Top 6 tips for creating great one-page website

Have you heard the latest buzz around the internet and various marketers and web designers? No, well we will let you into a little secret. One page websites are the new website that gives you everything in one page. However, a one page website is not suitable for everyone. Everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon because they are popular but that isn’t a reason. If they don’t fit with your business then they are pointless.  A one-page website can be fantastic if correctly designed but before you even think about a one-page website, check your project qualifies.

When it comes to creating a one page website you have to remember not to overload the page with content. Remember you only have one page to engage your audience and get across your message. Throwing too many magic tricks into the content such as flash and animation will soon bore your visitors, which is why you have to carefully plan the page. A page full of content will not win any new visitors as they will come to your page and just see it stuffed with text. However, it can be a difficult challenge to create a fantastic one page website that has good content and is engaging.

One page websites vary in use but more often than not it is usually a personal portfolio or a business that only sells limited products or services.

If your web site falls into one page creation then you have to be 100% certain it will hit the required mark. There are many steps you follow when creating a perfect website of many pages. When it comes to a one page website things are a little different. The points below are critical when you are setting up a one page website:

#1 – Always stay focused

Remember your goal – keep it simple as you can for your audience.  If you are creating a single page website then it is because you don’t have much in the way of content. There is nothing wrong with that as long as it is quality content.  Multiple page websites are usually stuffed full of content to make them look meaty but half of the content is irrelevant.  Having a single page website sole purpose is to get to the point without beating around the bush.  If you are a designer and you need to put together a portfolio then you know exactly what you need to include and what you don’t need. Naturally the portfolio will be of your best work not the small projects.

Look at your website, remove all the content that is there for the sake of being there and concentrate on the content that matters. Every website has a strategy planned around it and while most websites can overload with content that is fine as visitors who come to the website regularly will know exactly where to look for the information they need.  Creating a one page website is a different story altogether. You only get one chance to get it right. If a visitor comes to your page and cannot find what they are looking for then you can probably say goodbye to them as they will not return.

#2 – Ensure your layout has a hierarchy

As well as engaging the visitor, your one page website has to showcase your service or product down to a tee. After all a one page website is about having one goal only and that is to tell your visitor everything they need to know on one page.

Great design and a clean layout will define your website. You have the power to draw your visitor to wherever you want to on your website. It is human nature to focus on large things first and then small things last, so this is what you must use to your advantage and build your one page website around.

Some of the best portfolio websites focus on large font paragraphs to introduce the page. These work well as people instantly are drawn to the text as it gets to the point and is appealing on the eye. Focus on the interesting stuff to engage the visitor and place less importance on other things but make sure you get the message across.  If you find you have too much content then a multiple page website may be the best option for you.

#3 Easy to navigate

Navigation is paramount on a one page website.  Many people who have static one page websites tend to kill many birds with one stone. For example they may have a navigation option on their website titled videos. However, when the user clicks on the option it navigates them away to YouTube. As easy as this makes things it is also a little naughty, users should be told they are being directed to an external website before they click the option.  If your website is selling products then if you direct people away from your web page to pay for the goods they may not be happy and not continue with the purchase.

It cannot be stressed enough but let’s mention it again – keep everything simple on your website. Don’t cut corners and re-direct visitors to external websites without warning them first as visitors will not be happy. If you are going to do these then use icons to warn the user where they are going, don’t spring it on them.

#4 Go creative mad

This is the fun part. As you have one page to get your message across you want it to be fun and engaging not boring. So this is your one opportunity to let your creative streak run wild, allowing you to look at the bigger picture. Create a design that is memorable but one which will also attract visitors making it one of those sites that are always talked about, for the right reasons of course.

Having a one page design means you have a huge blank canvas to work with.  You can add different backgrounds in different sections and add cool graphics making it look more like a magazine but on one page. The possibilities are endless to what you can do with a one page website so let your mind run free and create a one page website that will get you noticed.

#5 Let your coding skills go crazy

As well as showing off a really good web design you also want to showcase your coding skills. When creating a one page website bear in mind that the user is looking for interaction. It is the user experience that counts so attention to detail is vital. Using out of this world cod can take your website to the top league.

Things to get right include link colour and behaviour, form behaviour and content placement. Ensure that these align perfectly with your website design.

#6 Create some animation

Now that you have perfected the coding skills it is time to get a little smarter. Generate code that adds movement to your website as this will excite your visitors. Remember fresh content is king and moving objects are far from dull to the visitor. Add some life to your page rather than it being a run of the mill website. As your visitors navigate their way round your website, move with them. Adding simple transitions and funny animations can do a lot to improve your website and improve the overall user experience for the user.

The most common tools used for coders to create animation are jQuery and AJAX. The possibilities are amazing and whether you create simple fade in and out form each side or something more fun, you will be guaranteed audience engagement.