A one-page website is a great way to keep things simple. Everything your visitors need to know is on a single page, so they just scroll to find what they want.
In fact, it’s perfect for portfolios, small businesses, landing pages, or personal profiles.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to build a one-page website step by step. From choosing the right template or builder to adding key sections and making it search engine friendly, you’ll learn how to create a clean, functional site without overcomplicating things.
What is a One-Page Website and Why Choose It?
A one-page website (also called a single-page website) is exactly what it sounds like; your entire website is on a single scrolling page.
Instead of clicking through multiple pages, visitors scroll to see sections like About, Services, Portfolio, and Contact.
Why go for a one-page site?
- Simple and clear: Everything’s in one place, easy to navigate.
- Great for small projects: Perfect for personal profiles, portfolios, or small businesses.
- Fast to set up: With the right one-page website builder or template, you can get started in a few clicks.
- Better focus: You control the flow of information, guiding visitors exactly where you want them to go.
Key Sections to Include in a One-page Website
A one-page website may be compact, but it still needs to cover the essentials to make it effective. Think of it as telling your brand’s story in a single scroll. Here are the key elements you should include:
- Clear Headline and Hero Section: This is the first thing visitors see. Use a strong headline that clearly states what your business does, paired with a background image, video, or graphic that instantly captures attention.
- About Section: Give a brief introduction about your business, brand, or yourself. Keep it concise but meaningful; visitors should know who you are and why you matter without scrolling endlessly.
- Products or Services: Highlight your offerings with short descriptions, visuals, or icons. Focus on the benefits and keep the layout simple so users can scan easily.
- Testimonials or Social Proof: A few client reviews, case studies, or logos of brands you’ve worked with can go a long way in building trust.
- Call-to-Action (CTA): Whether it’s “Book a Call,” “Get Started,” or “Contact Us,” place clear CTAs throughout the page. Since it’s a one-page site, don’t make visitors hunt for a way to reach you.
- Contact Information: Include a simple form, email, or clickable phone number so people can get in touch quickly. You can also add a map if you have a physical location.
These elements ensure that your one-page website isn’t just visually appealing but also functional and results-driven.
Focus on keeping the flow simple and easy to scroll. You can always add custom CSS, internal links, or a drag-and-drop editor to make it more interactive.
How to Build a One-Page Website: Step-by-Step
Creating a one-page website is all about packing the right information into a single, scrollable page without overwhelming visitors. It needs to be clean, functional, and easy to navigate. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Choose the Right Platform or Builder
Start by picking the tool that best suits your needs.
- WordPress: Perfect if you want flexibility and scalability. There are plenty of one page website templates and plugins that make it easy to create a professional website. You can also add custom CSS later if you want a more unique look.
- Website Builders: Tools like Wix, Squarespace, or Webflow come with drag-and-drop editors and professionally designed templates. They are simple to use, so you can create a one-page site with just a few clicks.
- Custom Build: If you’re working with web designers or hiring professionals, you can have a completely customized single-page website. This is ideal for businesses or personal profiles where branding is important.
Think about your budget, technical skills, and timeline before deciding. A free one-page template might work for a small project, while a custom build is better for long-term business websites.
2. Plan Your Page Structure
Since you only have one page to work with, planning is everything. Break the page into clear, scroll-friendly sections.
- Hero Section: A strong headline, short intro, and eye-catching visuals to hook visitors right away.
- About or Services: A brief but well-written description of who you are or what you offer.
- Portfolio/Key Highlights: Showcase your best work, products, or achievements.
- Testimonials and Social Proof: Add reviews, client feedback, or logos of trusted partners.
- Call-to-Action: Encourage users to take the next step, like contacting you or signing up.
- Contact Details: A simple form, email, or phone number so visitors can reach you easily.
Use internal links or a sticky navigation bar so users can jump to sections quickly without getting lost.
3. Design for Impact and Usability
A one-page website needs to look good and perform well.
- Keep It Clean: Avoid clutter. Each section should have a clear purpose.
- Color Scheme and Typography: Choose colors and fonts that align with your brand and are easy to read.
- Visual Elements: Add high-quality images, videos, and icons to make the page more engaging.
- Responsive Design: Your site must work on all screen sizes, especially mobile devices where users scroll more often.
- Custom CSS: If you want to stand out, add custom CSS for unique animations, layouts, or styles.
