When should you use a one page website?

”We want a one page website. Do you think it’s a good idea?”

In general, no. Even though I fully believe it’s okay to scroll on a website, I don’t think a one page website is the best way to represent most businesses. 

Let strategic content decide what to do.

Whether or not to have a one page website has a lot to do with content.

How much content do you have? I believe content should always be the first step in web design. I think the content determines the design—and when it’s crafted properly, it will define everything you need to say in order to connect with your ideal client. 

In general, a good website has these 5 pages: home, about, services, contact, portfolio (if you do something that necessitates showing your creative work). And those pages should have at least 300 words, helping to describe what you do, for whom and why. 

So, if after your content has been strategically created for your audience, you have a small amount of content for each of those pages, then maybe a one page site is for you. 

Ultimately, if the goal of your website is to help people choose you, more content is usually better. 

When is a one page website okay?

I think a one page website is acceptable if:

• You genuinely and strategically have very little to say.
• You’re just starting out.
• It’s a placeholder or coming soon page. (If your one page website is there instead of no website, then do it.)
• You don’t care about SEO at all.

When is a one page website a good idea?  

I think a one pager is actually a good idea if the content is all directly related, like for:

• An event or virtual conference. 
• A sales page. (For my client onboarding toolkit, I essentially have a one page sales page. While it does live on my website, it can also stand alone.) 
• Something narrow with a super-specific purpose like an online annual report or initiative.

A few examples of one page WordPress sites that I’ve developed:

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If your one page site doesn’t fall into the “good idea” category above, consider a more comprehensive site because:

• As a business with services and people (even just one person), you need space to talk about multiple things. 
• It’s a major plus for SEO. 
• It’s okay to take up some space in the world. 
• When you have multiple pages and meaty sections, it lends itself to credibility and professionalism, and has more connection-power.

Want to make the smartest choice for your web presence? Let’s talk about whether a one page site is right for you.