A one-page website is a website made up of one long page. Visitors scroll from top to bottom and see everything they need to know: who you are, what you do, what it costs and how to get in touch. The menu jumps to a section on the same page instead of to a new page.
For many start-ups and freelancers (zzp'ers), a one-pager is a great start. But not for everyone. In this article you'll learn when one page is enough, how to structure it well and when you're better off choosing multiple pages.
What is a one-page website?
On a regular website, each topic has its own page: a homepage, a page per service, an about page and a contact page. On a one-page website, all that content sits on a single page, in sections stacked one below the other. It's also called a single page website or one-pager.
A one-pager looks like a landing page, but it isn't the same. A landing page is made for one campaign or one offer, often alongside a regular website. A one-page website is your whole website.
Advantages of a single-page website
- Clear: visitors don't have to search, they just keep scrolling.
- Works nicely on mobile, because scrolling is the natural way to read there.
- You tell a story in a fixed order, from problem to solution to contact.
- Less copy needed, so it's ready sooner and easier to keep up to date.
- Often lower costs than a website with lots of pages.
- One clear goal, such as booking an appointment or requesting a quote, that everything leads to.
A one-pager also forces you to make sharp choices. There's no room for long stories about your history or ten services that look alike. You only say what a customer needs to know to get in touch. Many business owners find their message becomes clearer as a result, beyond the website too.
Disadvantages: where a one-page website falls short
The biggest drawback is findability. Google assesses pages, and a page is usually about one topic. With one page, it's hard to be found for ten different services or in several places. A plumber who wants to rank for 'replace central heating boiler' and 'fix a leak' is better off with separate pages for each.
- Hard to rank for lots of different keywords.
- No room for a blog or detailed explanations without the page becoming endless.
- Harder to measure which part visitors find interesting.
- A long page with lots of photos and video can get slow if you're not careful.
- As your business grows, you often have to move to multiple pages anyway.
Who is a one-pager right for?
A one-page website works well if your offer is small and clear. For example:
- You've just started as a freelancer (zzp'er) and want to get online quickly with a professional look.
- You have one main service, like a photographer, coach or personal trainer.
- Customers mainly find you through word of mouth, social media or your Google Business Profile, not by searching for specific services.
- You're organising an event, launching a product or looking for participants for a project.
- You want to test whether there's demand for your offer before investing more.
Not sure what suits a small business? Also read our article on a website for freelancers.
How to structure a good one-page website
A good one-pager follows the questions a visitor has in mind. This order often works well:
- At the top: in one sentence, what you do and for whom, with a button to contact you or book.
- Your customer's problem or wish, short and recognisable.
- Your services or offer, with a few lines of explanation per service.
- How you work: three or four steps, so the customer knows what to expect.
- Proof: reviews, photos of your work or client logos, only if they're real.
- Prices or a price indication, if that's usual in your industry.
- Frequently asked questions, to remove doubts.
- Contact: form, phone number, email and perhaps a map.
Repeat your contact button a few times on the page. Someone who's convinced halfway down then doesn't have to scroll all the way back up.
One-page website and SEO: make the most of it
If you choose a one-pager, you can still rank well for your main search term. Focus your page on one main topic, for example 'personal trainer Haarlem'. Put that in the page title, the meta description and the main heading. Use real headings for each section, so Google understands the structure.
Watch the speed too. A long page loads everything at once. Use small, well-compressed images and only load photos further down once the visitor scrolls to them. Also connect your Google Business Profile, because for local customers it's often at least as important as your website.
Common mistakes with a one-page website are a vague opening line, a menu with ten items for ten tiny sections and a contact form right at the bottom with no button leading to it. Photos without alt text and headings that are just styling also come up a lot. As a result, both visitors and Google understand less well what your page is about. So once it's live, check on your phone whether you answer the main questions within a few scrolls.
When should you move to multiple pages?
A one-page website isn't the end of the road. Consider more pages if you notice that:
- you offer more than two or three services that each deserve their own explanation;
- you want to rank in Google for different keywords or places;
- your page gets so long that visitors lose the thread;
- you want to start blogging or sharing knowledge;
- you need a webshop, booking system or customer portal.
So have your one-pager built in a way that lets it grow with you. With a good CMS you can add pages later without starting over.
Having a one-page website built by Violexa
At Violexa we build custom websites, including compact one-pagers. A custom website starts at €1,799 excl. VAT (€2,177 incl. VAT). That includes design, development, a design that works on every screen, SEO basics, Google Analytics, a CMS integration and a walkthrough so you can edit the copy yourself. See all prices on our pricing page.
Not sure yet whether one page is enough? Book a free quickscan. In 30 minutes, online or on site, we discuss your plans. Afterwards you get short written advice with a price indication, with no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Is a one-page website good for SEO?
For one main keyword, a one-pager can rank just fine. If you want to be found for several services or places, separate pages usually work better. Each page can then rank for its own topic.
What's the difference between a one-pager and a landing page?
A landing page belongs to one campaign or offer and often sits alongside a regular website. A one-pager is your complete website on one page. The structure is similar, the goal is different.
Can I expand a one-pager into more pages later?
Yes, if it's built with a good CMS. You can then add pages and move sections of the one-pager to pages of their own. Check this upfront with whoever builds your website.
