Why hand coded websites are better than wordpress websites?

Key Differences between Hand-Coded Static Websites to Dynamic Websites Built with WordPress, Wix, and Other Platforms

• The performance of your website's mobile version plays a critical role in how Google indexes your website. Unfortunately, page builder mobile sites are often not as optimized, fast, or well-built as their static counterparts. Additionally, they may not be fully responsive, which could negatively impact your search rankings.

• Websites built from scratch using static coding load up to 10 times faster compared to those created with page builders like WordPress. It's important to note that if your website takes more than 3 seconds to load, it can result in the loss of potential customers as the majority of visitors abandon slow-loading sites.

• I always code my hand-made static sites using a "mobile-first" approach. This means I prioritize writing code for mobile screens before adding code for tablet and desktop views. As a result, my static sites are more responsive, optimized, and load incredibly fast, which can significantly improve your website's performance on Google. This approach also ensures that visitors don't abandon your site due to slow loading times.

• WordPress is widely recognized for its vulnerabilities and requires regular updates to patch security flaws that can leave your website open to hacking. On the other hand, hand-made static sites are much more difficult to compromise due to their simplicity and lack of entry points for hacking attempts, making them virtually impenetrable.

In the world of web development, there are two main types of websites: static and dynamic. A static site contains the fundamental building blocks of web development, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and lacks databases or functionalities for manipulating data. It simply displays the website's content as it was created. These three coding languages make up the backbone of everything you see on a website and, in many cases, are all you need. When you load a static site, your browser reads and compiles the code for the website, which results in instant loading. Additionally, every user loads the same exact content. Hand-coding a static site or using a static site generator is often considered the best approach for creating a high-quality static site.

A dynamic site, such as those built with WordPress or page builders, involves using additional server-side languages and technologies to gather HTML, CSS, and assets from a database and assemble the website as it loads on the server. This approach differs from static sites, where the browser compiles the code, as the server compiles the code for the browser and sends it off. Instead of all users receiving the same content, each user is served unique content. This process often results in slower loading times, and it also leaves your website vulnerable to malware and hacking attempts that can interrupt the server's process of checking the database for website content. In contrast, static sites do not have databases, which makes them less susceptible to such attacks. We will discuss this topic in more detail later on.

Dynamic sites, such as those built with WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, page builders, or built in PHP, utilize databases to store assets and content. When a user visits the website, the server checks its inventory of the requested items and pulls them from the database, which it then combines into a landing page. While these page builders offer a cost-effective and straightforward way to create a website, they also have significant drawbacks when compared to the static websites that I build.

Why are static websites faster than dynamic websites?

When it comes to Google rankings, website speed and performance are essential, particularly on mobile devices. Unfortunately, dynamic websites like WordPress and Wix are not optimized for speed due to the additional time it takes for the server to check the database and assemble the website. The more plugins and features you add to your site, the slower it will become, which can be detrimental to your search engine ranking. This is particularly problematic because studies have found that most users will abandon a site if it takes more than three seconds to load. If your site is slow to load, it's unlikely that many users will bother to visit, making it difficult to justify the expense of hosting and maintaining it. This is one of the primary reasons why WordPress and Wix sites are often slower to load than their static counterparts.

Static sites have a significant advantage over dynamic websites, such as WordPress and Wix, when it comes to loading speed. This is because static sites are pre-built and do not require any surgery or stitching of web pages as dynamic websites do. As a result, static sites can load up to ten times faster than dynamic sites, which is crucial for user engagement and search engine optimization. Unlike dynamic sites, static sites are free of plugins, databases, and bloated code, which can hinder their loading speed and overall performance. Furthermore, the organized and purposeful coding of static sites makes them easy for search engines like Google to crawl and understand.

To put it simply, dynamic websites are like a plate of spaghetti where everything is mixed up and tangled, while static websites are like a plate of neatly organized noodles with meat on the side. Dynamic sites have what is known as "spaghetti code", which is bloated, messy code that can slow down the loading time of your website. On the other hand, static sites are organized and streamlined, which makes it easier for your browser to load quickly and for Google's search crawlers to understand your content. In other words, static sites are like a clear, organized recipe that's easy to read and follow, while dynamic sites are like a messy kitchen with ingredients all over the place.

Having a fast-loading website is crucial to retain visitors and improve your website's ranking on search engines like Google. The ideal load time for a website is 2 seconds or less, and anything beyond that could result in losing potential customers. Hand-made static websites have the advantage of loading almost instantly, often in under 0.5 seconds. The clean, organized code structure makes it easier for browsers and search engines like Google to analyze and understand the content, leading to faster load times and higher rankings. If your website isn't performing as expected, you can use Google's tool to check the load time and make necessary improvements to speed it up. If it’s load time is over 3 seconds chances are people are leaving before they even reach it.

