If you’re looking to understand how to make a website for your business, portfolio, landing page or blog that’s simple and informational, consider building a static website. With Wix’s user-friendly platform, you can create and launch a professional website without any coding knowledge.
In this article, we’ll walk through the steps of building a static website using Wix, from how to plan a website, to choosing a template, purchasing a domain name and getting your site online. Plus, we’ll show you a static website for inspiration.
What is a static website?
A static website is a website with fixed content that is viewed the same way by every visitor—no matter what browser they use. Static websites are composed of web pages created using web development languages such as HTML, CSS or JavaScript, meaning each page is stored as its own single HTML file via a server. When someone visits a static website, their web browser makes a request to the server to display the HTML file for a specific page, such as a homepage. Content on a static website does not change unless the website owner manually edits and updates it via the page’s HTML file.
The difference between static vs dynamic websites, is that a dynamic site generates “content that changes on every page within the website,” based on user input, says Adi Huri, Wix’s Creative Product Manager for Wow.
Common static websites include personal websites, online portfolio websites, brochure websites, one-off landing pages and other information or read-only sites. Before you decide whether to build a static website or not, it's important to set your goals for your site.
Why build a static website?
A business owner may choose to create a static website for the following reasons:
Simplicity
Business owners can quickly set up a website and handle their own website maintenance. They do not need to integrate databases or other complicated scripting which can impact how long it takes to build a website. First-time web creators or those with limited technical skills often choose static websites.
Cost
Static websites are cheaper to host than dynamic websites. The hosting server does not need to support server-side processing and only uses HTML and CSS. And since it’s quicker to build, static websites often have fewer up-front costs.
Reliability and performance
Since static websites require fewer exchanges with a server, they often run faster than dynamic websites in terms of page load speed. This can benefit websites with large traffic surges or important information that needs to be live at all times.
Security
Static pages don’t use external plug-ins, databases or server-side scripting. As these are common entry points for outside agents, static pages have a lessened security risk compared to a dynamic site—a benefit for site owners worried about sensitive data.
Tip: Any type of website built on Wix is guaranteed website security fully managed by experts—from threat prevention to real-time detection and rapid response.
SEO
With Wix performance standards, static websites can have an improved chance at ranking due to their quick page load speed.
Ways to build a static website
A static website can be built no matter a person’s technical skills. Here are some common ways to build a static website.
Hand-coding
If you know HTML, CSS and JavaScript, you can build a static website by hand from scratch. While you can fully control your website’s design and functions, this option is time-consuming.
Static site generator
You can use a tool to convert source content into static HTML files for a simple website creation and management process. You’ll then generate and deploy the additional files.
Website builder
The easiest way to create a static website is to use a no-code website building platform like Wix. Wix offers website templates, an intuitive drag and drop HTML editor and web design tools that require minimum technical skills. You can also check out these 10 essential Wix tutorials.
Content management system
There are many examples of these CMS, that were originally developed to organize online content but which can also be used for basic website building and structures.
Features of a static website
Most static sites have the following website features:
Straightforward navigation
Static websites typically link to different web pages via a menu or list, so users can easily find their desired information.
Fixed content
Static website content will not change unless the owner manually updates it and users will see the same content every time they visit.
Limited interactivity
Users cannot interact with static websites the same way they would a dynamic website’s real-time content. While they are less engaging, they provide a solid, reliable user experience. At the same time be careful with how many images you add to your static site and their sizes, too many will slow down your site.
How to build a static website
Want to learn how to make a website on Wix? Start by choosing a template, or build it from scratch following our recommended steps:
01. Choose a website template
To create a static website, login to your Wix account or sign up and select the right template for your business. Then, tailor the template to match your brand. Here are the most common static website templates:
You can also check out these website examples for inspiration.
02. Add web pages
In the Wix Editor, select “Add Page,” and choose any customizable page. Prepare text and visual content to add to your web pages. You might want to include an About page and Contact page. Add a title to each new page and play around with the layout to better engage your audience. For example, a split screen layout lets you share an image alongside text. If you are building a highly visual website, use a fullscreen image layout to highlight your images.
03. Get a domain
Before you connect your domain, you’ll need to come up with a domain name. You can use a domain name generator tool to help you churn out domain name ideas, but it’s best to mimic or closely resemble your brand name, tone and message.
Then, check the availability of your domain name using a domain name search tool. Select a domain extension, also known as top-level domains (TLD), which identify a website’s purpose, owner or geographic location—.org, .com and .net.
Once you’re content with your potential domain name, claim it before someone else does. Register a domain name with Wix and connect the name to your static website. With the purchase of a Wix premium plan, receive a free domain name for a year.
Make sure to make choosing a safe and secure domain an essential part of your website launch checklist.
04. Publish
Finally, click Publish to launch your static website with Wix.
Static website example
Sophie Brittain is a product designer based in New York who has built her static website to showcase her digital portfolio. Her site is composed of three web pages, Home, Work and About. Since the website’s purpose is straightforward, there’s no need for the content to dynamically change according to the user. Anyone browsing from their computer will view Brittain’s work in a standardized way—just as she intends it.
How to build a static website FAQ
What is a static website?
A static website is a website that is not generated dynamically and remains fixed. This means that the content of the website is stored on the server as individual files, and the pages are not generated on the fly when a user visits the website.