Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Single-Page WordPress Website
By WordPress Experts |
Are you interested in developing a contemporary single-page website using WordPress without needing to engage a professional developer?
Single-page websites serve as excellent solutions for landing pages, portfolio displays, and small business platforms due to their engaging nature, mobile compatibility, and ability to direct visitors toward specific actions.
However, without proper methodology, the construction process can become challenging. Potential issues may include slow loading speeds, inadequate mobile responsiveness, and confusing navigation that could deter visitors.
This comprehensive guide will demonstrate precisely how to build a professional single-page WordPress website, even for those beginning their web development journey.
Advantages of Single-Page Websites
Most commercial enterprises and organizations require an online presence. Even businesses operating primarily through physical locations benefit from websites that help potential customers discover their brand and take subsequent actions. These actions might include scheduling appointments, obtaining contact details, or planning visits to physical establishments.
Nevertheless, constructing a complete multi-page website or blog can present significant challenges. Many individuals lack the time, financial resources, or technical expertise required to design numerous pages and maintain extensive content indefinitely.
A single-page website represents a considerably less demanding alternative.
Furthermore, multi-page websites aren't always necessary. For physical stores or local businesses, a website might function primarily as a digital business card, assisting with Google visibility and providing essential information like telephone numbers and operating hours.
In such scenarios, a single-page business website helps achieve objectives with reduced time investment and effort.
Many independent professionals and entrepreneurs utilize single-page sites as online portfolios or centralized link pages.
Single-page websites also serve effectively for temporary events such as conferences or workshops.
Since visitors typically have specific, focused objectives, there's minimal need to develop complex, multi-page sites they won't utilize.
An additional benefit involves the ability to easily deactivate the site after event completion, eliminating concerns about maintaining unnecessary online properties.
The fundamental conclusion remains: if you require a rapid, straightforward, and cost-effective method to establish online visibility, a single-page website may provide the ideal solution.
Now, let's examine the process for creating a single-page website:
- Step 1: Select Your Website Platform
- Step 2: Configure Hosting for Your Single-Page Website
- Step 3: Install WordPress on Your Web Hosting
- Step 4: Install a Page Builder Plugin
- Step 5: Create a New Page
- Step 6: Incorporate Your Branding
- Step 7: Select a Layout
- Step 8: Add Content Blocks
- Step 9: Add Unlimited Rows
- Step 10: Create a Contact Form
- Step 11: Publish Your Single-Page Website
- Additional Recommendations: Enhancing Your Single-Page Website
Step 1: Select Your Website Platform
Numerous website builders exist for creating single-page sites, but WordPress frequently receives recommendations from experienced developers.
Firstly, WordPress operates as open-source software available without cost. Many premium website builders focus primarily on multi-page websites, potentially resulting in payments for unnecessary features when constructing single-page designs.
By selecting WordPress, users obtain a robust and dependable platform without substantial expenses.
Industry statistics indicate WordPress represents the most widely used website platform globally, powering approximately 43% of all websites. This provides access to an established platform for single-page websites without premium costs.
However, two WordPress variants exist, making appropriate selection important.
WordPress.com functions as a blog hosting service, while WordPress.org operates as self-hosted WordPress software. For single-page websites, WordPress.org receives recommendations due to its compatibility with third-party plugins, including page builders.
While effective design matters for all WordPress websites, it becomes particularly crucial for single-page sites. With limited space to create strong impressions, every design element requires careful consideration.
Therefore, capable page builder plugins prove essential. These tools provide comprehensive control over page design, enabling precise positioning of each element. Page builders help maximize impact within minimal space.
Step 2: Configure Hosting for Your Single-Page Website
Creating a single-page website requires a domain name and web hosting service.
A domain name serves as your website's internet address, representing what visitors type into browsers to access your single-page site.
Web hosting constitutes the online location where your website resides. Numerous WordPress hosting options exist for new websites.
Although WordPress software remains free, hosting and domain names involve costs that can accumulate.
Domain names typically cost approximately $14.99 annually, while hosting services generally begin around $7.99 monthly. These expenses can become significant, particularly for single-page sites.
Many hosting providers offer promotional packages including free domain names and discounted hosting rates. Several major hosting companies serve as official WordPress-recommended partners.
Hosting plans often start around $2.99 monthly, suitable for lightweight single-page websites.
After selecting a hosting provider, visit their website and locate the registration or signup section.
This directs users to pricing pages where hosting plans become available.
Basic or business plans typically contain necessary features for successful single-page sites.
To select a plan, click the appropriate selection button.
Next, choose a domain name for your single-page website.
Domain names play crucial roles in establishing strong online brands, making careful selection worthwhile.
Ideal domains should be easily pronounceable, simple to spell, memorable, and relevant to your brand. Domain name generators can provide inspiration when needed.
If preferred domain names prove unavailable, consider adding geographical locations. This approach works particularly well for physical businesses, potentially increasing local search visibility.
After selecting a domain name, proceed to checkout pages.
Hosting providers typically request account information including names and email addresses.
Complete the process by providing payment information.
Following purchase completion, you'll receive email instructions for accessing your web hosting control panel. This dashboard enables management of your single-page website, including email notification configuration and support requests.