Web designers often recommend keeping the flow natural, making sure visitors can scroll smoothly and find essential information without effort.
4. Create Concise and Impactful Content
With only one page to work with, your content has to be clear and straight to the point.
- Use proper headings (H1 for the title, H2s for sections) to organize content.
- Focus on key sections—don’t overload with unnecessary details.
- Use bullet points where possible to make reading easier.
- Include essential keywords for search engines but keep the language natural.
- Add a strong call-to-action like “Contact Me” or “Start Your Project.”
5. Optimize for Speed and Search Engines
Even a single-page website can rank well if done right.
- SEO Basics: Add a proper title tag, meta description, and use the right keywords throughout.
- Speed Matters: Compress images and reduce unnecessary code for faster loading.
- Analytics: Connect tools like Google Analytics to track visitors and see how they interact with your page.
- Internal Links: If you have other pages, profiles, or blogs, link to them from the one-page site.
6. Launch and Improve
Test your site on different devices and screen sizes before going live. Once it’s launched, keep an eye on user behavior; how far they scroll, what they click on, and where they drop off. Make updates over time to improve the experience and conversions.
Design Tips for a Beautiful and Functional One-Page Website
A single-page website leaves little room for clutter, which means design plays a huge role in making it both visually appealing and easy to navigate. Here are some design practices to keep in mind:
1. Keep It Clean and Simple
Too much text or visuals can overwhelm visitors. Use plenty of white space, concise copy, and eye-catching visuals to guide the flow. A clean layout makes it easier for users to focus on your key message.
2. Use Clear Sections
Divide your page into distinct sections such as About, Services, Testimonials, and Contact. This makes it easy for visitors to scroll and find information quickly. Use background colours, images, or separators to distinguish each section.
3. Prioritise Visual Hierarchy
Since everything is on one page, you need to make sure the most important information stands out. Use headings, subheadings, and bold typography to highlight key points. Pair this with a consistent colour scheme and well-chosen fonts.
4. Mobile-First Design
Most visitors will likely view your one-page website on mobile devices. Optimise your design for smaller screens with responsive layouts, readable text, and tap-friendly buttons. Test your website on different screen sizes to ensure it looks seamless everywhere.
5. Use Engaging Visual Content
Images, videos, and graphics can add personality to your one-page design. But keep them optimised for fast loading times. Eye-catching visuals should support your message, not distract from it.
6. Smooth Scrolling and Navigation
Because users scroll instead of clicking through pages, a smooth scrolling effect can create a better user experience. Sticky menus or anchor links to different sections also make navigation easier.
7. Balance Beauty with Functionality
While a one page site should look attractive, it also needs to serve its purpose. For example, a portfolio should showcase your work, while a small business site should highlight services and contact details clearly. Always keep user goals in mind.
8. Don’t Forget SEO Elements
Design isn’t just about looks, it also supports visibility. Use proper headings (H1, H2, H3), add a meta description, optimise images with alt text, and include internal links if you expand later. These small touches can help your one page website rank on search engines.
When to Consider Other Pages or Upgrades
A one-page website is a great starting point, but as your business grows, you may find the need to expand. Adding additional pages can help you showcase more content, create detailed service descriptions, or even launch a blog.
If you’re planning to scale further, it might be time to turn your single-page site into a multi page website. This allows you to organize content more effectively, improve SEO visibility, and give visitors a smoother browsing experience.
For businesses looking to sell products or services online, upgrading to a full business website or an online store is a smart move. With the right structure in place, you can keep your site both functional and user-friendly while supporting your long-term growth.
Conclusion
A one-page website can be a powerful way to present your brand in a simple, focused, and user-friendly format. By combining all key details such as your story, services, testimonials, and a clear call-to-action, you can create a beautiful one-page website that feels both visually appealing and functional. When designed well, it not only attracts attention but also keeps visitors engaged as they scroll.
For small businesses, startups, or professionals hiring designers and other professionals to craft their digital presence, a one-page site is often enough to make a strong first impression and encourage action. It works best when every section has a purpose and flows naturally into the next. Over time, if your goals expand, you can always grow into multi-page business websites with additional pages for blogs, products, or services.
Starting with a functional one-page website gives you a solid foundation to establish your brand, showcase your value, and create a memorable experience for your visitors.
