Building websites without a CMS: our approach in practice

More and more of our websites are delivered as handcrafted HTML without a CMS. No WordPress, Joomla or Drupal underneath, but clean code that we design and build ourselves. The result: faster, safer and leaner sites — without the mandatory updates and maintenance subscriptions that come with a CMS. In this post you can read how we go about it.

Why without a CMS

A CMS is powerful, but it also brings a permanent maintenance burden and a larger attack surface. For many websites that is overkill. By working without a CMS, a large part of that burden disappears.

• Less vulnerable — no plug-ins or core software that constantly needs patching.
• Faster — static pages load almost instantly, without a database or server-side rendering.
• Greener — less processing power per visit means a lower CO₂ footprint.
• Lower costs — no mandatory update subscriptions or licence fees.
• Transferable — you get clean code that runs on any server, without vendor lock-in.

Rich and dynamic all the same

Without a CMS does not mean without possibilities. We build with our own set of building blocks: a light and a dark theme, forms with validation and submission, animations, and full accessibility in line with WCAG. Where real dynamics are needed — think of a form with payment or a client portal — we attach targeted bespoke functionality to the static foundation, exactly where it is needed.

Who is this suitable for

From one-off campaign sites to complete corporate websites: the approach works for almost every organisation that wants a fast, low-maintenance and sustainable website. Not sure whether a CMS does make sense in your case? We are happy to give you our honest advice.

Want to read more? Take a look at the benefits of HTML without a CMS, our approach to handcrafted web design and the sustainability comparison of CMS vs. HTML, or get in touch.