The one-page website trend? It looks clean. It feels modern. And if you’re a photographer or a portfolio brand, it might be enough.

But for most businesses — especially those selling a service, offering multiple solutions, or aiming to convert — it’s a silent killer.

Here’s why compressing everything onto a single scroll is likely costing you trust, leads, and long-term growth.

This article breaks down:

• The psychological problem with one-page sites

• Why Google hates them

• What you’re missing in terms of SEO and conversion

• The smarter alternative for small and mid-size businesses

Looks Slick, Converts Poorly

One-page sites feel simple — but simplicity isn’t the goal. Clarity is.

A visitor who scrolls endlessly, unsure where one section ends and another begins, is mentally exhausted before they reach your CTA.

Common issues with one-pagers:

• One generic CTA at the bottom of the page

• No clear segmentation by audience or offer

• No chance to rank for multiple keywords

• Everything competing for attention all at once

Google Doesn’t Like Flat

You can’t build real SEO power with one page. Why?

Because:

• You have one URL to target every service and every keyword

• Internal linking? Impossible

• Topical authority? Zero

If your competitors have dedicated, SEO-optimized pages for each service, they’ll win the organic traffic every time.

Analytics? Forget It

With a one-pager, your data becomes useless:

• Bounce rate tells you nothing

• You can’t track performance per section

• A/B testing is clunky or impossible

• Heatmaps become chaos maps

You need structure to know what’s working — and what isn’t.

The Better Alternative

Not every business needs a 20-page site. But here’s the minimum viable structure that works for most real companies:

• Homepage (with overview + clear CTA)

• Individual pages for each core offer or service

• About / Team page (builds trust)

• Contact page (with a form or booking CTA)

• Blog / Insights (for SEO and content marketing)

Optional but powerful:

• Case studies or testimonials

• Pricing / FAQ

When a One-Pager Actually Works

There are exceptions. A one-page site might be fine if:

• You’re testing a new MVP or landing page

• You’re a solo creative with one offer

• You’re building a temporary or seasonal campaign

Even then — be strategic.

Conclusion – Stop Oversimplifying What Should Be Strategic

Your website shouldn’t just scroll. It should sell.

And a one-page structure rarely gives you the tools to do that.

Want a site that looks sharp, performs better, and grows with your business? Let’s talk — we design websites that convert.