What is the difference between a hand coded websites and websites built with WordPress?

Static Websites (Hand Coded) vs Dynamic Websites (WordPress, Wix, etc.)

Key Takeaways:

• When it comes to website speed, hand-crafted static sites have the upper hand, blazing through cyberspace up to 10 times faster than those page builder gigs, like WordPress & Wix. Picture this: if your site is playing the slowpoke and takes more than 3 seconds to load, you're risking losing customers. Visitors bounce, and customers slip through the cracks. Speed matters, folks!
• Google indexes your website based on it's performance based on its mobile functionality. Mobile sites created with page builders, on the other hand, often lag behind in terms of optimization, speed, construction quality, and may not consistently achieve 100% responsiveness. This shortfall could impact your search rankings.
• Crafted with care, my static sites follow a mobile-first coding approach. The process involves initially writing the code tailored for mobile screens, followed by additions for tablets and desktops. This strategic method enhances the mobile responsiveness, optimization, and loading speed of your website, ultimately elevating its performance on Google and ensuring that visitors stick around rather than abandoning ship.
• WordPress has a bit of a rep for being a target – it's got these vulnerabilities that need constant updates to dodge hackers. Now, check this out: hand-made static sites? Not so much. They're simple, with fewer entry points for hackers to sneak in. So, while WordPress plays catch-up, our static sites stand strong and secure

Alright, let's break down the website world into two cool categories - static and dynamic. So, a static site is like the minimalist superhero of the web. It only rocks the basics: html, css, and JavaScript – no fancy databases, no data tricks, just displaying the page as it's born. These three coding wizards create everything you see on the site, and honestly, that's often all you need. When you hit up a static site, your browser takes charge, reads the code, and boom, loads it instantly. Every user sees the exact same content. Now, the magic happens either by hand (my specialty!) or with a static site generator. Keepin' it simple and snappy

Now, let's chat about the dynamic side of things (think WordPress and those flashy page builders). A dynamic site brings in extra firepower with server-side languages and tech. Here's the scoop: it grabs html, css, and assets from a database, stitches them into a website as it loads on the server, and then ships it off to the browser. It's a different dance from static sites – instead of the browser doing the code hustle, it's the server that compiles and sends it over.

Here's the twist: not everyone gets served the same content. It's like a personalized show for every user. Sounds cool, right? Well, here's the trade-off. Load times take a hit, and there's a vulnerability risk – pesky malware and hackers might try to crash the party while the server checks the database for website content. Static sites? No databases, no drama. We'll unpack this more as we scroll down.

Dynamic sites encompass websites crafted with WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, page builders, or developed using NextJS, PHP, C# etc, and more. Picture this: these page builders stash all the goodies – assets and content – in a database. When a visitor strolls onto the website, the server checks its inventory for the stuff the browser's asking for, yanks them from that database, and stitches together a landing page on the fly.

While these page builders make it easy to create your own website and for cheap, there are HUGE drawbacks when compared to the static websites that I build.

Why are static websites faster than dynamic websites?

One of the pivotal factors influencing your website's Google ranking is its loading speed and performance, particularly on mobile devices. Dynamic websites, such as those built on WordPress and Wix, face a challenge: their servers take more time to check the database and assemble the content. To make matters worse, the addition of plugins and extra features further slows down the process.

Why does speed matter? Studies indicate that a majority of users will abandon a website if it takes more than 3 seconds to load. This raises a critical question – what's the point of having a website if most users won't even stick around to view it? This is a significant drawback, particularly with platforms like WordPress and Wix, as prolonged loading times can not only compromise user experience but also potentially cost you business opportunities

.Now, let's talk static sites – the speed demons of the web. These babies can zoom into action up to 10 times faster than their dynamic counterparts. Why? Well, there's no need for website surgery, no rushing to reattach the limbs of the page on the browser's operating table. It's all prebuilt, ready to roll. The browser just needs to load it up and toss it our way.

Here's the magic – no plugins, no databases, no unnecessary fluff. Every line of code in my sites serves a purpose, organized in a way that even Google nods in approval. On the flip side, dynamic sites like WordPress? They're carrying tons of bloated, messy code that's just dead weight, dragging down those precious load times.

Let's dive into a tasty analogy – imagine your website's code is like a plate of spaghetti. On one plate, we have the spaghetti all mixed up, tangled, and a bit of a mess. It'd take a while to separate and count those noodles, right? Now, on the other plate (your "static" plate), everything is neat – noodles grouped in sets of 10, meat on the side (note: not a recommended way to eat spaghetti!). It's quick and easy to analyse how many noodles you've got when everything's organized.

