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Are you interested in building a functional website without the need for extensive coding or maintenance? If so, a static site might be the perfect solution for you. A static site is built using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and does not require a database or server-side scripting like dynamic websites do. This makes static sites faster, more secure, and easier to deploy. But how do you create a static site from scratch?
We will cover everything you need to know about building a user-friendly website, from choosing the right tools to deploying your site.
What is a Static Website?
A static website is a collection of web pages that serve static content, such as images and PDFs. These contents do not change over time. Static sites are rendered once and delivered directly to users from a server or a content network (CDN).
Building and hosting static sites are faster and cheaper compared to dynamic websites, as they are built using technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, unlike dynamic websites that utilize technologies like Node.js.
Why Do You Need to Build a Static Site?
There are several reasons why you may want to create a static website. A static website is a great option if your website doesn't have dynamic content or runs on the server side. For example, if your website only provides information about your company or organization, a static website is a perfect choice. Here are some other benefits of building a static site:
Static sites do not require a database or server-side processing, resulting in faster load times compared to server-side rendered websites. This improvement in load speed enhances the user experience and SEO ranking.
Static sites can be hosted on any web server, providing you with more flexibility in selecting a hosting provider.
Static sites are highly scalable and can handle high levels of traffic without sacrificing performance.
How to Build a Static Website
There are multiple options available for building a static website. You can utilize a static site generator such as Jekyll, Hugo, or Gatsby. Another option is to use low-code tools like Wix or WordPress. Alternatively, you can build the website from scratch using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. For simplified content management and collaboration, you can also consider using a content management system like Netlify CMS or Forestry.io.
Static Site Generator
A static site generator (SSG) is a tool that generates a static website by processing content in markdown, JSON, and YAML files and outputs them as a complete HTML website. The most popular SSGs include Next.js, Hugo, and Nuxt. SSGs have gained popularity among developers because of their user-friendly nature, fast performance, enhanced security, and flexibility. They are particularly suitable for websites that do not require dynamic content or complex functionality.
No-Code Platforms
No-Code is a tool that enables users to create a website without the need for coding or technical skills. One of its main features is customizable templates, which allow users to easily design and publish their website. It is user-friendly, making it accessible to anyone. No Code tools provide an interface where users can drag and drop elements such as videos, text, forms, and images onto a template. Some popular no-code tools include:
This is ultimately useful for people and small business owners who need a simple and affordable website.
Markup Language: HTML, CSS, JS
Just as we use no-code tools to create websites, we can also utilize coding to build a website from scratch. By harnessing the power of coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, we have the flexibility to create a website with custom functionalities and design elements.
Building a website from scratch allows for greater control and customization compared to using pre-built templates or website builders. You can tailor every aspect of your website to meet your specific requirements and create a truly unique online presence. With a solid understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, you can build a functional and visually appealing website that stands out from the crowd. In general, HTML, CSS, and JS are used to build functional and user-friendly websites.
CMS
A Content Management System (CMS) is a good option if you want to create a static website but also need to manage the content through a web-based interface. With a CMS, you can easily update the content of your website. Some popular CMS options are Netlify CMS, Forestry.io, and TinaCMS. Using a CMS provides security, fast loading times, and low hosting costs. One interesting aspect is that you can use a version control system like Git to collaborate with others on your website. CMS can be particularly useful for static websites that require frequent content updates.
If you are using WordPress or another PHP-based platform, there are headless CMS solutions available that allow you to keep using your existing infrastructure while still benefiting from a decoupled CMS. For example, you can use WordPress as your backend and React for building the front end of your site by going headless with WordPress.
Bring Dynamic into Static with Jamstack and Serverless Functions
You can use Jamstack to enhance the functionality of your static site. Jamstack stands for JavaScript, APIs, and Markup. It is an approach to deploying architectures that leverages pre-built assets and APIs to provide functionality for your website. Serverless functions are also an excellent method for adding dynamic features to your websites. They are triggered by events like HTTP requests or CRON triggers. Some popular providers of serverless functions include AWS Lambda, Google Cloud, Cloudflare Workers, and Azure.
Hosting A Static Site
After creating your static website, the next step is to host it online so that you can easily share it with others and make it accessible to a wider audience.
Fortunately, there are several reliable hosting sites available that can cater to your specific needs. In this article, we will focus on three popular options for hosting your static website:
Verpex: Verpex is a web hosting platform that offers a range of hosting solutions, including VPS hosting and cloud hosting. When you host your static site with Verpex, you can expect fast and secure hosting services. Additionally, Verpex provides 24/7 customer support, ensuring that you can get assistance whenever you need it.
Netlify: Netlify is widely recognized as one of the top hosting sites for static websites. It offers a host of impressive features that make hosting your static site a breeze. With Netlify, you can take advantage of a free plan that includes features like custom domains, continuous deployment, and automatic SSL certificates. This means that you can easily customize your website's domain, automate the deployment process, and ensure that your site is secured with SSL certificates.
Vercel: Vercel is a cloud hosting platform that specializes in building, deploying, and scaling modern web applications and static sites. Hosting your static site on Vercel provides various benefits. Firstly, Vercel offers fast and secure hosting, ensuring that your site performs optimally and is protected against potential threats. Moreover, Vercel is known for being user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for developers and teams who want to build and deploy projects with ease. Additionally, Vercel provides real-time collaboration tools, automatic deployments, and seamless integration with popular frameworks like React and Next.js.
When selecting a hosting platform for your static site, it's important to consider factors such as the expected traffic, the level of security required, uptime requirements, and your budget. Verpex, with its reliable hosting services and 24/7 customer support, is an excellent choice for those who prioritize fast and secure hosting. Netlify, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive set of features that make hosting your static site convenient and efficient. And if you're looking for a cloud hosting platform that excels in performance and user-friendliness, Vercel is a top contender.
To ensure that your static website reaches its full potential and attracts the attention it deserves, hosting it on a reliable platform is crucial. Consider the unique features and benefits offered by each hosting provider, and choose the one that aligns with your specific requirements and goals.
Conclusion
Static websites offer numerous benefits for individuals and small businesses seeking a fast, secure, and cost-effective website solution. There are several options available to build a static site, including using a website builder, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, CMS, or no-code tools. Additionally, you can enhance your website's functionality by leveraging the Jamstack architecture or serverless functions to add dynamic features to your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I create a website?
There are many reasons why you should create a website if you’re an artist. You can use it to create a place where people can learn about you, talk about your art, or show off your work.
Is a website on WordPress safe?
Websites on WordPress are safe, however to avoid hacking keep your website up to date.
Can you migrate my existing website over?
Yes, and without issue. Regardless of how many websites you’re managing, we’ll bring all of them under the Verpex wing free of charge. Just send us the details of your websites when you’ve signed up to get started.
How do I choose a design for my website?
One of the most important things when creating a website for your art is the design. Even though your pieces of art might be amazing, people will leave if your site is hard to navigate. This is why it’s important that the site is easy on the eyes and easy to navigate.
Gift Egwuenu is a developer and content creator based in the Netherlands, She has worked in tech for over 4 years with experience in web development. Her work and focus are on helping people navigate the tech industry by sharing her work and experience in web development, career advice, and developer lifestyle videos.
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