Living vs. Static Websites
We begin politely, using the word “static” rather than the harsher word “dead.”
A static site is like a brochure – once it’s printed, that’s it – it cannot be changed gracefully. Content gets old. Dates don’t get updated. There’s no feedback – no conversation.
A living site is structured to change. Content is easy to add. Updates are simple to make. Feedback is invited. Some changes can even be automated.
It’s not too surprising that in this time of great change all around us, the online community is moving rapidly to living websites. Just as it’s not a shock that information generally is moving rapidly from hard copy to web copy.
A living website draws us back repeatedly to see what’s new. A static website is old after the first reading.
A living website allows viewers to get involved. We can post our comments and become a part of the next viewer’s experience.
Search engines much prefer living websites, moving them above static sites in searches.
A living website requires more work – not a lot more work to get it going – but more work to feed it and keep it growing. Fortunately, the more often we update our website, the quicker it goes.
The Computer Spirit recommends living websites built on the WordPress platform. These sites are also called “blog sites” because they feature frequently updated content posted in blogs. When you’re looking at websites, look for what makes them living – or not!