React lets us build interactive, app-like websites with smooth transitions and dynamic content. No page refreshes. Instant responses. Content that updates in real-time. It’s the modern way to build web experiences that feel fast and fluid.
React is a JavaScript library created by Facebook (Meta) for building user interfaces. It powers Facebook, Instagram, Netflix, Airbnb, and thousands of modern websites.
Key difference from traditional websites: Instead of loading new pages, React updates content dynamically. Click a button, content changes instantly. No waiting for page reloads.
Single-page application (SPA): React is often used to build SPAs—websites that load once and update content without full page refreshes. Feels like a desktop or mobile app.
React makes sense when you need interactivity and app-like behavior:
App-like experience
Smooth transitions, instant updates, no page refreshes. Your site feels like a native application.
Interactive interfaces
Complex interactions are React’s strength. Filters that update results instantly, forms with live validation, drag-and-drop interfaces, interactive visualizations.
Component reusability
We build reusable components (buttons, cards, forms) that work consistently across your site. Changes in one place update everywhere.
Large ecosystem
Thousands of React libraries and tools. Need charts? Data tables? Animations? There’s a React library for that.
Backed by Meta (Facebook)
React is maintained by a large team at Meta plus thousands of open-source contributors. It’s stable, well-supported, and constantly improving.
React website: €15,000+
Timeline: 6-10 weeks depending on complexity
| Feature | React SPA | Traditional Website |
|---|---|---|
| Page Loads | Once | Every navigation |
| Speed (perceived) | Instant transitions | Refreshes feel slower |
| SEO | Requires server-side rendering (SSR) | Better out-of-the-box |
| Development Cost | Higher (€15K+) | Lower (€1K-€10K) |
| Interactivity | Excellent | Limited |
| Content Updates | Requires developer | WordPress: DIY |
| Best For | Applications | Content sites |
Bottom line: React is powerful but more expensive. Use it when you need application-level interactivity, not for simple content sites.
Next.js
Most popular React framework. Server-side rendering, static site generation, API routes, image optimization. We use Next.js for most React projects.
Create React App (CRA)
Simple React setup. Good for straightforward SPAs without SSR needs. Simpler than Next.js.
Remix
Modern framework focused on web standards. Great for complex applications with lots of data loading. We use this for specific projects.
React SPAs have SEO challenges because content is rendered with JavaScript. Search engines prefer HTML.
Reality check: React sites CAN rank well in Google, but it requires more work than traditional HTML sites. If SEO is your #1 priority and you’re building a content site, WordPress or static HTML is easier.
Common questions about React development, when to use it, and how it compares to other options.
Maybe. If you’re building a simple brochure site or blog, yes—React is overkill. Static HTML or WordPress will be faster, cheaper, and easier to maintain.
React makes sense when you need application-level interactivity: dashboards, real-time updates, complex interfaces.
Not out of the box. React doesn’t include a CMS. You’ll need to either:
Most clients who want content control choose WordPress instead.
Yes. React websites are responsive and work on all devices. If you want a native mobile app later, React Native (a related technology) reuses much of the same code.
React and Vue are similar. Both build interactive interfaces. Key differences:
okto-digital uses Vue.js more often (it’s our preferred framework), but we build React sites when clients request it or when the ecosystem fits better.
Yes, but it’s expensive and rarely worth it unless you have a specific reason (need interactivity, performance, or app-like behavior). Most content sites are better off staying in WordPress.
