A static website is a collection of fixed HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files stored on a server and displayed exactly as designed. Unlike dynamic websites, which fetch data from a database, static sites deliver pre-built pages which makes them faster and more secure.

The challenge with many static sites is that they struggle with low traffic because they lack built-in SEO features. If you’re wondering how to make a static website that looks great and also ranks well, this guide will walk you through essential strategies to build one for your business.

Static vs. Dynamic Sites

In its early years, the Internet was dominated by static web pages. Each page was meticulously hand-coded and had its own HTML file. Because there were no reusable templates, you had to create and update each page separately if you wanted a multi-page website.

Today, websites can be either static or dynamic, each with its own pros and cons.

Static Websites Dynamic Websites
Pre-built HTML files Generated dynamically from a database
Faster (no server-side processing) Slightly slower due to database queries
Requires manual updates for changes Easier to update with a CMS
Simple and efficient for small sites Better for large, content-heavy sites
More secure (no database vulnerabilities) Can be vulnerable to attacks if not properly secured
Best for landing pages, portfolios, and small business sites Ideal for blogs, eCommerce, and interactive platforms

Key Components of a Static Website

Static websites have come a long way from plain HTML files. Today, they’re faster and more scalable, thanks to modern tools. Here’s what powers them:

  • Static Site Generator (SSG): SSGs like Jekyll, Hugo, or Next.js automate the process instead of manually coding each page. They generate pre-built HTML files from templates and markdown content to make static sites more efficient and SEO-friendly.
  • The Content and Content Management System: Headless CMS platforms like Contentful or Strapi let you edit and update content on static sites without touching code. They store content separately and push updates when needed to keep the site static while offering flexibility.

Making a Static Website? Follow These Steps

Static websites are ideal for portfolios, business landing pages, documentation sites, and other sites where speed, security, and simplicity are priorities.

Follow these five steps to make a static website for your business or personal projects:

1. Pick a Static Site Generator

It can take a lot of effort to code each page, particularly for larger websites manually. A Static Site Generator can be useful in this situation. An SSG improves site speed and security without requiring databases by pre-building static pages from raw content (such as HTML).

Most SSGs offer themes and templates to reduce development time. Choose one based on your technical comfort level as some may require basic command-line knowledge, while others provide user-friendly interfaces.

Pro Tip: Look for an SSG that supports plugins for SEO and automatic sitemap generation to improve search rankings.

2. Set Up Hosting and a Domain Name

A static site needs two things to go live:

  1. A web hosting service provider to store and serve your site files when users visit. Many hosting services now offer global Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) for faster load times by serving cached versions of your site from multiple locations.
  2. A domain registrar allows you to search and register a custom domain for a professional online presence.
Also Read: A Beginner’s Guide on How to Renew a Domain

3. Design and Structure Your Site

The best static websites are simple and user-friendly. For this:

  • Use clean HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build an intuitive layout.
  • Implement semantic HTML tags (e.g., <article>, <section>) to improve site accessibility and SEO.
  • Ensure mobile responsiveness since over 62% of searches come from mobile devices.
Pro Tip: Instead of adding heavy JavaScript features, use CSS animations to keep loading times low while maintaining a dynamic feel.

4. Optimise for SEO and Performance

  • Meta Tags and Structured Data: Add clear meta descriptions, title tags, and schema markup to help search engines understand your content.
  • Lazy Loading and Image Optimisation: Compress images and enable lazy loading to improve page speed.
  • SSL Certificate: Secure your site with HTTPS for better rankings and trust.
Also Read: How to Install an SSL Certificate? A Simplified Guide

Do’s and Don’ts of Building Static Sites

Do’s

  • Focus on clean, minimalist design to keep the user experience seamless.
  • Test on multiple browsers and devices to ensure consistent performance.
  • Utilise caching for faster load times by storing frequently accessed resources.
  • Incorporate effective CTAs to guide visitors toward desired actions.

Don’ts

  • Forget to back up your site files regularly to avoid data loss.
  • Overload with unnecessary scripts that could slow down your site.
  • Hardcode sensitive information like API keys or credentials into your site.

Wrapping Up

Even though static sites date back to the early days of the Internet, they are still very much in use today. They are a great option for a wide range of applications, such as eCommerce websites, commercial landing pages, personal portfolios, and companies wishing to build a web presence without too many complications.

If you want to create your professional website, Crazy Domains Website Builder offers an easy and affordable solution.