Here are a few ways to handle static pages in EE:
1. Use templates as static pages
This is a pretty simple idea. Basically, cut and paste one of your templates (such as index) and replace everything in the content area with the static information.
When using this method, I recommend having everything before and after your content in their own template. This way you can take advantage of ExpressionEngine’s embed tag and just embed them and add your content instead of having to copy and paste everything. an example:
This is my content for this page
2. Put static pages in a weblog
This one I find to be very easy setup wise, and it also means that the static information is searchable, as it is a post.
Create a New Weblog. Go to whatever page you use for your PermaLinks and add to the {exp:weblog:entries} the new shortname for your weblog. ie:
{exp:weblog:entries weblog="default_site|static"}
NOTE: If you are using an earlier version of EE, your main weblog may be named weblog1.
Post a new message to your weblog by clicking Publish and then choosing the new weblog. Now, Go to the permalink for that post (if using this method, then it would be yourdomain.com/index.php/weblog/comments/nameofpost/) and make sure it looks ok. Now enter that permalink wherever you want the new post linked from. This means that you do not need an extra template for it so site-wide changes are much faster.
You can, of course, use a seperate set of templates for it, by modifying the paths.
3. Static pages in a weblog with hard coded IDs
Use a secondary weblog and hard code the entry_id into the page.
When allowing searching, restrict the weblog search and remove the relevant HTML for a search box.
Here’s a more detailed tutorial on the dedicated weblog and template approach.
4. Pages module (available in paid licenses)
I use my Static Page module to manage this. It allows only one entry per category and makes it really easy to find what you’re updating. Find it here: http://www.expressionengine.com/forums/viewthread/38358/
The Static Page module has been replaced by EllisLab’s official Pages module, available in paid licenses.
Category:Templates