Static vs. Dynamic Websites: Which Is Better For SEO?
Tags: javascript, ux, webdev
Published: 2021-11-09 03:12:11

URLs and websites are primarily classified into two categories: static and dynamic. 

To the average internet user, the difference is not immediately obvious, but it’s nevertheless very important. 

Static and dynamic websites function differently and have a different user experience, causing designers and webmasters to debate the merits of the two different categories. 

Understanding the distinction between these two may be a little tricky. Since a dynamic website can have static elements and vice versa, the boundaries between the two are often blurred. 

How do you decide which of these websites is a better option from an SEO standpoint? 

We’ll outline the features, advantages, and disadvantages of static vs dynamic websites, and decide which of these websites is best for [SEO](https://developers.google.com/search/docs/beginner/seo-starter-guide). 

## **What’s the Difference Between Static and Dynamic Websites?**
One of the most significant differences between dynamic and static websites is how they render content. 

Dynamic sites use server-side languages to process requests. Once requested, dynamic websites subsequently generate a page and content in real-time. 

Static websites, on the other hand, contain [prerendered pages](https://prerender.io/how-to-be-successful-with-dynamic-rendering-and-seo/) that are cached and delivered to the user. 

The difference wasn’t always so apparent. Early web pages were used to display a similar type of content to every user. As they grew more sophisticated, websites became integrated with databases and powered by languages like PHP, Ruby, Python, Java, and more. 

Using these coding languages enabled websites to be more dynamic, leading to dynamic web page displays. Dynamic websites display relevant content to the user based on the input and settings of each user. 

## **Is Facebook a Static or Dynamic Website?**
Facebook is considered a dynamic website because the website responds to the user’s actions. 

When you are searching for someone’s profile, for example, you will type their name in the search bar and the results will be listed according to the name or keyword typed. 

Another example is the site’s videos: the user is allowed to play or pause videos, with the website responding to the user’s actions. Simply put, if you press the pause button, the video will be paused. This action is a clear indication that the website responds to the user’s command and is dynamic.

## **What About Google?**
Since dynamic websites are event-driven, Google is often cited as another example of a dynamic site. 

Dynamic websites are created with server-side languages, which in Google’s case produces relevant search results for a user. Google displays results depending on what the user has inputted. 

Even though Google is a dynamic website, it encourages site owners to incorporate static elements in their sites, in the form of Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP). While Google is considered a dynamic website, it may still have some static elements. 

## **Static Websites**
Every static website contains a series of HTML files, with each representing a physical static web page of the website. When you visit the home page, you are viewing the file of the homepage. Even when two pages have similar or identical content, the sections will exist as two separate versions. When a developer updates a specific section, the update needs to occur on both pages. Static websites are simple and almost all websites were static in the early days of the internet. 

### **Features of a Static Website**
* Static websites usually have better [page speeds](https://prerender.io/google-pagespeed-insights/). 
* Since page speed has a massive impact on the user experience, static websites will render more quickly for a better user experience. 
* A static website is secure and reliable. Since there are no plugins involved, it is considered cheaper and more scalable than dynamic websites.  

### **Advantages of Static Websites**
* The loading speed of a static website is faster. Since static websites have simple HTML code, the site is not generated every time a user clicks on something. This feature allows static sites to load static web pages faster than dynamic ones since the HTML code is always ready. 

* Static websites are considered more secure than their dynamic counterparts. You can use anything from FTPS or SSL to encrypt the data. Conversely, a webmaster will have to secure a dynamic website’s complete database. 

* Static websites are affordable and easy to maintain. If you use a static website, you will not need professional developers to work on your website around the clock. Any developer can build a static website and it will last for years. HTML code is easy to use and static websites can be developed relatively quickly. 

### **Disadvantages of Static Websites**
* The main problem with a static website is engagement and interactivity. You will not be able to add any special effects to your website unless you decide to add some [Javascript](https://prerender.io/common-javascript-seo-problems/) or another dynamic element. Dynamic websites have a “wow” factor that simple static websites lack. Users may find the static site to be unengaging, which can affect overall user preference for your site.  

* SEO is constantly evolving. It’s possible your static website isn’t [SEO-friendly](https://prerender.io/ajax-seo/) or sees once-favorable [SEO factors](https://prerender.io/how-to-pass-core-web-vitals/) drop in importance. A static website may therefore need frequent updates as SEO best practices change. 

* The functionality of a static website is limited. You will not be able to hyper-personalize the experience for your users or add functions like filtering data and instantly generated content.

## **Dynamic Websites**
So, what is dynamic content? Every [dynamic website](https://www.spiralytics.com/blog/what-are-dynamic-websites/) uses server technologies like PHP to develop a dynamic web page at the moment the page is visited by a user. The dynamic website is like a mosaic: the user sees the pieced-together dynamic web page as each element is rendered. 

Dynamic websites come with their own features, pros, and cons.

### **Features of a Dynamic Website**
* CMS offers regular, hassle-free updates.
* CMS generates mobile-friendly pages automatically. 
* Developing a mobile-friendly website is easy with a dynamic website. 
* The content and functionality of the website are constantly optimized. 
* The content is easier to control and edit. 

### **Advantages of Dynamic Websites**
* Dynamic websites offer greater functionality and interactivity. These websites will give the webmaster a range of user-oriented development options. User interactions can be simplified and functions are easy to add to the website, allowing developers to create a spectacular, easy-to-navigate website. 

* If you use CMS, SEO can be improved with a few clicks. SEO plugins can be used to enhance your SERP position and detections. CMS lets you make urgent changes as well. Since you will not have to work with a code and repository, changes are easy to make and implement. 

* These websites do not require any code. If you are using CMS, you can personalize your website without coding, which is ideal for people who do not know how to code but want to set up a website. Users can use templates and builders within the CMS to create a website for themselves. Changes or updates can be done with drag and drop tools. Web designers with limited technical skills can personalize a dynamic website relatively easily. 

### **Disadvantages of Dynamic Websites**
* The most significant disadvantage of dynamic websites is security. Dynamic websites are not as secure as static ones, so they require several additional security measures. Databases, hosting, plugins, and CMS need to be protected. Website owners will have to constantly monitor the security of the website and its main components to provide a stable and secure experience to users. 

* Dynamic websites require more resources and maintenance than static ones, so they are more expensive. Dynamic website development is also more expensive than static website building, especially if you want a spectacular website. The stable hosting and beautiful designs of dynamic websites cost more than those of static websites.

* Since dynamic websites have several components to process, dynamic web pages take longer to load. In other words, the page load speed isn’t as efficient as static websites, affecting the [user experience](https://prerender.io/nicer-user-experience/).  

## **Verdict: Which is Better for SEO: Static or Dynamic Websites?**
Both of these websites have their own advantages and disadvantages, so how do we resolve the debate between static vs. dynamic websites? 

The best website depends on your business requirements. Static websites have optimal loading speeds. Dynamic websites are more interactive. 

If you want an interactive web experience, a dynamic website will be a better option. If you’re looking for a cost-effective and secure website, static websites will be a better alternative. 

Before you make a decision, make sure to assess your business requirements and consult with a professional developer, who may even be able to design your website. There may even be room for a middle ground, where dynamic features are added to a static website or static elements are incorporated into a dynamic site.

Prerender offers a JavaScript SEO solution that offers the faster pageload times of static pages with the interactivity of dynamic pages. [Sign up for a Prerender demo today](https://dashboard.prerender.io/signup) to get the best of both worlds.

This article originally appeared on https://prerender.io/seo-for-static-vs-dynamic-webpages/.