Yes, using web hosting feature for static links is more straight-forward.

Using the Publish feature should work just fine. Please make sure you have published a folder and using the "Publish URLs".

Also to note the Publish feature requires a "Paid Account", or a free-service but "True Account".

When you use Publish feature and web hosting feature, please be sure to avoid using non alpha-numeric characters, incl spaces in your file names and folder names. Non alpha-numeric characters may not be well supported in URLs.