One of the most important decisions to make before having a website built for you is whether to choose a static website or a content management system(CMS). There are advantages to both but choosing one over the other is a matter of determining what your needs are.

What is a Static Website?

Static or fixed websites are usually informational sites where the content does not need to change often or at all and where the number of pages is typically low. Updates can be made but will usually have to be done by a web developer or by someone with a rudimentary knowledge of how to use html and ftp.

Disadvantages of having a static site

• Any future change will require the developer to make code changes.
• potential difficulty in updating. Even a slight mistype within the code could disrupt the layout or operation of the web page.
• increased cost paid to a web developer for changes.
• search engine optimization - or SEO - will not favor websites with static content over a similar site that has its content regularly updated.

Advantages of having a static site

• Low initial development cost. Static sites are usually built in a fraction of the time that a CMS will take.
• Simple web hosting needs. Static sites do not typically have a database to store information.
• Typically loads fast.

What is a Content Management System?

A CMS is a dynamic website that is designed to be scalable in at least its content, and most often its features. The user is empowered to update content at their leisure and usually without any concern for breaking the website layout as this is usually under tight control of the CMS itself. Frequent updates can be made to web pages, blogs, photo galleries and the possiblity of easily adding e-Commerce functionalities. A more advanced system is WordPress which is mature and user friendly to add content. Drupal is also another example of a complete CMS, designed to be fully scalable, adaptive and feature rich. CMSs can be provided as a service by online providers but limited to the level of customization by a regular user. However, CMSs can also be self hosted and fully customized from the ground up by experienced developers like Niritech.

Disadvantages of a CMS:

• For a fully customized CMS and experienced developer is needed at the initial stages.
• Greater cost of development. As it takes much more time to develop a database-driven CMS and as it usually requires specific knowledge of a particular CMS, it will require a greater investment. However, like is also likely to result in a greater return on investment (ROI).
• Learning Curve. To understand how to work with a CMS, you will need to learn how it is structured so you can control menus, naming, categories, etc.

Advantages of a CMS

• Ease of use for a regular user to add and change content.
• extensive or full control over the content of your site without the need for knowledge of HTML, CSS or other web languages. Changes can be made at your leisure.
• Depending on what type of CMS you choose, there can be a wide array of content types to work with beyond just text, such as photos, audio, video.
• SEO Friendly. Websites which update content on a regular basis gain more of a spotlight from search engines and will often rank higher in search engine results (SER) pages which is an important competitive factor for business websites.

The choice between selecting a Static vs a CMS website can be dificult but we are here to guide you through this important step. Niritech Digital Services has created many websites of both types, however there has been a growing demand for custom Content Management Systems (CMS) from our clients, especially since COVID-19 has forced business to adapt. Our advice in deciding which type of site is best for you is to look towards the future and decide what means will afford you the best value for your money while remaining competitive. We invite you to contact us to discuss your website needs further and answer your questions.