Single Page Websites – one page wonder

Less is More: The advantages of a single page website

Single page websites have recently become very popular. They have actually been around for a long time and usually they've been used for cheap and cheerful static websites. Today's single page websites are a dramatic improvement on those, and can be beautifully crafted designs that are dynamic thanks to the latest developments in web techniques and capabilities.

So. what's so good about single page websites?

• PRESENTATION
  The single page website layout is presented in a way that is easy on the eye. Small chunks of content will appeal to your visitors and make them want to stay on your site for longer. The focus is strong design.
• CLARITY
• CONTENT IS KING
  There is a clear content organization structure. Instead of having different pages for each section of the website, all content is on one page. Anchor links allow the user to navigate from one part of the page to another.The constraints of space helps you to choose your words and images carefully to get your message across and avoid superfluous words.

Marketeers are always telling us that simple messages are the key to success as they are easy to understand and good web designers know this. The visitor will be impressed that they instantly know what you offer and can make a decision on whether to buy straight away. This can lead to higher conversion rates.

There’s nothing more refreshing than a no nonsense, what you see is what you get delivery—whether it’s a business proposal, an educational resource, or a website design. This is especially true when you really like what you see. This is the line of thought behind the single page website, which has recently become an increasingly popular trend in web design. These simple one page website layouts provide a clear, attractive format that delivers relevant content without any other unnecessary fluff.

The One Page Comebak

In a surprising move, one-page websites are making a big comeback. Up until recently single page websites were reserved for online event sign ups or static, low budget websites. The one page website today is a carefully crafted design choice for all kind of consumer and professional needs; it’s chic, smart, and practical. A web designer’s job is to create a design layout that is the best use of space for the content they’re working with. So often, professionals want multi-page websites when they don’t have enough content to make these pages worthwhile; to make the pages appear useful, they end up adding content that is of no real value.

Visitors rarely visit these pages (and if they do, probably exit the site from them) These useless, sparse site pages don’t appeal much to search engines either, since they usually lack the quality and finesse of important site pages.

Better for Search Engines

Marketing and business statistics validate the one page website as being more than just a web design trend. Search engines will always favor websites with one page of quality, keyword rich, & relevant content over a sprawling website with scattered wordy, content.

Statistics show that 80% of site visitors never even navigate away from a website’s homepage. Site visitors and consumers want immediate gratification; if they don’t find what they’re looking for right away, they’ll leave.

Elements of a One Page Design

A lot of web designers would agree that the single page website innately lends to a better user experience. The following web user interface design features are attributed to the improved UX of a single page site:

• Consistent design
• Continuous linear navigation
• Excellent use of space & clear, concise mission statement (since there’s no room for meandering)
• Clear content organization structure
• (Only) the most important content lies above the fold, all other lies below it
• Anchor links throughout let the user easily navigate to the content they’re looking for

About.me is an example of a website that capitalizes on all the benefits of the one page design layout. It delivers a to-the-point mission statement that clearly states what is being offered; the user knows exactly what to do, since the primary focus of the page is a straight-forward call to action; all (and only) the crucial content is above the fold; the page uses clean lines that don’t distract the user from the call to action; it uses two images that are communicative visual representations of who this company is and what service they’re offering.