faster for several reasons. The most obvious is the fact the page is “already” done (think Little Caesars Hot & Ready) where dynamic pages are ordered, built and then delivered. Yes, that all can happen pretty quickly but the static web page delivered the page “immediately” upon request.

Most, not all, WordPress, Drupal, Expression Engine, Joomla (Dynamic website developers who use these content management systems (CMS)) leave development code on the live server. In contrast, most front end developers building static websites are used to building with a variety of optimization tools. At Cloud Radix, we spend countless hours every month refining and improving our build process such that every websites we build out performs all of our clients’ competitors.

Better user experiences

Nobody likes a janky website experience. “Loading… Please wait!”

People have less and less time, are less patient and have higher expectations of a business website today than ever before. Often the first experience many have with a business is the website. If visitors are able to port around the website touching and clicking and it’s like a light switch that just goes on or off without notice of delay, your website just made one heck of a first impression in one of the Key Performance Indicators; performance.

Static web pages are more secure

The very nature of how dynamic websites work opens them up to several security problems. The database, specifically, can be a serious security threat quite easily. A hacker only needs access to the database to add malware, make backdoors, update website function, add/remove/edit as they see fit.

Static web pages have a lower cost of ownership

There are a lot of variables in the website cost of ownership equation.

Dynamic web hosting is much more expensive

Dynamic websites require a much more sophisticated server setup due to the interaction between the database and the website. Static, on the other hand, can be hosted on super secure and significantly less expensive flat file hosting solutions.

Open Source CMS solutions rely heavily on expensive plugins

It may appear on the surface that a WordPress website for $2,500-$7,500 is either in line or even cheaper than a static website all other things being equal. The problem with WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Magenta, Expression Engine, [insert off shelf CMS here] is their reliance plugin development, updates and the cross compatibility issues such as when WordPress releases an update yet the plugin is not yet supported until the developer updates the plugin. Then, it’s the responsibility of someone managing the WordPress site in this example to install the latest version.

Static website plus the best of dynamic websites

What if we could take the best attributes of a dynamic website and harness those very benefits on a static website? Basically, we would want to be able to update our website on the fly from the web once we log in securely using our browser. That is, after all, one of the biggest advantages over traditional static websites which are built, saved and then published.

We build static websites clients can update

Get the best website possible, a static website, while still getting the best elements of a dynamic website.

With a Cloud Radix custom designed static website married to a Cloud Radix custom designed CMS solution, our clients can tap-tap-type-save their way to an emergent website as easy OR easier than updating their Facebook profile. And, we always make sure website Key Performance Indicators; such as SEO, Best Practices, Handicap Accessiblity, Performance and Progessive Web Apps optimization are baked into the code, ensuring every new page you add inherits all the necessary elements correctly.

Custom built CMS for all our static websites

In the past, web developers always had to make a compromise. Either they would get a static website which delivered amazing user experiences blazing fast speeds and ultimately better results with more visitors, engagements and conversions. Alternatively, the website could be built dynamic which made it easier for the business to login, add/delete/edit content quickly and easily. Since our first tenant at Cloud Radix is to “put the user first” - there was never any doubt that we MUST “only” provide static websites for our clients. But… We wanted the benefit of a dynamic website such as WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Expression Engine off the shelf open source software offered. However, we want a better experience for the business owner as well, so we make sure to make areas of the website editable while making sure other areas cannot be changed.

Just imagine you have a coloring book and it’s impossible for you ugly the drawing by coloring outside the lines.

Hugo static website generator

Unless you’re building a small website (1-4 pages) without any intention of growing the website, it’s ‘nearly’ imperative a static website generator be used for the initial and continued build of the website. While there are a variety of static website generators out there, at Cloud Radix we are always sure to use the absolute best tool for the job. Today, there is nothing better for static website generation than Hugo. Not only is it the fastest static website generator, it can do more, do it better and provide better end results than anything else.

Hugo website generator vs WordPress

Hugo, a static website generator, is static websites’ answer to offering the function of dynamic websites, such as WordPress. Hugo, like WordPress, provides content management, building and deploying of the website.

Unlike WordPress, Hugo is an offline application. This means the website is built and deployed entirely without the use of an online database. Not only does this “dramatically increase the website security”, it eliminates “entirely” the need for third party plugins. Instead of having a large collection of third party plugins built for a “specific” version of WordPress (and requiring annual in your pocket fees), with Hugo, all “plugin” function is hardcoded into the site by Cloud Radix; a one time, never need to update and always working plugin. And, there are no residual plugin fees, no worries about an updated WordPress with third party plugins that are not yet updated etc ..

Hugo provides an offline website generation, build and deployment option that’s “significantly” better than that of traditional CMS driven sites such as WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Expression Engine and the like minded off the shelf open source solutions.