How Many Pages Does Your Website Really Need?
When you're building a website, it can feel like a juggling act. How many pages do you really need to get your message across without overwhelming your visitors? Today, I’m sharing my thoughts as a Squarespace website designer for coaches, wellness pros, and therapists, to help you find a sweet spot!
Before we dive in though - are you feeling overwhelmed by your website? Hi! I’m a Squarespace website designer who specializes in creating stunning one-page sites—ideal for newer business owners (under 5 years)! Whether you're considering a VIP day, checking out my portfolio, or looking for ways we can collaborate, I'm here to make your website shine (and showoff your bold personality). I would love to create something amazing together!
Is a One-Page Website Right for You?
The idea of a sleek, single-page website can be tempting, and for good reason. I specialize in one-page websites, so I might be biased, but hear me out! One-page websites are FANTASTIC for their simplicity, ease of navigation, and ability to tell a cohesive story without forcing visitors to click through multiple pages!
In my experience, they work best for those with a focused message or a small amount of content. If you’re a freelancer, artist, or have a single offer, a one-page website could be a perfect fit. For businesses just starting out, one-page websites are an excellent way to create a professional online presence without overwhelming your audience or your budget. I can have a one-page website up within a week!
More Pages Does NOT Mean More Value
Before I share more, I want to address one of the biggest misconceptions I hear. You might think that more pages mean more value, but that’s a common misconception. It’s all about quality, not quantity. A cluttered site can confuse visitors and make it harder for them to find what they need. Instead, focus on creating clear, valuable content that addresses your visitors' needs.
The Most Common Pages
If you do want more pages, here are some of the most common included for the service providers I work with (and what to include):
Home: Your virtual front door. Make a great first impression with a clear, welcoming home page.
Service/Product Overview: Give a snapshot of what you offer. FAQs and pricing can fit nicely here.
Detailed Service/Product Pages: Dive deeper into each service or product. This is where you can really sell the benefits (AND rank on Google for specific offers/packages).
About Us: Share your story, mission, and team. People love doing business with those they feel connected to (especially Gen Z)
Contact: Make it easy for visitors to get in touch. Include a form, phone number, and social media links.
Additional Pages to Consider
Depending on your business, you might want to add:
Blog: Great for SEO and keeping your audience engaged with fresh content.
Resources/Downloads: Offer valuable content like eBooks, whitepapers, or guides. This is a great way to build your email list.
Case Studies/Portfolio: These pages are great for building credibility and showcasing the “transformation” after they hire you.
404: A custom 404 page can guide lost visitors back to the right place.
Privacy Policy: A must for legal compliance, especially if you collect user data.
These Do Not All Need to Be On Their Own Page OR in The Main Navigation!
Not every bit of information needs its own page or spot in the main navigation. FAQs and testimonials, for example, are often more effective within relevant pages, like your service or product pages. This approach keeps your navigation clean and helps visitors find what they need without bouncing around your site. The last thing you want to do is have a new site visitor head to your navigation and be overwhelmed with 12 places to go next.
Now, as you start to decide how many pages YOU need, here are a few more tips from your friendly Squarespace website designer :)
Avoid Information Overload
Too much information can be overwhelming. Think of your website like a conversation. Provide just enough detail to keep it personable and informative, without drowning your visitors in text.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
A few well-crafted pages are far better than many pages with thin content. Each page should serve a clear purpose and be filled with valuable information that helps your visitors. I believe a website needs exactly enough pages to get visitors to connect and buy from you, but no more and no less.
Prioritize The Most Important Pages
When starting out, focus on the most important pages first. “Perfect” websites never get published (so stop waiting for that to happen). You can always add more as your business grows and your needs change.
Your website isn’t set in stone. Regularly review and update your content to keep it fresh and relevant. Pay attention to how visitors interact with your site. What do people comment on? Consider the user experience above all else, and trust me, you will be glad that you did!
Finishing Up: How Many Pages Does Your Website Really Need?
Building a website doesn’t have to be daunting. Start with the basics, keep your content focused, and remember that less can often be more. Prioritize quality, clarity, and the needs of your visitors, and you'll have a website that truly works for your business.
If you want someone to take the hassle off your hands, I'm here for you! As a professional Squarespace website designer, I specialize in one-page websites that are PERFECT for new business owners who need a stunning online presence. I'm just a phone call away! Let’s chat and turn your website dreams into reality.