Creating a website today is much less complicated than it was a few years ago.Or is it?
Although, getting a website developed is much easier but it is in no way less confusing. There are just so many options and technologies that you have to deal with; and all the hassles grow 2x if you don’t have a technical background.
To add to the burden, one wrong choice can severely disrupt your online business. Hence, it is essential to understand which site is right for you to get the best for less.
With WordPress and HTML covering the majority of the population in the internet arena, we have de-coded these two options in this article.
Both WordPress and HTML websites come with their own set of pros and cons. But only one is right for your needs.Let’s discuss in detail.
What is WordPress?
In non-geeky words, WordPress is the simplest and easiest way of creating your website or blog. It is one of the most popular content management systems used by more than 60 million websites worldwide.
According to W3 Techs, WordPress is used by approximately 38.9% of all websites to manage their content. Thus, one in three websites that you visit is built on WordPress.
On a more technical level, WordPress is an open-source CMS (Content Management System) platform coded in PHP language. This means that the WordPress software is open for everyone to use and modify for free.
A content management system enables website owners to manage various aspects of the website - like content - without the need of knowing anything about programming.
However, don’t confuse WordPress.org with WordPress.com. The former is the open-source CMS system while the latter is the self-hosted version of WordPress.
Some of the popular brands that use WordPress include - Microsoft, The Rolling Stones, and Whitehouse.gov.
You can create the following types of websites using WordPress:
- Blog
- eCommerce Store
- Portfolio
- Forums
- Resumes
- Social networks
- …and almost anything you can imagine
Pros of WordPress
Here is the list of advantages that make WordPress an exceedingly popular and reliable option for building websites.
Highly Customizable
There are thousands of professional templates and plugins available to upgrade your website and give it the design you want.
Besides the official theme and plugin directory of WordPress, you can also access the online shops that offer WordPress plugins and themes at an affordable cost.
Themes give your website the look and feel of your choice and plugins render your website the functionality and power it needs to make its mark online. If you have an idea, WordPress can most certainly materialize it with its infinite options.
Easy to Install and Update
You can set up a WordPress website in as less as 5 minutes, all depending on your requirements. You can also create a new web-page in a couple of clicks without having to code.
Moreover, since WordPress is an open-source platform, it is continuously developing. Anyone can contribute to help fix issues and bugs.
These constant updates and releases also help your website improve, update, and stay relevant, making it future-proof.
Full Control
It’s your website, domain, and content. Do whatever you want to help improve its visibility and engage consumers.
You can effortlessly edit, add, and update the content on the website. Moreover, there are no restrictions on how your business grows in terms of sales, popularity, or traffic.
Other Benefits
Matt Cutts, the former Google’s webspam team head said, “sites built with WordPress are capable of ranking higher in search results because the CMS takes care of 80-90% of Google’s crawling issues.”
Hence, you can easily implement SEO tactics to grow on search engines. Moreover, you can enhance the security of your website with a simple plugin. Your WordPress website will also support mobile devices, which is indisputably essential.
Cons of a WordPress Website
Upkeep
The success of a WordPress website depends on its features, plugins, themes, etc. You will be responsible to keep an eye out for the new releases and update them regularly.
You can also look out for managed WordPress services who can offer you this service.
Learning Curve
Although it is a user-friendly and intuitive CMS platform, it takes some time to get along with all the features.
Either experiment and teach yourself gradually or take the help of WordPress developers to make this a breeze so that you can focus on growing your business.
What is a Static HTML Website?
HTML is a markup language used for web page development. Typically, you will need to employ the services of a professional developer to develop an HTML website.
In the simplest words, a static website is developed using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript which, once launched on the server, can’t change. It’s right there in the finished form and it’ll always be like that.
You will have to hire a professional developer to change or update the website content via coding.
WordPress uses a database to retrieve content whereas static HTML websites store your content in static files.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of a Static HTML website.
Pros of using a Static HTML Website
Low Maintenance
A static HTML website is easy to manage and maintain as the website is in the finished form. With hardly any changes in the website content, you can backup once and forget about it.
Fewer Requirements & Quick
Unlike CMS websites, static websites use fewer resources. Hence, it can run on cheaper servers. Besides, these websites have limited functionalities and are light-weight which increases their loading speed.
Complete Control
Since you are developing a website from the ground up, you get complete control over its design and functionalities.
This also means, flexibility in terms of integrating additional features to the website.
Cons of a Static HTML Website
No Updates
If you don’t know HTML/CSS language, it is going to be difficult to update your website as a beginner. You will have to employ a web developer to make even the smallest of changes to the website.
This could either lead to expensive website development or leave you with an outdated website that has no appeal.
Lack of Additional Features
Once your business starts to attract more traffic or grow, it is not possible to scale your website that easily.
Which one should you choose? - WordPress or Static HTML Website
Now that you have weighed the pros and cons of both the website development techniques, it all comes down to choosing the one based on your requirements.
If you are building a website as your business brochure or are confident that you wouldn’t have to update it more frequently, by all means, go with the Static HTML website. It will serve your purpose and will be faster without coming in the way of your operations.
If you want to grow your online business, choose WordPress website development. It gives you full control and freedom to update, add, and remove the content anytime you want. It will also accommodate your growing needs with its variety of features and functionalities.
Bottom Line
Most businesses today go for WordPress websites for the flexibility they offer.
Whether you are an established business getting an eCommerce website developed or a small business who is planning to take it slow, in this information-driven landscape, every website needs to stay relevant and updated.
This becomes more challenging and expensive with a static website. If you are still undecided, let our team of web development experts help you. Consult with our developers for the right solution.
