When A Professional One-Page Website Is a Great Idea
As a Squarespace web designer, I’m often asked: Would a one-page website work for me and my business?
And I get it - it’s a valid question. BUT before you take action, first consider if it’s right for you.
On the whole, I believe that a one-page website site falls short of representing most businesses but in some instances, it can work. Let’s see if this might/might not be a good fit for you.
First, consider your content.
I always say that good content is the main component of any website and this should take priority before design, not the other way around.
When making this decision, remember to keep your ideal client and your brand and marketing strategy, front of mind.
When it’s okay to have a one-page website?
When you honestly and strategically have very little to say and communicate about your brand.
You need a ‘coming soon’ page. A one-page ‘placeholder’ helps to build excitement and anticipation for the new website’s impending arrival - yay!
SEO (search engine optimisation) is of no concern to you.
You’ve just started your business.
When it’s a good idea to have a one-page website.
You rely on a Facebook Business page, Google My Business listing, or social media etc leaving you highly vulnerable to security and hacking issues, not to mention algorithm changes that can and do happen overnight (ugh).
You have a specific in-person or online event that you want to publicise.
A one-page sales page ie. landing page. In essence, the page ‘acts’ as a one-page website to avoid unnecessary distraction for your visitors, hence the purpose of a landing page.
Some portfolio sites.
The advantages of having a one-page website.
Clean and simple. Your message can shine without too much distraction.
Great for user experience ie. only one page to navigate. You can add a menu in the navigation bar at the top to lead to anchors on the page.
Quicker to plan out content for a one-page site vs multi.
Convenient for mobile users - just one page to scroll down. (Tip: if it takes more than a few scrolls, include a ‘back to the top’ button). Should load quicker but as a Squarespace web designer, I don’t have any fears about loading times for larger sites as long as they are optimised correctly.
‘Potentially’ (if its purpose sits with the ‘good’ reasons above) higher conversion rates because there’s less distraction.
Cheaper to build than a multi-page.
Less maintenance.
The disadvantages.
The danger of leaving your audience wanting more but without having their questions answered, all to risk them clicking away from your site to a competitor.
Can potentially look and feel less professional.
Harder to build trust when there isn’t much content.
Challenging to build a brand presence.
Bad for SEO. Fewer keywords, no new content and search engines may skip the site altogether!
With very little content, you have to be certain that what you’re sharing on this page is as good as it possibly can be ie. your words, images and design.
It’s harder to track analytics and performance of the site because there’s only one page to get data from.
Conclusion.
A single-page website is great for your visitors to see and navigate at a glance but if you’re wanting to grow your business, I believe that a one-page site is very limited.
The decision to go with a one-page or multi-page website is a personal choice but hopefully, this post will help you to decide which option is going to work best for you and your business.
Need help?
If you’d like to move your business forward with either a one-page website or a multi-page, I’d be honoured to work with you. Click the button below to talk further via email or to schedule a quick call.
As always, I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
Jane x
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