Businesses have about 15 seconds to capture and hold a website visitor’s attention. In a world that prioritizes instant gratification – where visitors want everything right now – it can be a challenge to keep users on your site long enough to convert them into a customer.
There’s a simple solution to this problem: a one-page website.
While a single-page site works well for many businesses, it’s not the right option for every business.
The Differences Between a Single-Page and Multi-Page Website
Most of the websites you visit have multiple pages. Some businesses have a single-page website for mobile devices, but you’ll find that the majority of brands are still focused on having multiple pages.
Why? Because they offer multiple services, or they sell products through their online shop.
But there are instances where a single-page site is a smart and beneficial option. Sometimes, a single page is all you need to display all of the information you want to share with your visitors. Landing pages are a common example of one-page sites.
It may sound like a daunting task to compile everything onto a single page, but many websites have unnecessary pages, such as contact and about pages.
Single-page websites have:
- Clearly-defined sections: Formatting is especially important when building a one-page site, as there is so much information that must be displayed.
- Scrolling: Single-page sites often have custom scrolling effects to help tell their story in a more engaging way.
- Big Headers: Header elements break up the content to keep things organized, but they also capture the visitor’s attention.
Who can benefit most from a one-page design?
- Brochure Websites: If your brand only needs a simple website that introduces your services, provides your contact information and includes photos, then a single-page site may be a good option for your company.
- Portfolios: Freelancers, designers and agencies often find that a one-page portfolio works well for them.
- Landing Pages: If the goal is to convert users, a one-page landing page is a good option, as it allows you to create a narrative without distractions.
The In-Between Solution
Maybe a one-page website isn’t the right option for you, but you still want to keep visitors on your site long enough to call or make a purchase. There is an in-between solution, and it’s particularly popular with service providers, like electricians, plumbers and contractors.
The in-between solution gives the visitor all of the little blurbs or bits of information they need to understand your brand on the home page. For example, you may list all of your services, with a brief explanation of what this service includes and a link to a page that explains it more in-depth.
Essentially, the home page acts as a single-page website in that it provides all of the information you want to convey to visitors in a brief way. The additional pages provide more information about each specific service and your brand.
One-page websites may keep visitors engaged, but they still aren’t the ideal solution for every business. Understanding whether this design method is right for you will help you choose the most effective web design option for your brand.
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