Speaking of Google, they updated their search algorithm, Mobile First Indexing, which evaluates a website's rank based on its mobile site's performance. Therefore, faster mobile site loading results in higher rankings. Static sites outperform dynamic sites in this regard, making them a better option for ranking higher on Google's search results.

Boosting Site Speed with Mobile-First Programming

Mobile first programming involves starting with designing and coding for mobile screens first and then gradually adding code for larger screens such as tablets and desktops. This design pattern is not possible with page builders. When the browser reads the CSS file to determine how the page should be styled and structured, it reads the file from top to bottom. If desktop code is written at the top of the CSS file, the browser will first load that code and then continue reading the file to load code for other screen sizes. However, if the mobile code is at the bottom of the CSS file, the browser has to read all the code in the file, load the desktop code, and then squeeze it into the mobile screen. This results in wasted time and resources.

By using the mobile first approach, the mobile code is prioritized and loaded first. This allows for faster loading times on mobile devices, as the browser reads and applies the necessary code for that screen size first.

Based on my personal experience, I can say that it's better to design content in such a way that it can easily fill up the space available, rather than trying to compress it into smaller spaces. By combining mobile-first programming with static site development, you can achieve a remarkable increase in your site's speed. The result may even surprise you and your users.

Currently, dynamic sites fall short when it comes to mobile-first programming and are unable to fully capitalize on its advantages. One major issue can be seen when attempting to resize a Wix or Wordpress site on a mobile device - it becomes clear that there is no tablet version available, and the entire page is unresponsive to screen size changes. As a result, the content becomes cramped and squeezed into its box, sometimes even being cut off on the edges of the screen, rendering it illegible. Text can also start to wrap around images in odd ways, resulting in a distorted layout and giving your site a broken appearance. Unfortunately, these page builders offer limited control over how your site responds to various screen sizes, requiring you to know how to code and access page builder APIs to make highly customized changes. On the other hand, hand-crafted static sites offer more control and flexibility, allowing you to create a responsive and visually stunning site without relying on complicated coding skills or page builder APIs.

What makes static sites more secure than dynamic sites?

Dynamic websites rely on databases and server-side platforms, which can be vulnerable to attacks when accessing the database or content management systems storing your website's data. Hackers can infiltrate the process while the server builds and prepares the site for the browser, potentially compromising your website's security.

Unlike dynamic sites, static sites don't have databases or server-side platforms that can be compromised by attackers. With no information being collected or transmitted, there's no opportunity for hackers to interfere or intercept, making static sites a more secure option.

Unlike WordPress sites, where you need to constantly update plugins to ensure your website's security, static sites require no updating or patching. With WordPress, outdated plugins may cause compatibility issues and potentially take down the entire site. This is not the case with static sites, which are just simple HTML and CSS. Once a static site is up and running, there is no need for manual security patches or updates, providing a worry-free experience for website owners.

Consider two cabins in the woods - one with fancy electronic locks and connected appliances, and the other with just basic locks and a fire stove. While the former may seem more modern and convenient, it's also more vulnerable to hacking and attacks. On the other hand, the latter is safer and more reliable. This same principle applies to websites. A static site built with only the core building blocks of html and css is like a log cabin built by hand with the tools of a craftsman - secure and trustworthy. Page builders and excessive plugins, like the fancy cabin, create more entry points for attackers and lower the overall security of the site.

WordPress, being the most widely used content management system (CMS) for website building, tends to be the prime target for hackers who constantly exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated versions and plugins. This places a huge target on the back of your website, making it vulnerable to cyber-attacks. However, by switching to a static site, we can remove that target from your back, and free your website to roam the internet streets without fear of being abducted by malicious hackers.

You might be wondering, what about the servers that host these static sites? Aren't they vulnerable to attacks, which could cause your site to go down? The truth is, when your static site is served up by a Content Delivery Network (CDN), it's distributed across multiple servers located in different parts of the world, which makes it easily accessible. This means that if one server goes down, your site can be quickly and seamlessly loaded up from another server in a different location, eliminating any possibility of downtime

Is it Worth Paying for a Website When I Can Build It Myself?

Undoubtedly, hand-crafted static websites surpass page builders such as WordPress and Wix in every aspect. Not only do they load incredibly faster, taking mere milliseconds, but their inherent simplicity also offers a near-impenetrable security shield against potential hacking attempts and other security threats. Therefore, hand-crafted static websites are the undisputed champions in attracting and retaining businesses.

