Before moving forward to build your business website you should first determine whether you want to build your site using basic HTML, or use a CMS, such as WordPress. In order to fully understand why you would choose one over the other, you must know the difference between the two options.
So, what exactly does a basic HTML (hyper text markup language) page consist of? HTML is coding language, which essentially builds the infrastructure of webpages and, with the addition of CSS (cascading style sheets), you can add some dimension to the appearance of site pages, such as color and textures.
WordPress, on the other hand is a powerful open sourced CMS (content management system), which is built with a MySQL database and PHP framework foundation. Unlike basic static HTML, WordPress is used to build dynamic pages, which provide an interactive and engaging experience for site visitors, as well as a backend dashboard for managing pages and content.
PROS OF USING BASIC STATIC HTML
• Website loading time is fast
• Inexpensive to host
• Development costs are low
• Easier for search engines to index
CONS OF USING BASIC STATIC HTML
• Limited functionality
• More effort required to “modernize” website pages to today’s standards
• Risk of content getting stale
• Conducting updates can only be completed when a web developer is available
• Coding knowledge and experience is required
PROS OF USING WORDPRESS
•It’s an open source software, so it’s free
•Quick and easy to update, as you do not need to be a developer with coding knowledge to use the software. Using the administrative dashboard, one is able to simply add content and images in little to no time.
•Highly extensible features and customization options offered, via free and premium (at cost) plug-ins, which work well for creating a custom website with unique features, such as interactive calendars, photo galleries, etc.
CONS OF USING WORDPRESS
•WordPress updates must be manually installed, as they are not automatic.
•Due to its popularity among many, WordPress can tend to be an attractive target for security breaches by hackers, so updates should be regularly done to obtain the latest security patches.
•There is no go-to technical support team for end-users, as support is offered via a vast array of community support forums.
With a good understanding of the differences between a static HTML website versus a WordPress website, you have a better idea which would be best in terms of a software solution for your next website project.
