Will a one-page website damage your reputation or boost it?

One-page websites get a bit of a bad rap sometimes. People assume they’re cheap, basic, or not serious enough. But we’ve found one-pagers can be brilliant when done right. They’re simple, slick, and often exactly what small businesses and creatives need to get noticed quickly and clearly.

But like any tool, they’re not perfect for everyone. So, here is our list of pros and cons of one-page sites, to help you figure out if they’re going to boost your reputation or hold you back.

The pros of one-page websites

1. Simplicity works

One page, one mission: get your visitors to know you and take action: no distractions, no dead ends. It’s perfect if you’re a small business or a freelancer with a clear, focused offering. Users don’t have to play detective hunting for your contact details or services.

2. Mobile-friendly

Scrolling is king on phones, and one-page sites ride that wave perfectly. No need to tap through clunky menus - just scroll, scroll, scroll. This gives you a leg up on mobile user experience, which Google absolutely loves.

3. Faster to build

Less content means less faffing about and easier updates. If you’re on a budget or want to get online quick, a one-pager is a cracking solution.

4. Great for campaigns & events

Launching a new product or event? A one-page site can keep the message tight, focused, and damn persuasive. No fluff, just the good stuff.

5. Kind to the planet

Smaller websites tend to be lighter on data and server resources. Less data means less energy used when people visit your site, which, in the grand scheme of things, helps shrink your digital carbon footprint. So, if you’re keen to keep your business green, a streamlined one-pager is a neat eco-friendly bonus.

The cons of one-page websites

1. SEO limitations

With only one page to rank, you’re putting all your eggs in one basket. There’s less room to target multiple keywords or topics, which can cap your Google visibility if you’re selling or talking about more than one thing.

2. Can look a bit light

If your business is complex or offers multiple services, squeezing everything into one page risks looking like you’re hiding something or just don’t have . It’s hard to build trust and credibility without a decent amount of content and proof.

3. Slow loading scare

Pack too much content, images, or fancy scroll effects into one page and it can get sluggish. Nothing kills a rep like a slow site, especially if your visitors are impatient (which they all are).

4. Limited analytics insight

With only one page, understanding which part of your site is working can be tricky. You won’t know what grabs attention or what turns people off, making improvements a bit like shooting in the dark.

So, will it damage your reputation?

Not if you do it right.

If you’re a solopreneur, creative, or running a very focused campaign, a slick, well-designed one-page site can look sharp and professional as hell.

We have a number of clients with single page websites that work really well for them – especially if they are doing all the other things to drive business (like networking, social media, getting their face out there).

But if you’re a growing business with multiple services or a lot to say, it’s usually better to have a multi-page site that lets you properly dive into your services and builds trust with your visitors.

What do we recommend?

We Goddess recommends starting with the website that is right for your business and not what an agency wants to sell you. If you’re just starting out or need a simple presence then a single page website may well be for you.

But remember, a one-page website is a tool - not a magic fix. Use it when it fits your story and goals, and avoid it when it’s a shortcut for laziness or skimping on your brand’s personality.

Want to chat about what type of website suits your business? Drop us a message.