Although Wix and WordPress advertise that anyone can create a website for free, this may not always be the best approach for small businesses looking to compete and succeed online. While it may seem like an easy and cost-effective solution, the truth is that these platforms often lack the necessary features and functionality required for optimal page speed, loading times, security, customer conversion rates, and Google rankings. To truly stand out from the competition, it's essential to invest in a static website created by a professional developer (like me!).

Think of it this way - anyone can buy paint and attempt to paint their own house, but not everyone will have the same level of expertise and the result may be worst. Web development is a trade that requires skill and experience, and while it may seem expensive to have a static site built by a developer (which typically ranges from $1,800 to $3,000+ depending on complexity), it's a wise investment for your business.

While there's nothing wrong with using page builders and saving money by creating your own site, it's important to consider the benefits of a professionally-designed static site. By doing so, you can create a website that performs far better than your competitors, and ultimately, maximize your potential for success and profitability online.

WordPress can be a powerful tool for creating websites that require dynamic content and database functionality. However, not all WordPress websites or developers are created equal, and it's important to find a reputable developer who cares about producing high-quality work. For simpler, informational websites that don't require dynamic content or data manipulation, a static site may be a better choice. While WordPress can still be used for these types of sites, it's like using a jackhammer to drive in a nail - it's simply not necessary and may result in unnecessary complexity and cost.

It's likely that your competitors are also using WordPress for their websites. Unfortunately, some developers or agencies charge exorbitant amounts for creating these basic WordPress sites, which could have been made static instead. Many of these sites are just generic templates that are handed over with no ongoing support or maintenance. It can be a challenge to find a trustworthy developer or agency, but investing the time to do so will be worthwhile in the long run. It's important to sift through the bad options to find the good ones.

Website as Investiment

Based on my experience, there are two types of individuals - business owners and entrepreneurs. One common mistake that business owners make when it comes to their website is viewing it as an expense rather than an investment. Entrepreneurs, on the other hand, comprehend that investing in their business will bring in a return on investment. Consider this: you spend $3000 on a developer to create a static website for you. Although it may seem costly, a more appealing and efficient website may be able to convert visitors into customers who may have left due to slow loading times, outdated appearances, and untrustworthiness. Suddenly, that $3,000 could result in an additional $10,000 or more in new business annually. Would you invest $3,000 if it resulted in a $10,000 return within a year? While the numbers may be arbitrary, I've had clients double their business within a year of working with me.

When it comes to selling websites, I take a different approach. My sites are priced at $100 per month, which some might find expensive. However, I ask them to consider the value they are receiving from my static sites. Did the site bring in more than $100 worth of value this month? The answer is almost always yes. For example, let's say a painter charges $800+ per new client. If my site brings in just one new customer per month, that's already a $650 return. Furthermore, each new customer you gain every month only adds to the value you receive from my sites. For that monthly fee, you also have the benefit of having someone on call 24/7 to handle your website, make updates to the site to adapt to changes in search algorithms, and answer any questions you may have. With me, you're not just getting a website, but a partner who is equally invested in the success of your business.

Websites and tattoos share something in common: the value you receive is proportional to what you pay. For instance, a website worth $300 from Craigslist or Fiverr may seem like a bargain, but you may end up with a generic and outdated design that drives people away from your business. Similarly, when searching for a tattoo artist, you need to do your research and find skilled professionals who can answer your questions and create a beautiful, high-quality product. By investing in reputable developers, you can ensure that your website reflects your business and attracts potential customers, just like a well-crafted tattoo can be a source of pride and inspiration.

While it may be tempting to choose a quick and cheap option for building your website, it's important to understand that a high-quality website can't come from such a low price point. In fact, the low price should be a red flag. Consider if you were in need of surgery - would you trust a doctor you found online who was willing to perform the procedure for a fraction of the cost compared to other reputable doctors? Likely not, as such a low price suggests a lack of quality and effort. Similarly, a cheap website will likely result in cheap and ineffective results. Instead, investing in a skilled developer who can create a website tailored to your business needs is crucial. Don't settle for a quick and easy solution when your business deserves better.

Conclusion:

In the end, the decision to go for a static or dynamic website depends on your financial situation and goals. If you have a limited budget and just need a basic website, using WordPress or Wix might be sufficient. However, if you have more resources and want to maximize your online presence, investing in a static site can provide a better return on investment.

My business model offers a unique solution for small businesses who want to improve their online presence without breaking the bank. Unlike other developers who charge high upfront fees, I offer a $0 down and $100 per month payment plan, making my services more accessible to those who need it the most. I can offer this affordable option because I work from home, and my expenses are minimal. As a result, I can focus on creating high-quality websites that will last for years and help grow your business. And with my commitment to being a partner in your success, you can trust that I'll be there every step of the way. So, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn't sacrifice quality, I'm the developer for you.