Now, translate that to code. Dynamic sites? It's like "spaghetti code" – a tangled mess that makes the browser work extra hard to analyse and load. Google's crawlers? They struggle to understand your content, hidden in the chaos of code.

Here's the kicker – the benchmark load time for a website is 2 seconds. My handcrafted static sites? They often load in under 0.5 seconds, way below the average. Almost instant, right? Neat, organized code means a smoother reading experience for your browser and Google. This not only keeps customers from hitting the exit button but also gives your website a boost in Google's ranking game.

If it’s load time is over 3 seconds chances are people are leaving before they even reach it.

Mobile first programming and increased site speed

Implementing mobile-first programming goes beyond the capabilities of a page builder. It's a design approach where developers craft code, prioritizing mobile screens initially and gradually incorporating code for tablets and desktops as they progress through the file. When the browser interprets the CSS file to define the page's structure and style, it follows a top-to-bottom sequence.

Beginning with desktop code at the top may seem logical, but it leads to the browser loading desktop styles first. As it traverses down the page, it continuously checks for rules catering to various screen sizes, applying designs and modifying desktop content to fit mobile screens. Now, if you're accessing the site on a mobile device, and the mobile code is tucked away at the bottom of the CSS file, the browser encounters a hurdle. It must read the entire code, loading desktop styles, confirming the screen size rule, and only then declaring, "Yep, this is mobile, alright!" Subsequently, it undergoes the intricate process of breaking down and squeezing desktop elements into the limited space of the mobile screen. This not only consumes time but also unnecessarily utilizes resources.

Embracing the mobile-first approach means positioning your mobile code at the forefront, taking precedence as the initial read during site loading. Picture this: You're on your phone, the site kicks into action, and the mobile styling code struts its stuff first. The browser promptly checks the screen size rules and declares, "Well, that's it, folks! Showcase that code on the screen. It's showtime!"

Trust me, from hands-on experience – facilitating content to naturally expand within its designated space is a breeze compared to the cumbersome task of compressing it into smaller dimensions. Combine mobile-first programming with static site development, and you've got a recipe for a lightning-fast website.

Why are static sites more secure than dynamic sites?

Dynamic sites carry vulnerabilities as they rely on databases and server-side platforms, creating potential entry points for hackers seeking to compromise your website during the data retrieval process. These attacks can occur while the server is constructing the site for the browser, allowing hackers to infiltrate and jeopardize your website's integrity.

On the flip side, static sites present a more robust defence. Without databases, session tokens, or transmitted information for hackers to exploit, there are no openings for interference or interception during the server-to-browser journey. The streamlined nature of static sites eliminates the risk of unauthorized access slipping into your website's backend.

The common issue with WordPress sites revolves around the multitude of plugins required. Neglecting to update these plugins leaves your site vulnerable to security breaches, and sometimes outdated plugins can disrupt the site's functionality. Keeping up with these constant updates can be overwhelming. In contrast, my approach to creating static sites shines through – no updates needed. It's simply HTML and CSS, with no manual security patches required to maintain the site's safety and stability. Once it's up, it's good to go.

Given that WordPress is a prime target for hackers due to its popularity, static sites offer a refreshing change. By opting for a static site, the target on your website's back disappears, freeing it from potential cyber threats. Even concerns about server compromise are addressed – static sites served via a Content Delivery Network (CDN) reside on multiple servers globally, ensuring seamless access even if one server experiences downtime.

Handmade static sites vs WordPress, Wix and Webflow

In the battle of handcrafted static websites versus page builders like WordPress and Wix, the handcrafted static sites consistently emerge as the champions. Static websites boast lightning-fast load times, measured in milliseconds, leaving WordPress or Wix sites trailing behind with multiple seconds or more. Their simplicity acts as a fortress, rendering them nearly impervious to hacking or compromise, making them the unequivocal choice for your business.

Dynamic sites, on the other hand, currently lack the capability for mobile-first programming, missing out on its advantageous features. An evident flaw can be observed by resizing the browser on a Wix site. Unlike static sites, Wix doesn't seamlessly adapt to different screen sizes; there's no tablet version, and the lack of responsiveness results in content being squeezed into limited space, causing it to get cut off at the edges. Text may awkwardly wrap around images, distorting the layout and giving your site a broken appearance. These page builders fail to provide the level of control necessary to ensure responsiveness across all screen sizes, unless you possess coding skills and delve into the intricacies of page builder APIs for highly customized and complex work.

