In the web development world, there are two types of websites - static and dynamic. A static site is a site that only comprises the main building blocks of web development: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. There are no databases, functionalities, or any fancy manipulations of data. It simply displays the page as it was created. These three coding languages make up everything you can see on a website and, in many cases, that's all that's needed. When you load a static site, your browser reads and compiles the code and loads it instantly. Every user is served the same exact content. And one of the best ways to create a static site is to code it by hand (which is what we do best!) or with a static site generator.

A dynamic site, such as those built with WordPress, page builders, or PHP, uses additional server-side languages and technologies. The HTML, CSS, and assets are taken from a database and stitched together as the website loads on the server before it's sent to the browser. Instead of the browser compiling the code, the server compiles it and sends it, and instead of every user being served the same content, they are served different content individually. This makes load times slower, and the website is vulnerable to attacks from malware and hackers interrupting the process of the server checking the database for website content. Static sites, on the other hand, have no databases, so there's nothing to attack.

Dynamic sites, such as those built with WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, or page builders, store assets and content in a database. When someone visits the website, the server checks its inventory and pulls the assets and content from the database and stitches them together into the landing page that you see. While these page builders make it easy and cheap to create a website, there are significant drawbacks when compared to static websites.

Why are static websites faster than dynamic websites?

One of the crucial factors in determining the ranking of your website on Google is its speed and performance, especially on mobile. The issue with dynamic websites, such as WordPress and Wix, is that they take longer for the server to retrieve data from the database and put everything together, and the more plugins and added features, the slower the website will be. This is vital to consider as studies have shown that the majority of users will abandon a website if it takes more than 3 seconds to load. With such slow loading times, it defeats the purpose of having a website if a significant number of users won't even view it, making it one of the major drawbacks of WordPress and Wix sites.

In contrast, Apara Design Group's static websites can load up to 10 times faster than dynamic websites. This is because they don't require website surgery, as everything is pre-built and ready to be loaded, without any plugins, databases, or unnecessary code. The code Apara Design Group writes for its websites is purposeful and well-organized, making it easier for Google to read and understand. Dynamic sites, such as WordPress, tend to have messy and bloated code, which only slows down loading times.

Think of it like having two plates of spaghetti, one with all the noodles mixed up and tangled, and the other with the noodles neatly lined up in groups. It's much easier and faster to count the number of noodles in the organized plate, which represents the code of a static site, versus the tangled plate, which represents the code of a dynamic site, known as "spaghetti code." This disorganized code makes it more challenging for the browser and Google's search crawlers to analyze and load the site, and understand the content's meaning.

Apara Design Group's hand-made static websites usually load in under 0.5 seconds, significantly faster than the benchmark load time of 2 seconds. The well-organized code makes it easy for the browser and Google to read and understand, which improves loading times and keeps customers engaged, thereby improving the website's ranking on Google. If the website isn't attracting enough business, it's recommended to check its loading time using Google's tool. If the loading time is over 3 seconds, it's likely that users are leaving before they even reach the site.

Google recently updated its search algorithm, ranking websites based on the mobile site's performance, known as Mobile First Indexing. In this regard, Apara Design Group's static sites win every time as they have faster loading times, leading to a better ranking on Google.

Boosting Your Website's Performance with Apara Design Group's Mobile-First Approach to Development

Mobile first programming is a task that can only be accomplished by experienced developers. It is a development strategy in which we prioritize writing code for mobile screens first and then move on to larger screens such as tablets and desktops. When the browser reads the CSS file to determine the page's structure and design, it reads it from top to bottom. If we start writing desktop code first, the browser will load it first and then move on to check the rules for other screen sizes, which can lead to mobile content being adjusted to fit into desktop designs. This wastes time and resources.

With the mobile first approach, we place mobile code at the top of the CSS file, allowing the browser to load it first when the website is accessed on a mobile device. This means that the browser reads the mobile styling code first, checks the screen size rules, and displays the code without the need for adjustments.

We can attest from experience that it is easier to expand content into larger spaces rather than compress it into smaller ones. By incorporating mobile first programming and static site development, we can achieve lightning-fast website speeds that might even surprise users.

Exploring the Enhanced Security Benefits of Apara Design's Static Sites Compared to Dynamic Sites

At Apara Design, we understand the importance of website security. That's why we prioritize static sites over dynamic sites when building websites for our clients.

Dynamic sites are built with databases, server-side platforms, and content management systems, which store all of the website's data. These components can make the site vulnerable to hacking attempts during the process of loading the site onto the browser. Hackers can inject themselves into the process and compromise the website, putting sensitive information at risk.

In contrast, static sites do not have any of these vulnerabilities. There are no databases, no session tokens, and no information being collected or transmitted that can be interfered with by hackers. With a static site, there's no way for them to sneak in and compromise the website.

WordPress sites are popular, but they come with their own set of security concerns. WordPress sites often require a multitude of plugins, and if they're not updated regularly, they can become vulnerable to attack. Keeping up with all of these updates can be a hassle, but with static sites, there's no need for updating. Static sites are built with just HTML and CSS, which eliminates the need for manual security patches and reduces the risk of a security breach.

Think of it like this: dynamic sites are like a fancy cabin in the woods with internet-controlled locks and appliances, while static sites are like a simple cabin with deadbolts and a fire stove. The fancy cabin may have more amenities, but it also has more entry points for attackers. By going the static site route, we remove these entry points and ensure that your website remains secure.

Moreover, static sites served by a Content Delivery Network (CDN) live on multiple servers across the globe, which ensures that the site remains accessible even if one server goes down. This way, your site is protected from downtime and remains available for access.

At Apara Design, we believe in the power of simplicity and security. By building static sites, we're able to provide our clients with peace of mind, knowing that their website is secure and protected from potential hacking attempts.

Why should I pay you for a website when I can make one myself?

At Apara Design Group, we understand the appeal of using page builders like Wix and WordPress to create a website for free, especially for small businesses that are on a tight budget. However, if page speed, loading times, security, converting more customers, and Google rankings are crucial for your business and you want to stand out from the competition, then we highly advise investing in a custom static website.

Just like anyone can buy paint and try to paint their own house, anyone can use a page builder to create a website. However, the quality of the end result will not be as professional as it would be if a skilled developer were to handle it. Web development is a trade, and just like any other trade, it can get a little expensive. At Apara Design Group, a custom static website can cost anywhere from $1800 to $5,000+ depending on the complexity.

While there are certainly developers who create custom WordPress sites with care and skill, not all WordPress websites or developers are the same. WordPress is ideal for those who need a website with a database and dynamic content, like an online store, a blog, custom applications, or data manipulation. On the other hand, static sites, as the name suggests, are unchanging and perfect for websites that only need to display information. Using WordPress to create an informational website is like using a jackhammer to drive a nail.

Chances are, your competition is also using WordPress, and some developers or agencies charge exorbitant fees for simple WordPress sites that could have been made static. At Apara Design Group, we strive to provide our clients with the best possible service and support. We know that finding a good developer or agency can be difficult, but we believe that it is well worth the effort to weed out the bad from the good.

Conclusion:

In the end, whether you go for a static site or a dynamic site, it all comes down to your budget and priorities. If you don’t have a lot to spend on a website and just need something out there then it’s okay to use WordPress or Wix. But if you have the budget to get something done that’s a step up and can maximize your online presence then having a static site made is your best return on investment.

At Apara Design, our goal is to build you a website that lasts years and helps you grow your business, and we'll be a part of it with you every step of the way. Contact Us Today For a Free Quote.