Introduction
Before we dive in, let me clarify: this isn’t a “bash WordPress” post. I completely understand why WordPress powers such a huge portion of the web. It’s easy to use (from the front end), offers tons of themes, and comes with a slew of features that make it perfect for those who want to blog without needing much technical knowledge. For many people, WordPress is the perfect solution—pay for a platform that handles the complicated stuff, and just focus on writing.
So why am I writing this? (And why are you reading it, you may be wondering).
Well, I’m a bit of a purist when it comes to the tech behind my projects. I like having full control over the tools I use, but sometimes using too many libraries, widgets, or third-party solutions can cause security vulnerabilities, compatibility issues, or just general headaches when one part of your stack breaks. For the longest time, I thought that WordPress (and other similar CMS platforms) were the only real way to build a blog—big, bloated systems that seem simple enough to use but feel detached from the roots of what blogging is about.
That was until I stumbled upon Static Site Generators, and more specifically, Hugo.
What Are Static Site Generators?
Static Site Generators (SSGs) are tools that convert text files (usually written in Markdown or similar formats) into fully functional HTML websites. Instead of relying on a dynamic server-side application to generate pages on the fly, SSGs pre-build the pages at the time of deployment, which results in faster, more secure websites.
For example, I’m writing this post in a standard text editor using Markdown and Hugo. When I’m ready, I run a couple of simple commands, and Hugo converts my plain text file into an HTML page, styled according to my website’s theme.
But here’s the kicker: with Hugo, Git, and a few simple command-line tools, I can publish articles to my blog without ever logging into a traditional admin dashboard. It’s all about writing content in a text editor, running a few commands, and letting the generator handle the rest.
While Hugo and similar tools do require a bit more technical know-how, they offer significantly more control over your website, with a lot less overhead. Even better, there are numerous themes available, so you can set things up with minimal technical expertise.
Why Choose a Static Site Over WordPress?
This is the big question, right? Why would someone choose to go the static route when WordPress already offers a user-friendly interface, with tons of plugins and support? Well, here are a few reasons:
Performance: Static sites are faster because there’s no database query or server-side rendering happening on each page load. Everything is pre-built and served as-is.
Security: With no database and fewer moving parts, static sites are less vulnerable to hacks or breaches that typically target WordPress plugins or themes.
Simplicity and Control: When you’re not dealing with bloated CMS systems, you’re in complete control. You can customize every aspect of your website without worrying about compatibility with plugins or themes.
Cost: Hosting a static site is often cheaper (sometimes even free) compared to hosting a WordPress site, which requires regular updates and database backups.
Comparison: Hugo vs WordPress
Let’s break down how Hugo and WordPress stack up against each other:
| Feature | Hugo | WordPress |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Minimal setup, just install Hugo and start writing. | Requires installation, server setup, and theme selection. |
| Customization | Full control over code and layout, highly customizable. | Customizable via themes and plugins, but with restrictions. |
| Performance | Blazing fast—serves pre-generated HTML. | Slower due to dynamic server-side rendering. |
| Security | Less vulnerable to hacks as there’s no database. | Can be prone to security issues via plugins and themes. |
| Content Management | Write in a text editor using Markdown, version controlled. | Full content management dashboard with WYSIWYG editor. |
| Ease of Use | Requires command-line skills and basic coding. | Easy-to-use UI, no coding skills needed. |
| Scalability | Extremely scalable—just add more static files. | Can slow down as your site grows, especially with plugins. |
| Cost | Free or minimal cost (hosting on GitHub Pages, Netlify). | Requires paid hosting, domain, and potentially premium plugins. |
As you can see, Hugo provides more control, speed, and security but requires a bit more technical know-how. WordPress, on the other hand, offers a more user-friendly experience but can get bogged down with plugins, slower performance, and security risks.
How to Build Your Own Blog with Hugo
Here’s how you can get started with Hugo:
Install Hugo: Download and install Hugo on your computer. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and you can follow the installation instructions on the Hugo website.
Choose a Theme: While you can design your site from scratch, it’s much easier to start with an existing Hugo theme. Browse themes at Hugo Themes and pick one that fits your style.
Create Your Content: Hugo uses Markdown to create content. You can write articles in any text editor and save them as
.mdfiles. Once your content is ready, you can place it in the appropriate folder in your Hugo project.Generate Your Site: Run
hugofrom the command line, and Hugo will generate a complete, static website. You can preview it locally before publishing.Publish Your Blog: Use Git or another version control system to upload your site to a hosting service like GitHub Pages, Netlify, or Vercel. These platforms often offer free hosting for static sites.
The Learning Curve: Is It Worth It?
Building a blog without WordPress can seem intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a rewarding experience. It gives you much more flexibility, and the learning curve is manageable if you’re comfortable with the basics of coding and using the command line. Plus, you’re not at the mercy of plugin developers or platform updates—you control everything.
Expanding Your Blog: What’s Next?
Once your blog is up and running, you can start to expand it in a number of ways:
Integrate a Comments System: Use a service like Disqus or Staticman to add a commenting system to your blog posts without sacrificing speed or security.
Add Analytics: Integrate Google Analytics or another tool to track visitors and see how your blog is growing.
Set Up a Newsletter: Use a service like Mailchimp or ConvertKit to collect subscribers and send newsletters or blog updates.
Custom Plugins: Hugo has an active community and many open-source plugins that can add functionality like search, image optimization, and more.
Conclusion
Building a blog without WordPress might seem like a daunting task at first, but the benefits are hard to ignore. By switching to a Static Site Generator like Hugo, you’re not just opting for a faster, more secure website—you’re taking control of your content and your site’s future. You’ll have the freedom to customize every detail, optimize your site for performance, and avoid the headaches that come with plugin updates or bloat.
Sure, it requires a bit more technical effort, but the payoff is worth it. If you’re someone who enjoys learning and takes pride in crafting a unique website from the ground up, this might be the perfect path for you. And if you ever get stuck, the wealth of resources and community support around Hugo will help guide you along the way.