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:
- 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! Visit us at fishyhue.com
Originally published at https://www.fishyhue.com on January 8, 2023.