Static vs. Dynamic Websites – Understanding the Differences

The terms "static" and "dynamic" have changed over time, and you may have seen conflicting definitions in different articles. That’s because as website-building platforms and technologies have evolved, the distinction between static and dynamic websites has become less clear.

Platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix, traditionally associated with dynamic features, are now frequently used to create static websites. Newer tools like Jamstack have introduced dynamic capabilities into websites that were once considered purely static.

To help you make sense of the differences between static and dynamic websites, we’ll explore how these terms are understood today. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each, the tools available for building them, and which option is best suited to your business needs.

What Is a Static Website?

A static website is a type of website where the content remains the same for every visitor. Each page is pre-built, and there are no dynamic elements that change based on user behavior or inputs.

Visitors see the same content every time unless the business or a developer manually updates it. Static websites are known for being fast, secure, and easier to maintain compared to more complex dynamic websites.

For example, a business might use WordPress or Squarespace to create a website that presents basic, static information, such as a small business site displaying its hours, contact details, and a few blog posts. In this case, even though WordPress has the capability to handle dynamic features, the website is being used in a static capacity, with content that remains the same for all visitors.

On the other hand, a fully dynamic WordPress site could be an ecommerce store using WooCommerce. Here, the platform dynamically updates product listings, manages user accounts, processes orders, and provides personalized recommendations based on the user’s past interactions.

This distinction between static and dynamic usage within the same platform highlights the importance of selecting the right approach for a business’s specific needs. While many platforms can handle much more dynamic functionality, they can also be used as a tool for managing static content.

Static Website Pros and Cons

Static websites offer simplicity and ease of use. But they also come with a few limitations. In this section, we'll look at why small business owners might be drawn to static websites and why they might want to think twice before committing.

Static Website Advantages

Static websites come with several advantages for businesses that don’t need interactive features or frequent updates. These advantages include:

Simplicity: Many static website builders offer content management without coding, making it easy to build and update content. Platforms like Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace use drag-and-drop tools and pre-built templates. A small business can easily build and launch a static site using these platforms themselves.

Security: Since static websites don’t rely on databases or server-side processing, they are less vulnerable to hacking. For example, a small ecommerce business could build a static website hosted on a platform like Ghost or Webflow, and handle customer transactions through a payment gateway like PayPal or Stripe. Because static sites don’t rely on a database to store user information or products, they are less vulnerable to hacking. Plus, the platforms themselves handle things like encryption and security updates, allowing for a secure environment with minimal maintenance.

Cost-Efficiency: Static websites are generally cheaper to build and maintain compared to dynamic sites. For example, a small business owner could easily use platforms like Strikingly and Webnode to create a static website for a few dollars per month. They may be able to design and set it up themselves for additional savings. Even if they hire a professional, the costs will be a fraction of creating a more customized site.

These platforms even include hosting and basic security. This means a small business can obtain a basic web presence with little to no technical maintenance required.

Static Website Disadvantages

Static websites also come with limitations that may not make them ideal for a small business. Some of them include:

Lack of Interactivity: Static websites are not suited for businesses that require interactive features like user logins, shopping carts, or personalized content. Without these capabilities, they may not meet the needs of businesses that rely on online customer engagement or frequent transactions.

Manual Updates: Content on static websites must be manually updated by a developer or business owner. For example, a restaurant may want to update its menu for seasonal dishes or pricing adjustments. With platforms like Webflow and Ghost, this can be done through a more user-friendly interface without needing coding skills. However, a dynamic site could pull pricing data from a database and update it automatically. This would be more appropriate for changes that happen frequently or need to be executed across multiple pages.

Limited Scalability: For businesses that plan to scale or expand their online offerings, static websites may not be the best option. Dynamic websites, which offer greater flexibility and automation, are typically better suited for businesses that expect growth or need to handle larger volumes of content and data.

Static Website Examples and Who They’re Best For

Static websites are a great option for businesses that don’t need interactive features or real-time updates.

Let’s take a look at some examples of when static websites are a great fit:

Personal Portfolios: Static websites are perfect for showcasing work that doesn't need constant updates or interactive elements. Freelancers, designers, and consultants can use platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or Webflow to create professional portfolios without complex features. These platforms use customizable templates, allowing anyone to build a website with no coding knowledge.

For example, a freelance graphic designer could use Squarespace to create a sleek, minimalist portfolio where they can showcase their projects, contact details, and social media links. Since the content doesn’t need frequent changes, a static website is the perfect low-maintenance solution.

Local Businesses: Local businesses, such as restaurants, salons, and retail shops typically need to display basic information like hours, contact details, and services. Static websites work well for businesses that don't require customer logins or dynamic content.