Why should I pay someone to make a website when I can make it myself?

Wix and WordPress offer free website creation, which is an attractive option for small businesses that cannot afford to hire a developer. However, if you are concerned about page speed, loading times, security, customer conversion, and Google rankings, then I highly recommend hiring a developer to create a static website for you. Think of it this way: anyone can buy paint and paint their own house, but not everyone can do it with the same quality as a professional. Similarly, web development is a trade that can be expensive. A static site built by a developer can cost anywhere from £1800 to £3000+ depending on complexity. While it’s natural to be attracted to page builders and save money by doing it yourself, if you want to take your business to the next level, consider getting a static site made. It will perform much better and give you an edge over the competition.

There are developers who make custom WordPress sites and do a good job. I’m not saying that all WordPress websites or developers are untrustworthy or produce subpar products. They are still useful and have their purposes. WordPress is great for people who want to edit their own content, set up an online store, a blog they can write and edit themselves, custom applications or data manipulation, and anything needing a database. Static sites, on the other hand, are unchanging. If you only need to display information, a static site is perfect for you.

On the other hand, using WordPress to create a strictly informational site is like using a jackhammer to drive in a nail. It’s likely that your competitors will also have a WordPress site. Some developers or agencies charge thousands of dollars to create these simple WordPress sites that could have been made static. Many of them are just template pump and dumps that they hand off to you with no support. So finding a good developer or agency can be difficult, but it will be worth the effort. You just need to take some time to weed out the bad ones from the good ones.

In my experience, there are two types of people: business owners and entrepreneurs. One of the most common mistakes business owners make when it comes to a website is that they see it as an expense rather than an investment. Entrepreneurs understand that when you spend money on the business, it’s an investment into the business, not an expense. They can justify the value of it by seeing the return that investment will bring. For example, you might buy a website from a developer for £3000 to make a static site for you. It seems like a lot, but with a better-looking and better-performing site, you might be able to convert visitors into customers who would have left the site because it took too long to load or looked out of date and untrustworthy. Suddenly, £3,000 is bringing in an extra £10,000 a year or more after some time in new business. If you could spend £3,000 and make £10,000 off of it in a year, would you make that investment? I know I pulled those numbers out of nowhere, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. I’ve had some clients double their business after a year working with me.

Let’s look at how I do things. I sell websites for £150 a month. Some might be thinking, “Why should I pay every month for years?” Think about it this way: with all the benefits my static sites have, did it bring in more than £150 a month in value this month? The answer is almost always yes. For example, a painter would make £800+ per new client. If my site brings in only one extra client per month, that’s a £650 return. And every new customer you get every month only adds to the value you receive from my sites. For that £150 a month, you have someone on call 24/7 to handle your website for you, make updates to the site for changes in the priorities of search algorithms, and answer any questions you may have. You are getting more than just a website, you're getting a partner who is also invested in the success of your business.

Websites are like tattoos - you get what you pay for. If you want something that looks generic or outdated and might make people avoid you, then that’s what you’ll get for a £300 website from Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace or Fiverr. Just like finding a tattoo artist, you need to do some research and find reputable developers who can answer all your questions and create a high-quality, beautiful product.

With all these cheap and quick options available to build a website, it’s important to know that a great website will never come from that price point. It should actually be a deterrent. If I had to get surgery, I certainly wouldn’t trust the doctor I found online to do it for about £350 when it costs £4000 everywhere else. It just screams lack of quality and effort, and somewhere along the line, they are skipping a few steps to crank it out as fast as possible to make as much money as possible with as little effort as possible. Your business deserves better. If you want a cheap site, expect cheap results. But if you want it done right, that’s where a developer comes in.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether you opt for a static or dynamic website, your decision should be based on your budget and priorities. If you have limited funds and require a basic website, then WordPress or Wix may be suitable. However, if you have the budget to invest in a more advanced website that can enhance your online presence, then a static website is the best option for you. On the other hand, if you require a larger website that involves a database or the ability to edit content yourself, then WordPress and other page builders are the way to go.

With my business model, you don’t have to choose between doing it yourself to save money or hiring a developer for a high price. Instead of charging £3000+ for my work, I offer it at £0 down and £150 a month. This makes my work more accessible to small businesses that need a reliable partner to handle the web part of their business while they focus on their day-to-day operations. I have 7+ years experience in development so I can put all my effort into building websites that last for years and help you grow your business. My goal is to be with you every step of the way.