What Is A Static Site

What Are Static Site Generators (STG)?

A static site generator finds the midway point between the complete control of a static site build and the convenience of a complete CMS. Simply put, it enables website creators to use their own coding skills. Users can use templates and CMS-like concepts on the front end of an STG to easily build their site structure. Then, the content for these templates can be imported from HTML files, giving you complete control over your site’s final look and feel. Finally, the static site generator takes the input and the templates you feed it and generates a static site to be displayed for the user. STGs build every possible view of your site first instead of building a new view every time a user requests your site. Static site generators deliver the site content faster and offer the user a slicker, more prompt experience.

How To Use A Static Site Generator

Creating your own website with a static site generator is relatively straightforward once you understand how they work:

1. Choose A Static Site Generator

First, you need to choose which static site generator you want to use; many different options are available depending on your needs (e.g., Jekyll). Some popular choices include Jekyll, Hugo, Gridsome.

2. Install The Generator

Once you’ve chosen which one to use, install it onto your computer/server; most generators come with detailed installation instructions, so follow those closely if necessary.

3. Set Up Your Template & Theme

Now that everything has been installed correctly, you can start setting up your template & theme. This process involves deciding on your layout (two columns or one), colours, and headings. Most generators come with default templates & themes to get you going.

4. Add Some Content

Once your template is ready, you can fill it with content. This involves writing blog posts in markdown format (or other formats supported by your chosen generator) and adding images/videos. Keep track of all changes made so you can quickly revert back if something goes wrong.

5. Generate Pages

Once you’ve added all the content you desire, the next step is utilizing the generator to generate your pages. The steps for this phase will vary depending on which generator you use, so follow your specific platform’s instructions carefully.

6. Deploy The Website

Once the pages are generated, users can deploy the website live onto the Internet. Again, your specific static site generator should clearly provide instructions for how to do this. Often, the process simply involves uploading the generated HTML page files onto a hosting provider like Amazon Web Services. Once the pages have been uploaded, you must connect your domain name, and your site will be live.

Advantages of Using A Static Site Generator

1. Improved Performance

CMS applications such as WordPress use caching systems to dynamically load your site. Although they are powerful, many CMS-based sites still take a hit in performance because of the fact that the site must be regenerated each time a user accesses it.

By contrast, static site generators pre-cache your pages, and content can be easily optimised to increase speeds. Static sites are always faster to load than CMS-based sites. This is a critical factor because site speed and performance are vital when it comes to creating a positive experience for your users. A slower site means that you are losing money.

2. Complete Flexibility

Although CMS systems make it easy to create a website, they do not always make it easy to customise the user experience. Each change requires yet another plugin or special feature to be installed. The myriad of steps that need to be taken to make a certain specific change often irritates web developers who are trying to learn the platform. Static site generators, by contrast, give you nearly complete control. Any change you want to make can be easily coded into your site by adding a new code file or a code snippet right into your pages.

3. Better Security

Another benefit of using a static site generator is improved security; since there is no server-side processing involved, there are fewer opportunities for malicious actors to exploit vulnerabilities in your codebase or inject malicious code into your website. Additionally, since all content is stored in plain text files, it’s easier to audit and review changes made to your website over time – making it easier to identify potential security issues before they become serious problems.

4. Additional Cost Savings

Hosting costs can also be reduced when using a static site generator; since there’s no need for expensive database servers or other specialised hardware, hosting costs can be kept low even when dealing with large amounts of traffic or data storage requirements. Additionally, since all content is stored in plain text files, you don’t have to worry about costly migrations if you decide to switch hosting providers down the line – simply upload your files, and you’re good to go!

Are Static Websites The Solution For Your Business?

For their speed and level of control, static websites are often the best choice for businesses looking to establish their online presence. Using a static site generator is a cost-effective and secure way to quickly set up your website. You can create your own site with very little coding knowledge with the templates provided. On the other hand, if you have programming chops and want to customise the details of your site, a static site generator gives you that flexibility. Furthermore, static sites are easy to maintain. Whenever you make a change to your site, this change can be automatically applied to all the relevant pages, and the pre-loaded cache can be updated.

Are you wondering how to start creating static websites and taking your digital marketing to the next level? These days, businesses need to have an online presence that provides users with a memorable experience. The best way to achieve this is by working with a team of professionals with years of experience in the exact fields you need. WBTI has the team you need. We can help you through all the phases of your online project, from design to development and marketing.