When and how to create a one-page website
IBF Entrepreneur Online
Sometimes you need to get straight to the point—and the same can be true when you’re building a website.
There’s no rule that says you need multiple pages to tell your story or highlight your brand.
What if everything you needed to say could fit on a single page? That’s the beauty of a one-page website: it delivers a focused, engaging experience without distraction. Just remember, they’re not a one-size fits all solution.
Let’s take a closer look at when a one-page website makes sense and how to get started.
The benefits of creating a one-page website
One-page sites have become increasingly popular thanks to four key benefits that make them simple, fast and effective.
- A faster flow: with a single page, you cut out all the distractions and take visitors on a linear, step-by-step journey through your content.
- Higher conversion rates: a distraction-free journey means you’re able to direct visitors towards a clear call-to-action.
- Designed for mobile first: one-page websites lend themselves extremely well to scrolling on a phone or tablet, with fast-loading responsive designs and easy navigation.
- They’re easy to develop and maintain: one-page websites are a far more straightforward development process—whether you hire out the job or do it yourself. When it comes to maintaining your site, you’re not managing multiple pages of content and a large navigation structure.
When you should create a one-page website
Start by asking yourself, “Will a single page site meet my needs?”.
Your answer is going to depend on the types of products or services you offer, as well as the amount of content you want to produce.
For instance, if you’re a small business that offers a very specific product or service—then a one-page website might be all you need.
One-page sites are also a great option for an artist’s online portfolio, or as a virtual resume page. One-time events (like weddings, baby showers and bar mitzvahs) are also great candidates for a single-page site.
But if you’re planning to share heavy, complex content that’s jam-packed with information and content, a one-page site isn’t going to cut it for you.
Five steps to building your own one-page website
1. Start with a domain name and hosting: the first step is to choose a web host and domain name that reflects your business. There are plenty of reputable domain registrars to choose and often, you can secure your domain name as part of a web hosting package.
When it comes to choosing your domain name, a .CA is the perfect option to showcase your Canadian business. Below you can secure the perfect Canadian domain for your site and connect with a trusted registrar!
Bring your one-page website to life using a .CA domain!
Use our search tool to see if your .CA domain is available and ready to claim.
2. Pick a website builder: this decision will come down to your web-savviness, time commitment, budget and preferences. For example, WordPress is widely known for its wealth of customization options and includes several pre-built “one-page” themes that you can tweak to your liking. For an alternative, Wix features plenty of attractive, pre-built templates and a user-friendly “drag-and-drop” style editor.
Check out our blog that compares the top website builders so you can find the right one for you.
3. Keep your content streamlined: think about the core message you want to communicate—and what action you want visitors to do when they scroll through your content. Are they downloading your app? Booking a reservation? Contacting you for an estimate? Staying focused on key messaging and the action you want users to take will help keep your content clear and clutter-free.
4. Lay out your content logically: start with a clear headline and short intro on the top of your page that informs users of who you are and what you offer. Place the most important information at the top, then add supporting details as users scroll. Majority of website builders let you add a navigation menu so users can jump to key sections of your one-page website. Here are key elements to include:
- About section: add a human touch with a brief, compelling overview of your business, focusing on what makes you and your business unique.
- Testimonials: help build trust quickly by showing visitors what real people think of your work or product. A few strong reviews can quickly build credibility.
- Products or services: give a clear snapshot of what you offer. Keep descriptions short and helpful–enough for visitors to understand your offerings without overwhelming them.
- Call-to-action: feature a clear CTA (e.g. Book Now, Download, Subscribe, etc.) and make sure it stands out visually and appears near the top of the page. Make it pop by using a button or highlighting it so it isn’t missed.
- Contact info: make it simple for users to reach you—include your email, phone number, address (if applicable) and links to your social media pages.
5. Enhance your one-page site with multimedia content: use striking images or videos to break up text and strengthen your story. Hero images and full-width visuals work well, as long as they’re high quality and not too busy. Avoid animations as they can slow the speed of your site.
Make sure that you pick readable, complementary fonts and colours that are accessible across desktop, tablet and mobile devices. Don’t forget to double-check all your work to ensure its accurate, shows no spelling or grammar errors and there are no broken links.
Congratulations! You’ve brought your one-page website to life. Now that you’ve created your one-page website, take it even further to see what you else you do with your .CA domain.
Source: CIRA
