Creating a website has never been simpler, and although professional designers still hold an important role, anyone can establish a website relatively easily. Open-source content management systems like WordPress streamline the process of setting up the basic structure. Simultaneously, thousands of different WordPress themes provide stunning visuals and unique designs without requiring external assistance. In this article, we’ll address the question of how many pages a website truly needs.
However, although website creation is relatively straightforward, certain essential factors can only be understood through practical experience. For instance, one crucial consideration for those new to website development is determining the appropriate number of pages. While most CMS platforms allow users to generate hundreds of pages instantly, it’s vital to distinguish between what’s crucial for success and what could be a waste of time and resources. Additionally, if you’re using a WordPress website, you can explore WordPress development services to have this handled professionally.
Starting Small, Thinking Big: Determining the Necessary Number of Pages for a Website
When developing a website, it’s easy to get carried away with ambitious plans. Some of the highest-traffic websites globally boast thousands of pages, contributing to their success. Some of these highly visited sites, such as Microsoft’s official domain, capitalized on the strength of pre-existing brands. However, the majority, including Google, YouTube, and Amazon, originated solely online. The significance of the extensive content on these sites is evident.
More importantly, every one of these sites started from humble beginnings. YouTube, the world’s second most visited site according to Alexa Top Sites, began modestly. The official YouTube blog highlights that users upload over 500 hours of video every minute. However, it all started with just one video.
What these sites share is a reliance on functionality as much as content, and having this in place is vital before planning an extensive content strategy. Get the fundamentals right, and the rest tends to fall into place.
For personal websites, just a few pages might suffice, depending on the site’s purpose. A personal blog naturally expands as the owner publishes more posts. Getting started can be as simple as having a homepage and the first post.
Corporate websites can be more intricate. Visitors typically seek information about the company and aim to gauge its trustworthiness. A single-page site may not suffice, and factors like privacy policies, about pages, and other essential elements need consideration. Analyze what visitors seek from the site and tailor your content accordingly.
Fulfilling a Specific Purpose
Some websites flourish with a singular focus and a few supporting pages. Browser-based games exemplify this perfectly. Visitors come to play, and all related activities are contained within the code of a single page. Spider Solitaire Challenge serves as a prime example, as the site’s core purpose – the game itself – never necessitates leaving the main page. It’s supplemented solely by pages required for all modern websites, such as the privacy policy and terms of use.
Conversely, other sites benefit from having numerous pages. News websites are a perfect illustration. From ESPN to CNN and everything in between, dozens or even hundreds of new pages emerge daily. These platforms wouldn’t be what they are today without this constant influx of content.
For a small business website, fulfilling a need boils down to a few essential pages:
- Firstly, the home page to showcase the brand.
- Secondly, a contact or order page enabling visitors to become customers.
- A privacy policy and cookie notice to comply with regulations.
- Finally, product and service pages informing potential customers about your offerings.
How Many Pages Does a Website Needs: Concluding Thoughts
Once these core pages are established, site owners can strategize their website’s direction. For instance, if the brand is already established beyond the website, it’s crucial to raise awareness about the online platform. Conversely, if the company relies on organic search traffic, creating additional content targeting relevant keywords is essential.
However, core pages remain indispensable and should always be the initial priority. Beyond that, site owners can shape their website’s path. Ultimately, results often hinge on their goals for the site and the behavior of their target audience.