For instance, a neighborhood restaurant could use Weebly or Strikingly to create a simple site that lists their menu, business hours, and a map for directions. With no need for frequent updates, a static website provides the perfect balance of professionalism and simplicity, allowing the business to maintain an online presence without ongoing technical support.

Single-Page/Landing Pages: Businesses running marketing campaigns often rely on fast-loading, single-page websites to promote specific products or services. Static landing pages are a great solution for this purpose because they load quickly and can be easily created with platforms like Squarespace or Webnode.

For example, a fitness coach running a limited-time promotion could set up a static landing page on Webnode that outlines the promotion details, includes a call-to-action button for sign-up, and links to their main website. The simplicity and speed of a static landing page make it ideal for capturing leads or driving event registration without the need for complex backend functionality.

What Is a Dynamic Website?

A dynamic website delivers content that changes based on user interaction, database queries, or other real-time inputs. Unlike static websites, where each visitor sees the same content regardless of their actions, dynamic websites tailor the experience to the individual.

This could involve anything from showing different products to different users, updating content in real-time, or even something as simple as user logins or personalized dashboards.

Dynamic websites are built using more complex technologies, often involving server-side processing. This means the website communicates with a server to pull or store data, often from a database, before showing the relevant content to the user.

WordPress, Shopify, and Drupal are common CMS examples for creating dynamic websites. Because many of these platforms are also being used to build simpler static websites, it can be confusing.

This overlap has blurred the distinction between static and dynamic websites, which has led many to use the term “dynamic” loosely, even for sites that don’t fully use the dynamic capabilities of the platform.

Popular examples of dynamic websites include Netflix and TikTok. Netflix customizes its interface and recommendations based on the user's viewing history. So, when you log in, Netflix fetches personalized data from its servers to present suggestions, recently watched shows, and trending content specific to you. This content also changes in real time depending on your interactions with the site.

Similarly, TikTok continuously updates its content feed to show users different videos based on their past interactions. The For You page is dynamically generated, adapting to your preferences in real time through a complex algorithm that pulls data from multiple sources.

Understanding this difference is important because if a business doesn’t need dynamic features like real-time updates or personalized content, opting for a static website can save time and resources.

Dynamic Website Pros and Cons

There are several good reasons why a small business owner might be interested in having a dynamic website for their business. However, dynamic websites also come with their own set of downsides. It's important to consider the pros and cons before making a decision.

Dynamic Website Advantages

Here are some of the benefits of a dynamic website that might convince a small business owner to choose a dynamic website over a static one:

Interactivity: One of the biggest benefits of dynamic websites is the ability to provide personalized experiences. This includes features such as user accounts, product recommendations, or real-time updates like live inventory. Dynamic websites are the better choice if the business is looking to engage with its customers on a deeper level. For example, a news website may display a different homepage and top stories depending on the location of the visitor.

Scalability: Dynamic websites are better suited for businesses that plan to grow or expand their offerings. Features can be added over time, and the most popular content management systems (CMSs) - like Drupal, WordPress, or Shopify - make it easy to manage and update large volumes of content. For example, ecommerce platforms like Shopify excel in managing product inventories, customer accounts, and orders, all of which require dynamic functionality.

Automation and AI Integration: Dynamic websites can automate various tasks, such as integrating with email marketing platforms to send personalized emails, updating inventory in real time, or displaying content based on user behavior. Moreover, they can seamlessly integrate with generative AI tools to enhance the user experience. For example, many ecommerce websites now include AI chatbots to help answer customer’s questions.

Dynamic Website Disadvantages

Dynamic websites also come with downsides. These include:

Higher Costs: Dynamic websites are generally more expensive to build and maintain. They require more powerful hosting services and ongoing technical support.

Slower Performance: Dynamic websites can also be slower than static ones due to the back-and-forth communication with a server to retrieve data. That said, there is lots of technical work that can be done behind the scenes to mitigate this impact, including caching, using a content delivery network, and optimizing the database.

Security Risks: Because dynamic websites involve databases and user interactions, they are more vulnerable to attacks. More points of entry, such as login forms or payment systems, mean more potential risks.

Development Complexity: While platforms like WordPress have made it easier for businesses to build websites without coding, adding dynamic features still often requires the expertise of a developer. This makes dynamic websites a bigger commitment for businesses, both in terms of upfront development and ongoing maintenance.

