Do you have a compelling story to share but want to do it concisely? Are you looking to make your content easily digestible for readers who prefer quick scrolling? Maybe you want to publish your resume online, making it effortlessly discoverable by potential employers. If any of these scenarios resonate with you, then a one page website is the perfect solution!
A one page website is also ideal for those who:
- Test Business Ideas: Create a landing page to gauge interest in your business concept.
- Promote a Single Product: Optimize your product marketing by running ads and driving sales through a streamlined site.
- Showcase Your Portfolio: As a freelancer or service provider, display your work beautifully and easily.
- Share Personal Interests: Highlight your social media profiles and other details as a hobbyist or enthusiast.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the concept of a one page website. We’ll explore how it stands apart from traditional multi-page websites, identify scenarios where a one page website shines, and provide a detailed, step-by-step tutorial on creating your own.
What is a One Page Website?
A one page website is a streamlined, single-page digital platform that presents all necessary information in a continuous scroll. Unlike traditional websites with multiple pages linked through menus and navigation bars, a one page website consolidates everything onto one page. This design simplifies the user experience by allowing visitors to find all relevant content without clicking through various sections.
Key characteristics of a one page website include:
- Continuous Scrolling: All content is accessible by scrolling down the page.
- Focused Messaging: Information is concise and to the point.
- Engaging Layout: Often includes visually appealing design elements to keep the viewer engaged.
Advantages of One Page Website
One of the primary advantages of a one page website is its simplicity and ease of navigation. With all content consolidated onto a single page, visitors can access all the information they need by simply scrolling down. This eliminates the need for complex menus and multiple clicks, making the user experience seamless and intuitive.
Another significant benefit is the mobile-friendly nature of one page websites. In an era where mobile internet usage is skyrocketing, ensuring a positive mobile experience is crucial. One page websites are inherently well-suited for mobile devices due to their vertical scrolling format. This format adapts naturally to smaller screens, providing a consistent and user-friendly experience across desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
In addition, focused user engagement is also a standout advantage of one page websites. By concentrating content and calls-to-action on a single page, these websites can effectively guide the viewer’s attention. This focused approach is particularly useful for marketing campaigns, product launches, or promotional events where the goal is to drive a specific action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter.
Moreover, the development and maintenance of a one page website are often quicker and more cost-effective compared to multi-page websites. With fewer pages to design, develop, and update, businesses and individuals can save both time and resources. This efficiency is particularly advantageous for startups, small businesses, or individuals with limited budgets who still want to create a professional and impactful online presence.
When To Use One Page Website?
One-page websites have become increasingly popular because they offer ample space for creativity while respecting the reader’s time. They provide a streamlined and focused way to present information, making them ideal for various purposes. Here are a few scenarios where one-page websites excel:
Landing Pages
Landing pages serve as the initial point of contact with potential customers, making a strong first impression crucial. One-page websites are perfect for landing pages because they can effectively attract leads, drive purchases, or encourage sign-ups for services. By concentrating all the relevant information on a single page, these sites guide visitors smoothly through the sales funnel, often focusing on a single product or service to increase conversion rates.
Events
For events like weddings, sweet sixteens, conferences, and other special occasions, a one-page website is ideal. It consolidates all the essential details—such as dates, locations, schedules, and RSVPs—into one easily accessible place. This simplicity ensures that attendees can quickly find the information they need without navigating through multiple pages, enhancing their overall experience.
Portfolio or Resume
Freelancers, consultants, psychiatrists, photographers, and copywriters can benefit greatly from a one-page website to showcase their work. Whether used as a portfolio or a resume, a single page site allows professionals to highlight their skills, achievements, and services in a concise and visually appealing manner. This format helps them stand out in a competitive market by making a strong and immediate impact on potential clients or employers.
Product Launches
Launching a new product or promoting a SaaS offering? A one-page website can effectively capture attention and drive interest. By presenting product information, features, and details all on one page, you can maintain the visitor’s focus and prevent distraction from other products or services. This concentrated approach is ideal for publicizing a launch and generating excitement.
How To Create a One Page WordPress Website
When embarking on the journey to create a single page website, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is selecting the right platform. There are numerous options available, but our top recommendation is always WordPress. Renowned for its versatility and ease of use, WordPress is the ideal platform for building any type of website, which is why we have built our entire business around it. Why Choose WordPress?
User-Friendly and Free: WordPress stands out for its simplicity and user-friendliness. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a complete beginner, you’ll find it easy to set up and navigate. Plus, WordPress itself is free to use. The only costs involved are for web hosting and a domain name, both of which are relatively affordable.
Extensive Support and Resources: If you’re new to website building, WordPress is an excellent choice due to its large and active community. You will have access to a wealth of resources, including videos, tutorials, and guides, to help you troubleshoot any issues you encounter along the way.
Flexibility and Customization: With countless themes and plugins available, WordPress offers unparalleled flexibility and customization options. You can tailor your single page website to match your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.
Now that you’ve chosen WordPress as your platform, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating your one page website.
