Everything is online nowadays. If you have no online presence – you don’t exist. So if you are a new startup trying to make your mark – a website is one of the most important things you would need. If you happen to be looking for websites, the one thing you must have done is start looking for websites of competitors and in general for inspiration. Chances are that you also have come across websites that have single-page – one-page websites. They are sleek, and modern and looks and feel great. But should you go for a single-page website for your brand? Well, let’s find out!
What is a One-Page Website anyway?
A one-page website is exactly what it suggests – a website that consists of a single page. This is typically the home page. Here the content can be displayed in two ways – one where all the content is divided into sections and ores that part of a single page or it can have content that changes dynamically as per request or context. However, in most cases, it is the former. These pages usually don’t have any additional pages. However they might contain internal links like traditional websites, but unlike them, the page scrolls to the relevant section once clicked. Websites where the content dynamically changes, are generally reserved for more tech-savvy websites, and those where the website itself behaves as a online tool.
A traditional website, on the other hand, typically has multiple pages, with a separate page for each topic or section. When the user clicks on a link or navigates to a new section of the site the server loads a new page.
For creating small websites or landing pages, one-page websites are usually preferred. These are cases where you want to present all of the information on a single page in a clear and concise way. If you want to have a look at some of the one-page website examples for inspiration – check out onepagelove.
Arguments – why one-page websites can be better than traditional websites
One-page websites exist for a reason. So there are surely a few benefits of one-page websites that cannot be overlooked.
Here are some potential reasons why a one-page website might be better than a traditional website:
- They can be faster to load and navigate. Since there is only one page to load there is no need to wait for new pages to load.
- They can be easier to design and maintain, as there is only one page to work with.
- They can be more mobile-friendly. You can easily scroll through on a smaller screen.
- They can be more effective at delivering a specific message or call to action. They tend to be more focused and streamlined.
- They can be more visually appealing, as they can be designed to be more cohesive and visually consistent.
- They can be more interactive and engaging. Startups can create a more immersive experience by implementing dynamic content and transitions.
- They can be more cost-effective, as they require less development and maintenance compared to traditional websites.
This list is not exhaustive and is just for reference.
Arguments – why do traditional websites score better than one-page websites
Yes, one-page websites have a few good points. But, we cannot dismiss traditional websites yet. There are many arguments for why traditional websites can do better.
Here are a few reasons
- They can be more suitable for larger websites with a lot of content. They allow for more organization and structure.
- They can be more flexible and scalable, as new pages can be easily added as needed.
- They can be better for search engine optimization. Seearch engines tend to give more weight to websites with a clear hierarchy and multiple pages.
- It can be easier to add new information as individual pages can be added rather than updating the existing pages.
- They can be more accessible to users with disabilities, as one-page websites can be more difficult to navigate using a screen reader.
- They can be more user-friendly, as users can easily bookmark and share specific pages.
- They can be more suitable for e-commerce websites. There can be separate pages for products, categories, and other important information.
- They can be more suitable for websites with complex navigation or a large number of pages. The one-page website may not be able to accommodate all of the content and links.
Same for this list too. This too is not exhaustive.
Some examples where a one-page website does better
There are few cases where a one-page website is more efficient than a traditional website. Some of these are:
Landing pages for products or services
One-page websites are often used to create simple, focused landing pages that present a clear call to action and provide information about a specific product or service.
Portfolios
Many designers and creative professionals use one-page websites to showcase their work and highlight their skills and experience.
Resumes
One-page websites can be a useful way to create an online version of your resume, allowing you to present your experience, skills, and other information in a concise and visually appealing way.
Event pages
One-page websites are often used to create event pages, providing information about the event and allowing users to register or purchase tickets.
Personal websites
Many people use one-page websites to create a simple online presence, providing information about themselves and their interests.
Campaign websites
One-page websites are sometimes used to create campaign websites for political candidates or causes, providing information about the campaign and allowing users to get involved.
These are just a few examples of the types of one-page websites that are popular. Startups can use one-page websites for a wide variety of purposes, and their simplicity and focus can make them an effective choice for many different types of websites.
So Are One-Page Websites Actually Better?
Short answer – No – it is not actually possible to logically compare the two independently. It has to be decided on a one-on-one basis. For individual projects, individual startups, and individual requirements.
Yes, there are many situations and requirements for which startups cannot consider one-page websites. Particularly because they simply won’t work.
However, for other types of startups – a one-page website might technically and theoretically work. But from a practical point of view again, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best choice for your website will depend on your specific needs and goals. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether a one-page website or a traditional multi-page website is right for you:
Content
A startup can go for a one-page website if it has a small amount of content that can be organized and presented effectively on a single page. A traditional multi-page website might be a better choice if you have a large amount of content that needs to be organized into multiple sections or pages.
Audience
Consider your target audience and how they will be accessing your website. A one-page website might be more suitable for a younger, tech-savvy audience that is comfortable with dynamic, single-page applications. A traditional multi-page website might be more suitable for a wider audience that is familiar with the traditional structure of websites.
Goals
Think about what you want to achieve with your website and how a one-page or multi-page website will help you to achieve those goals. A one-page website might be a good choice if you want to create a simple landing page to deliver a specific message or call to action. A traditional multi-page website might be a better choice if you want to provide more detailed information or allow users to explore different sections of your site.
So while deciding if you should go ahead with a single-page website – it’s always better to list all your requirements or ask an expert (like us!).
Want to discuss anything about websites? We are available!
