Are you comparing WordPress vs. static HTML for your business website?
WordPress is a dynamic website builder, and a static HTML website is a custom-developed website with static HTML pages.
In this article, we will compare WordPress vs. static HTML with pros and cons to help you decide which is better for your website.
Here is a list of topics we will cover in this guide:
- What Is WordPress?
- Advantages of Using WordPress
- Disadvantages of Using WordPress
- What Is a Static HTML Website?
- Advantages of an HTML Website
- Disadvantages of an HTML Website
- What Is Better? WordPress or Static HTML?
- How to Get Started With WordPress for Your Business Website
- Frequently Asked Questions About WordPress vs. Static HTML
What Is WordPress?
WordPress is a website builder with a built-in CMS (Content Management System). It allows you to easily make a website using an intuitive interface.
You can make all the changes on your website from an admin area, which is quite easy to understand, even for absolute beginners.
While there are many website builders, WordPress is the most popular one because it powers nearly 43% of all websites on the internet.
Important: When we say WordPress, we are talking about WordPress.org, the self-hosted website builder, and not WordPress.com, which is a hosting service. Please see our guide on the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com.
Having said that, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using WordPress.
Advantages of Using WordPress
Easy to Update – You can simply log in to your WordPress site and add new pages without paying your developer.
WordPress is easy to use and has an intuitive user interface, making it easy to create or update pages on your site.
Professional Templates – There are thousands of ready-made templates that you can use on your site. These themes are developed by professionals from all over the world.
Incredibly Powerful – WordPress websites can be easily extended with plugins. By installing plugins, you can add any functionality to your existing website, such as:
- Adding a contact form
- Adding a reservation system
- Making a photo gallery
- And more
Full control and Ownership – You get complete control over your website, its domain name, and all its contents. You can make any changes you want, and there is no limit on how much your site can grow in popularity, traffic, sales, and users.
Disadvantages of Using WordPress
Learning Curve – While WordPress is easy to use, it takes a while for most beginners to get familiar with the software. There is plenty of help available to get over this learning curve quickly, but it will take a little effort.
Maintenance – You will be responsible for keeping backups, installing software updates, and securing your website. However, there are plugins for these tasks which completely automate the process for you.
What Is a Static HTML Website?
HTML is the markup language used to display web pages. Most websites on the internet use HTML with a variety of markup and scripting languages to create web pages.
Typically, you will need to hire a web developer to create an HTML website for your business. They will use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other technologies to build your website.
CMS software like WordPress uses a database to store and retrieve content. On the other hand, HTML websites have all your content in static files.
Having said that, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of an HTML website for your business.
Advantages of an HTML Website
Little to No Maintenance – Once your website is live, you do not need to install any updates or regularly back up your content. If nothing has changed, then you can just back up your website once and forget about it.
Low Requirements – HTML websites don’t need servers with PHP or MySQL installed on them. They can run on cheaper servers with low resources. However, most good web hosting companies offer PHP and MySQL support.
Disadvantages of an HTML Website
No Updates – Unless you know HTML/CSS, static HTML websites can be very difficult to update for beginners. You will need to hire a developer even for small tasks like adding new pages, updating old content, or uploading videos or images.
No Additional Features – If your business grows and you want to add a feature to your website, like an online store, a survey or poll, or a gallery, then you will need to hire a developer. In most cases, they would recommend moving to WordPress.
Costs – Considering that you will have to hire people even for the smallest tasks, the cost of an HTML website could become much higher than a WordPress website.
What Is Better? WordPress or Static HTML?
Now that we know the pros and cons of both WordPress and HTML websites. Let’s talk about which one is better for your business website.
If you want to have freedom and control over your website and not waste money on monthly retainers paying developers to add images, then WordPress is the better choice.
If you are certain that you will never want to update, change, or add anything new to your website, then by all means, go for an HTML website. It will be faster and will serve your purpose.
For people who want to grow their business website to make money online, WordPress is the way to go.
Plus, you can create any type of website with WordPress or even add additional revenue streams to your existing business, like:
- Adding an online store
- Building a membership community
- Selling digital downloads
- Accepting online payments using credit cards
- And more
You will be part of a global community of businesses using WordPress to manage their online presence. You will find plenty of free help, resources, tools, and plugins to grow your business daily.
Instead of paying developers loads of money for the smallest things, you can spend that money on growing your business with WordPress.
How to Get Started With WordPress for Your Business Website
First, you will need to sign up for a WordPress hosting service provider. These are specialized companies that will host your website on their servers.
We recommend Bluehost as they are the official WordPress recommended hosting provider. They also offer our users a free domain name and up to 61% off hosting (see our Bluehost coupon).
WordPress is famous for its quick and easy installation. Take a look at our step-by-step WordPress installation tutorial for beginners.
After the installation, you will need to select a theme for your website. You may also want to check out the must-have WordPress plugins for business websites.
For more detailed instructions, please refer to our Ultimate Guide on How to Start a WordPress Blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About WordPress vs. Static HTML
1. Is a static site better than WordPress for SEO?
No, a static site is not better than WordPress for SEO. WordPress allows you to use powerful SEO plugins and tools that can automatically optimize your pages for the latest SEO guidelines. A static website would require coding to utilize and add those SEO best practices.
2. Can WordPress be as fast as a static website?
Yes, it can be. With a good WordPress hosting company and using a caching plugin, a user can use WordPress while still serving cached static pages to their users. This practice makes a WordPress website even faster than most static HTML websites.
We hope this article helped you compare WordPress vs. HTML and the best solution for your business website. You might also want to see our list of types of websites you can create with WordPress.
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