Does My Business Need WordPress or a Static Site?

When building a website for your business, one of the biggest decisions is choosing between a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress and a static site. Both options have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your needs.

The Benefits of Content Management

Let's say you run a restaurant that hosts lots of live music events or themed dining evenings. Your calendar is constantly updating and you want some way of promoting these events. WordPress would be invaluable in this case. A web developer can build a custom WordPress theme which would include a dynamic calendar component and an appropriately styled blog. The client can then update the calendar indefinitely and promote the events using the blog. A custom type of page for these events could also be constructed, and the client could even create dedicated pages on the website themselves.

Now let's think about a local plumber who needs a website. They may have little need to update the site. The services they offer have been the same for the last 5 years. Possibly they may need to update their address or rates once in a blue moon. In this case a static site is much more appropriate.

If you plan to update your website with blog posts, new pages, or other content, WordPress makes it easy with its intuitive dashboard. You don’t need to touch a single line of code to add or edit content. This means you no longer need a developer for content changes once the site has been built. Conversely, static sites require manual updates through code. If you or your team are comfortable working with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, this may not be an issue. However, for non-technical users, maintaining a static site can be challenging without a developer’s ongoing help.

Cost and Long-Term Maintenance

All things being equal, a WordPress website will cost more than a static site. This is mainly due to the increased build time for the developer. Installing and integrating the CMS into the website for the client is a fundamental part of the process. In addition, there are hosting implications. WordPress sites can only be hosted on platforms which support PHP (the programming language that WordPress belongs to) and a database. There is much more choice when it comes to hosting a static site as the burden on the hosting platform is less complex.

Conclusion

Choosing between WordPress and a static site depends on your priorities. If you need an easy-to-update, feature-rich website with strong customisation options, WordPress is a great choice. If you prioritise speed, security, and low maintenance, a static site may be the better option. Evaluate your specific needs to make the right decision for your project.