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In web development, there are two main approaches to creating a website: writing custom code or using a site builder. The aim of this article is to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each strategy and help you decide which is best for your business.

Understanding the Basics

A website is built using three fundamental technologies: HTML, CSS and JavaScript. HTML creates the structure and content of the page, CSS makes it more pleasing to the eye, and JavaScript (which is far from compulsory) enables interaction between the user and the website. A professional developer uses these three tools (or more!) to develop a static site. Static sites deliver the same content to every visitor until manually updated. When users navigate to a static site, their browser simply displays content that was pre-built on the server, resulting in exceptional loading speed. That content does not change, unless the creator of the site changes it in the code base. At Montagne Noire Web Studio, I exclusively use this static approach. I code everything by hand with the help of a Static Site Generator (I use Astro).

Websites created with page builders such as WordPress or Wix work differently. Whether built by a pro or an amateur, these sites are pieced together via a graphical interface where the user drags and drops elements to compose the site. There is little or no code involved. These page builders will produce so-called dynamic sites because they create pages by pulling content from databases and assembling them in real time before sending them to users. While these page builders may offer flexibility and lower costs, they have a negative impact on performance and security.

Performance: The Critical Differentiator

Speed is vital on the Internet, and static, hand-coded websites clearly outshine template-based ones. A professional developer will use exactly the right amount of code and can optimize every asset used by your site. As a result, static sites load up to ten times faster — often in less than half a second.

This speed isn’t just impressive — it’s a business advantage. Indeed, Google’s search algorithms now emphasize mobile performance, making speed more crucial than ever. Static websites excel here, as developers build them with a mobile-first mindset, starting with mobile layouts before enhancing designs for larger screens.

On the other hand, dynamic websites created with WordPress or Wix suffer from significant performance challenges. They produce bloated code and each page load requires the server to retrieve content from databases, assemble page elements, and render those on the page. This process consumes valuable milliseconds, and every additional plugin or complex backend feature slows down the website even further.

The impact of slow loading is substantial. Research shows that 53% of mobile users will abandon a site if it takes more than three seconds to load. For your business, this means possibly losing over half of your potential website visitors before they even see the content.

Security: Static sites are more secure by design

Page builder websites face more security risks. Their database interactions and multiple plugins create various entry points for cyber threats. WordPress sites especially need constant updates to address security vulnerabilities. In 2018, WordPress accounted for 90 percent of all hacked CMS sites. The reason is simple: WordPress is the most popular solution for dynamic sites, and heavily relies on an ecosystem of third-party plugins that often become unmaintained, leading to security risks. This makes WordPress websites a prime target for cyber attacks.

Static custom-coded websites provide better security by design. With no or few plugins, no databases or server-side processes, they offer minimal attack surfaces. There are no dynamic elements for hackers to exploit, no plugins to maintain, and no database queries to compromise. And because I custom codes all my Montagne Noire Web Studio sites, I have complete control over the development process and the final product. Plus, you don’t have to manage your website anymore because I will do it for you!

So, WordPress dynamic websites are always the worst option?

No, of course not. I’m not saying all WordPress websites or developers are bad — far from it. WordPress excels in specific use cases, especially when a site needs a database to dynamically generate pages based on visitor requests and featuring high interactivity. It’s an ideal choice for those who want to run an online store with hundreds of SKUs or maintain a blog with fine control over authentication and user access.

Notwithstanding the drawbacks of a page builder site that I mentioned earlier, picking the technology can come down to matter of needs for your website. Static sites are exactly that—static and unchanging. They’re perfect for websites that only need to display information without storing, processing, or generating new content for each visitor. Using WordPress to build a purely informational site is like using a jackhammer to drive in a nail—it’s overkill for the task at hand.

Investment and Value

While page builders promise cheap, do-it-yourselves solutions (which can be appealing for a small business that doesn’t have enough cash flow), getting your business a professional website from a pro agency like ours is a strategic investment. A well-crafted static website typically costs between 2,500 € and 5,000 €, offering significant returns through better performance, security, and user experience.

One of the reasons why I decided to create this studio is that I’ve seen many small business owners neglect their online marketing strategy. They see it as an expense rather than an investment. They rely on a DIY website or even a Facebook page to be their main representation on the Internet. That rarely goes well. Those who want to take their business to the next level understand that spending money on their business is an investment, not just an expense. It’s about putting resources into growth and realizing the value through the returns that investment will generate. A thoughtfully designed and hand-coded site can transform an online presence and help businesses markedly stand out from the competition.

Here’s how I approach things: I offer hand-coded websites starting at 100 € a month. First, it doesn’t hurt your cash flow. Yet, some might wonder, “Why pay every month for years?” Think of it this way: with all the advantages my static sites provide, did your site generate more than 100 € in value this month? The answer is almost always yes. Take a painter, for example - they might earn 800 € or more per new client. If my website helps bring in just one extra client a month, that’s a 700 € return. And with every additional customer, the value of the site keeps growing.

For 100 € a month, you’re not just getting a website; you’re gaining a partner. I’m here to monitor your site, make edits on your behalf and answer any questions you have. It’s more than a website; it’s an investment in the growth and success of your business.