Static or CMS?

There are two types of websites: static or dynamic. You need to decide which setup will work best for you.

Static website

Static means unchanging. Every person who goes to your website will see the same thing. Your end users will not be able to change or add information on your website.

Downsides of a static site

• The downside is that you will not be able to update your site with out learning the language of the web HTML.
• You will have to learn or hire someone to make the changes for you.

Note: You can opt to pay a small fee to Milwaukee Productions when you want individual pages updated or you can purchase a monthly maintenance package including a number of site updates per month.

Upsides of a static site

There are a number of upsides to static to using a static site.

• The code is far less complicated; this means a couple of things: there is far less to go wrong with your site and your site can me moved to different servers with very little chance of problems.
• There are typically far less files with static site; this means it is easier to backup(in case of server malfunction or other mishap).
• There is no database(separate information spreadsheet); a database is an added level of complexity for maintenance and backup/restore processes.
• And one of the biggest advantages is the level of design you can add with a static site.

Dynamic or CMS site

A dynamic or content management system(CMS) site has many of the oposite attribues of a static site. There is a database(separate information spreadsheet) that holds all of the information for each page and many other aspects of your site. This means unlike a static site, you can update your website without the need to know html code.

Downsides of Dynamic or CMS site

• Many more files required for the instruction of adding and reading information to the database.
• Adds to server recources.
• Adds complexities in backing up and restoring an archived site.
• Adds to complexities in server compatibility.
• Added time for development.

Upsides of Dynamic or CMS site

• No need for HTML code to make changes to your site.
• You can add, delete, and edit your website from any computer with access to the internet any time you want!
• No need to pay a web designer to make basic changes to your site.
• Ability to add many different functionalities to your website IE. Photo gallery, email marketing system, video players etc.
• Alow in house staff to edit your website.