Step 1: Select a Domain Name and Web Host
The first step in creating a one-page website is setting up your web hosting and securing a domain name. For this, we highly recommend Bluehost due to its reliable and high-quality service, which is ideal for both beginners and experienced website owners. Begin by visiting the Bluehost website and clicking on the “Get Started” button. You will then need to select a suitable hosting plan. While the Basic plan is typically sufficient for a one-page website, you might want to consider higher-tier plans if you anticipate increased traffic or require additional features.
Choose Your Domain Name
Your domain name is essentially your website’s address on the internet, so it should be memorable and relevant to your business or project. Start by brainstorming names that are short, easy to remember, and reflective of your brand or the website’s purpose. It’s best to avoid using hyphens and numbers as they can often cause confusion. Once you have a few ideas, use Bluehost’s domain search feature to check their availability. If your domain name is taken, try slight variations or different domain extensions such as .com, .net, or .org. Fortunately, most Bluehost hosting plans include free domain registration for the first year, so you can take care of both hosting and domain registration simultaneously.
Choose Your Hosting
Next, you need to set up your hosting account. Begin by creating a new account on Bluehost by entering your personal details such as name, address, and contact information. During this process, you will be given the option to choose package extras like Domain Privacy Protection, Site Backup, and SEO tools. While these add-ons are optional, Domain Privacy Protection is highly recommended to keep your personal information private. After selecting your desired options, proceed to enter your billing information.
Bluehost accepts various payment methods, making this step straightforward. Once your purchase is confirmed, you will receive an email containing your login details to access your Bluehost dashboard.
To finalize the setup, log in to your Bluehost account using the credentials sent to your email. Follow the instructions provided by Bluehost to verify your domain name, ensuring it is registered correctly. From your Bluehost dashboard, you can easily install WordPress with just a single click, thanks to Bluehost’s streamlined setup process.
Step 2: Install WordPress
Once you’ve signed up with your hosting plan, you’ll be directed to the site setup page. While we’ll use SiteGround for this example, most web hosts follow a similar process.
After purchasing your domain name and hosting, you should see an option to start setting up your website. Look for and select the option that says “Start New Website.” Next, choose WordPress as your application. This will prompt you to enter the login credentials for your new website. After filling in your details, click the “Continue” button.
At this point, the system will begin setting up WordPress, configuring everything you need to get started. This process usually takes just a few moments. Once WordPress is installed, you can log in using the credentials you provided earlier. Most web hosts, including SiteGround, offer a one-click WordPress installation feature, making this step incredibly straightforward and user-friendly.
By following these steps, you will have successfully installed WordPress, laying the foundation for building your one-page website. You can now proceed to customize your site, select a theme, and add the necessary content to make your website functional and visually appealing.
Step 3: Install a One Page Theme and Essential Plugins
With WordPress installed and set up, it’s time to start building your website. The first step in this process is choosing a one-page WordPress theme that best represents your business, idea, or brand. For this, we recommend using Astra theme. Astra is a fast, responsive WordPress theme known for its extensive customization options and versatility. Besides, it offers numerous single-page templates covering a wide range of industries, ensuring that there’s something that will suit your needs.
To explore the available templates, visit the Astra website and select “Starter Templates” from the menu. Browse through the collection, and you’re sure to find a template that resonates with your vision. Once you’ve chosen a theme, installing it on your website is straightforward.
To install the Astra theme:
- Navigate to the WordPress Dashboard: From your WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance > Themes.
- Add New Theme: Click the Add New button.
- Search for Astra: In the theme search box, type “Astra”.
- Install and Activate: Once you find the Astra theme, click Install, then Activate.
After installing your theme, the next step is to enhance your website’s functionality with plugins. Plugins are add-ons that you install into WordPress to add new features or enhance existing ones. For a single-page website, we highly recommend the Starter Templates plugin we mentioned earlier.
Installing the Page Builder
This plugin provides a library of over 240 professionally designed templates that you can install with just a few clicks. It’s compatible with popular page builders like Elementor.
To install the Starter Templates plugin:
- Access Plugins Menu: From your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for Plugin: In the plugin search box, type “Starter Templates”.
- Install and Activate: Find the Starter Templates plugin in the search results, then click Install and Activate.
You can install as many plugins as you need using this exact process. Plugins are a powerful way to extend the capabilities of your WordPress site, allowing you to add various functionalities such as contact forms, SEO tools, social media integrations, and more.
By carefully selecting and installing plugins, you can ensure that your one-page website is not only visually appealing but also fully functional and user-friendly.
Step 4: Customize the Website
Starter Templates offers a wide range of free and premium single-page templates, enabling you to create a professional one-page website in minutes. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process.
- Access Starter Templates: From your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Appearance > Starter Templates.
- Begin Building: Click on the Build Your Website Now button to initiate the setup process.
- Select a Page Builder: Choose the page builder you’re most comfortable with. We recommend using the Elementor page builder.
- Search for Templates: Type ‘one page’ into the search bar to find suitable single-page templates. Browse through the options and select the one that fits your needs.
- Upload Your Logo: If you have a logo for your website, you can upload it on the first setup page. Don’t worry if you don’t have one yet; you can add or change it later.
