Are One-Page Startup Websites Actually Better Than Traditional Ones?

Are you a new startup intending to get a website for your brand? If yes, chances are that you are looking around other websites for inspiration. And most probably you might have come across websites that seem to have a single page. Yes, some websites have just one-page — one-page websites. Yes, they are sleek, modern, and awesome. But should you get it for your startup? Are one-page websites actually better than traditional websites? Well, that’s a whole different story.

Let’s dig in! Shall we?

What is a One-Page Website anyway?

A one-page website is a website that fits all of its content on a single web page. It is also called a single-page website or a single-page application. When you click on a link or navigation item, the content on the page changes dynamically, rather than loading a new page from the server. It does so either by changing the information present on the page or by scrolling to the relevant part of the page. This can create a smoother and more seamless experience for the user, as they don’t have to wait for new pages to load.

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:

1. 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.
2. They can be easier to design and maintain, as there is only one page to work with.
3. They can be more mobile-friendly. You can easily scroll through on a smaller screen.
4. They can be more effective at delivering a specific message or call to action. They tend to be more focused and streamlined.
5. They can be more visually appealing, as they can be designed to be more cohesive and visually consistent.
6. They can be more interactive and engaging. Startups can create a more immersive experience by implementing dynamic content and transitions.
7. 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

1. They can be more suitable for larger websites with a lot of content. They allow for more organization and structure.
2. They can be more flexible and scalable, as new pages can be easily added as needed.
3. They can be better for search engine optimization. Seearch engines tend to give more weight to websites with a clear hierarchy and multiple pages.
4. It can be easier to add new information as individual pages can be added rather than updating the existing pages.
5. They can be more accessible to users with disabilities, as one-page websites can be more difficult to navigate using a screen reader.
6. They can be more user-friendly, as users can easily bookmark and share specific pages.
7. They can be more suitable for e-commerce websites. There can be separate pages for products, categories, and other important information.
8. 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! Visit us at fishyhue.com

Originally published at https://www.fishyhue.com on January 8, 2023.