Mondo Web Development

All websites, at their core, are files served to a client web browser. What this means is that when you visit an internet server, it will send back files that your browser (be it Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox, etc.) will parse and display on your screen. But there are two main categories of websites, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

What is a dynamic website?

A dyanamic website is defined by her interactivity and the fluid nature of her content. Dynamic websites will often be different depending upon who visits, which offers a unique experience for users. This is because dynamic websites are not pre-built. Instead, the pages are generated when a user visits the website.

The most common example is Facebook, which provides a different feed for every user, but others like Youtube, or even your local news site, would be dynamic based upon past history, location, and so on. Ecommerce are another common example of dynamic websites, since they are better facilitated to allow for unique content to be shown to each user.

Advantages

The dynamic website has a number of advantages. Firstly, they can be more engaging, since they can be personaised to suit specific users. Secondly, by building the page on the server, they can incorporate features of server-side scripting, allowing for the development of web applications. Dynamic websites also allow for different types of websites to exist - if your site requires a lot of user personalised content, then this type of site would suit your needs.

Disadvantages

Though there are many advantages to running a dynamic website, there are disadvantages as well.

Cost is a major disadvantage. Dynamic websites can be expensive to create, and furthmore, expensive to run and maintain.

Security is another issue to consider. Servers can be vulnerable to attacks, and a dynamic website can present more opportunities for bad actors to strike. Part of the ongoing costs of dynamic sites are the running costs of maintaining up to date software and code.

Another disadvantage is speed. A dynamic website will usually load slower than an equivalent static page, which will negatively impact the experience of the visitor - haven't you ever given up on a website because it just took too long to load? Reducing bounce rates is important in attaining and maintaing high search engine rankings.

Lastly, why get something you just don't need? This is where static sites can really be valuable.

What is a static website?

A static website is one that shows the same content to all users when they visit. These are pre-built and hosted on a server, and provide a consistent experience for all visitors. When refined, this experience can be quick and pleasant, ensuring that visitors enjoy viewing your page.

Though it seems quite simplistic, that's the beauty of these sites - they can be as complex and interactive as a typical dynamic website - the only limit is the skill of the developer.

Advantages

They are fast. Because they are pre-built, they can just be immediately sent to users, which means faster loading, meaning they will be more inclined to remain, leading to an overall a better experience for them.

They are also easy to host. Dynamic websites require special hosting services, but static websites can be hosted just about anywhere.

Disadvantages

Static websites can be difficult to scale. Keeping updates consistent across all pages can be tedious. However, Mondo Web Development utilises 11ty, a static site generator, so updates can be made quickly, without comporomise.

They also can lack personalisation for the visitor (this is what dynamic websites excel most in). That said, there is nothing limiting a static website from showing some dynamic content e.g. based upon location or time of day. If this is something you require, please let us know.

How do I know what I need?

We are happy to provide a 30 minute free consultation (no commitment required) to discuss your specific needs one-on-one. However, to put it simply, most people who aren't running an online shop do not require a dynamic website. For those people, such an arrangement is overkill, and they would be better off with an accessible and quick static site with a focus on converting visitors into customers.

If you want a fast and beautiful website for your business to get you on the internet, feel free to contact us to get started.