- Customize Colors and Fonts: On the next page, you’ll have the option to change the colors and fonts to match your brand’s identity. Adjust these settings as needed.
- Complete the Setup: In the final step, you’ll be prompted to provide some personal information and the option to join the Astra newsletter. Fill out the form if you wish, then click the Submit & Build My Website button.
The system will now import all the essential plugins and resources needed to complete the template setup on your website. Once this process is finished, click on the View Your Website button to see the result. Your website should look exactly like the selected template, providing a solid foundation for further customization.
While the template provides the essential features, it’s important to customize it to reflect your brand and meet your specific needs. Here are the main sections you’ll want to customize:
Customizing the Homepage Layout
To start customizing your homepage content and elements, begin by clicking on the Edit Page option at the top of your WordPress dashboard. This will open the page editor. Then, click the Edit with Elementor button to access the Elementor page builder. Elementor provides a user-friendly interface that allows you to see changes in real-time. To customize the homepage layout, click on the six dots icon at the top of the page. This enables you to adjust the overall layout.
To edit specific elements, hover over the element you want to change and click the pencil icon that appears. This action opens an editing panel where you can type new content directly into the title box, and you will see the changes immediately on your website. Additionally, you can adjust the heading size and typography to better fit your design needs. In the style section, you have the option to add images and customize the position of each element to create a visually appealing homepage.
Customizing the About Section
The About section is crucial for engaging your visitors by sharing your story. Firstly, scroll down to the About section on your webpage and click the six dots icon to enter the customization mode. Here, you can replace the default image with one that better represents your brand. Then, click on the image element and upload your preferred image. To edit the text, click on the text box, and you can rewrite the content to tell the story behind your business and the ideas that drive it. This section should reflect your brand’s personality and mission, helping to build a connection with your audience.
Customizing the Service Section
Highlighting your services clearly and attractively is essential. To edit the Service section, scroll to it on your webpage and click the six dots icon. This action allows you to customize the section’s layout. Click on each element within the section to edit the text, descriptions, and images. Make sure to provide clear and concise descriptions of the services you offer, complemented by relevant images that enhance the visual appeal. This helps potential clients understand what you provide and why they should choose your services.
Adding and Customizing the FAQ Section
If your template does not include an FAQ section, you can easily add one. First, click the ‘+’ icon in the location where you want the FAQ section to appear. Then, select the file icon to add a new section. In the block search bar, type “FAQ” to find suitable FAQ blocks. Choose the block that fits your design preferences and add it to your website. Once the block is added, you can click on each FAQ item to edit the questions and answers, ensuring they address common queries your audience might have. This section can greatly enhance user experience by providing quick answers to potential questions.
Customizing the Contact Section
A contact form is a vital component of any one-page website. To customize the Contact section, navigate to it on your page and select the pencil icon to edit the content. Update the contact information with your business details, ensuring that your phone number, email address, and physical address (if applicable) are correct and easily accessible. This information is crucial for enabling visitors to reach out to you. After making your changes, click Update to save them, ensuring that your contact section is both functional and professional.
Adding More Blocks
If you need to add additional sections to your website, Elementor makes it easy. Simply drag a block from the left menu onto the page where you want the new section to appear. Once the block is placed, select it to access the settings menu and make the necessary changes. This functionality allows you to add various content types, such as testimonials, galleries, or additional informational sections, enhancing the richness and functionality of your one-page website.
By following these steps, you can create a fully customized one-page website that effectively represents your brand and engages your audience. Always remember to save your changes frequently to avoid losing any work.
Step 5: Publish Your Website
The final step in the process is to publish your one-page website so it can be viewed by the public. Before you hit the publish button, it’s crucial to give your site a thorough check to ensure everything is in order. Start by reviewing the content on each section of your page. Look for any typos or grammatical errors that could affect the professionalism of your site.
Next, test all the links on your website to make sure they direct visitors to the correct pages. Broken links can frustrate users and harm your site’s credibility. Also, ensure that your contact form is working properly. Fill out the form and submit it to see if the information is correctly received. This step is vital as the contact form is a primary way for potential clients to get in touch with you.
Inspect all images and features to make sure they appear as intended. Check the visual elements on different devices and browsers to confirm that your site is responsive and looks good everywhere.
Taking the time to identify and fix any issues now is much better than having a visitor encounter them later. Once you are confident that everything is perfect, you can go ahead and publish your website. Finally, from your WordPress dashboard, simply click the Publish button, and your one-page website will be live and accessible to your audience. Congratulations on your new site!
Final Thoughts: Step-By-Step How To Create a One-Page Website
In this guide, we shared how to create a WordPress one-page website using five simple steps. Creating a single-page website is incredibly straightforward, especially when using a theme like Astra, a plugin like Starter Templates, and a page builder like Elementor.
The process starts with setting up web hosting and a domain name, followed by installing WordPress. Once WordPress is installed, choosing a suitable one-page theme like Astra is the next step. Astra is a fast, responsive theme with excellent customization options. The theme provides numerous single-page templates covering various industries, making it easy to find a template that suits your needs.
