Static Web Sites
Static web sites are sites that convey an important message for any given purpose and that's it. (Usually) There are exceptions however you may have a product that is supported by a single page web site (A Sales page as it were) This kind of web site is called a mini site which contains a simple but powerful message of what the product will accomplish. Internet marketers are fond of these because they are quick to upload and easy to maintain. If the product is digital, (Ebook or tutorial video for example) Then the web site will have some kind of Buy now process that will take you to a processor such as PayPal.
Five Page Static Web Site
You can have a multi page web site that incorporates a Home page followed by other web pages that employ a get to know us tactic. About us page, Contact page, Products, and a links page or site map for SEO purposes. These type of web sites can be very beneficial for making online statements. Although they are at the bottom of the SEO ladder a well optimised static web site can dominate the search engines quite easily.
How much do they cost
Based on a commercially available template static sites start at around £50 per page. Then there is the domain and hosting charges which can be incorporated under certain circumstances. This means that a Five page web site could easily be designed and hosted complete with a domain for as little as £250.00
Content Management Systems
Content management web sites,(CMS) are the next step up. The problem some have with static web sites is that they are just that, static. This means that any editing has to be done by the web master which is not an ideal situation. CMS web sites are the answer they come with a log in area where you can add and edit your pages as you deem appropriate. This is great for SEO since your page have the option of having brand new information implanted on a regular basis. Search Engines love that.
Other tools that can be implemented to combat the extra page mix on static sites is to have a random home page which will rotate on every visit giving the impression that updates are regular. Once again the Search Engines love this strategy too.