Dynamic Website Examples and Who They’re Best For

Dynamic websites are best suited for businesses that require more interaction with their users or need to manage large amounts of constantly changing data. Some of the key business types that use dynamic websites include:

Ecommerce Websites: Sites that use platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce are prime examples of dynamic websites. These platforms allow businesses to manage products, accept payments, track customer orders, and offer personalized shopping experiences, all in real time. An online store needs dynamic functionality to function effectively, and platforms like Shopify offer tools specifically designed to handle these demands.

Membership or Subscription Sites: Websites that allow users to create accounts, log in, and access personalized content are inherently dynamic. Examples include streaming platforms (like Netflix) or learning management systems (LMS). Drupal is often used to build these types of sites because it allows for a high degree of customization and scalability. These sites rely on databases to manage user data, preferences, and content access, which makes dynamic functionality essential.

News Websites or Blogs: Dynamic websites are an appropriate choice for news websites or blogs that require frequent updates. For example, WordPress, with its built-in content management system, allows publishers to easily create, edit, and organize large volumes of articles. Many news outlets or large content-driven sites use dynamic platforms to ensure that their content is fresh and updated in real time.

Here are a few other places you’ll typically see dynamic websites:

• Social media platforms
• Online learning platforms
• User-driven content sites (e.g. forums, review sites)
• Real estate listing websites
• Booking and reservation systems

In general, dynamic websites are best for businesses that expect growth, need complex features, or want to engage with their users on a deeper level. They are more costly and complex but offer the flexibility needed to scale and adapt over time.

Dynamic vs. Static Websites: The Tools Involved

Dynamic and static websites are built and managed using different tools. While some platforms can handle both types of websites, the way they’re used varies depending on the kind of site you’re creating.

Tools for Static Websites

For building static websites, Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace are among the most popular platforms, especially for small business owners. These platforms are favored for their ease of use, pre-built templates, and drag-and-drop editing capabilities, allowing anyone to create a professional-looking website without needing technical expertise.

While platforms like WordPress are typically known for their dynamic features, they can also be configured to serve static content, making them a versatile option for businesses that want a more customizable, yet simple website without frequent updates. By disabling unnecessary features, WordPress can serve as an affordable, easy-to-manage solution for businesses that require a static, low-maintenance online presence.

For those seeking more specialized options, Webflow and Ghost stand out for building static websites. Webflow strikes a balance between static and dynamic functionality, offering granular control over design without requiring any coding skills. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses that want a highly customized design while keeping the site relatively simple. Ghost is perfect for content-heavy static websites like blogs, where the focus is on fast, lightweight content delivery without needing dynamic interactivity.

For more niche requirements, Strikingly and Webnode offer highly affordable solutions for static website creation. Strikingly is ideal for single-page websites, making it a great choice for startups, event pages, or landing pages that focus on clear, concise messaging. Webnode, with its multilingual support, is perfect for businesses looking to target a global audience without the complexity of managing a dynamic site.

If you want a hassle-free way to compare options, use our Comparison Tool to evaluate the top website builders based on price, features, integrations, and more.

Tools for Dynamic Websites

Dynamic websites rely on platforms such as WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and Shopify to manage user interactions, real-time updates, and personalized content. These platforms work by integrating with databases and running server-side scripts, allowing the website to dynamically display content based on user actions.

For instance, ecommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce (for WordPress) use dynamic capabilities to manage tasks like inventory tracking, order processing, and delivering personalized shopping experiences. This means that product availability, customer details, and pricing can all be updated instantly, offering a seamless experience for both the business owner and the customer.

Since dynamic websites pull data from databases in real time, they require more robust hosting. The hosting servers must be able to efficiently handle database queries and process dynamic content quickly. To ensure optimal performance, it’s important to choose the best web hosting services that support the higher demands of dynamic websites, ensuring fast load times and minimizing potential downtime.

Hybrid Approaches for Flexibility

For businesses that need the speed of static websites but also want some dynamic functionality, hybrid approaches like Jamstack are a great solution.

This allows you to have the best of both worlds: fast, secure static pages with the ability to integrate dynamic elements where needed. One downside is that Jamstack or similar hybrid approaches typically require more technical expertise or a developer’s assistance.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Whether you choose a static or dynamic website depends on your business's unique needs.

Static websites offer simplicity, speed, and security, which makes them perfect for businesses that require a straightforward online presence.

Dynamic websites provide the flexibility, interactivity, and scalability needed for businesses that anticipate growth or need to engage users with personalized content.

By carefully weighing the pros and cons of each option and aligning them with your business goals, you can select the best platform and website type to help your business succeed online.

We evaluated more than 40 of the best website builders and assessed them based on their abilities, features, and other factors, such as ease of use and support. You can check out our top picks for the best website builders to see which ones rose to the top.