It has never been easier to build a website, and while professional designers still play a significant part, anyone can get a site off the ground with relative ease. Open-source content management systems like WordPress make putting the structure in place a breeze. Meanwhile, thousands of different WordPress themes ensure stunning visuals and unique designs without the need for outside help. In this article, we’ll reply to the question of how many pages does a website really need?
However, while building a site is relatively easy, essential factors can only be learned through experience. For example, one significant consideration for anyone that has never made a site before is how many pages to include. Most CMS platforms enable users to create hundreds of pages in minutes, but it is essential to consider what is integral to the success or a waste of time and money. In addition, if you’re using a WordPress website, you can try WordPress development services to have it done by a professional.
Thinking Big – Starting Small: How Many Pages Does a Website Needs?
When building a website, it can be tempting to think big. Some of the most visited websites in the world have thousands of pages, which is part of their success. Some of the most visited sites globally, such as Microsoft’s official domain. Were on the success of existing brands. The majority, however, like Google, YouTube, and Amazon, were solely online. The importance of the vast amount of content on these sites can understand.
More importantly, each of these sites started somewhere. YouTube is the world’s second most-visited site, according to Alexa Top Sites. The official YouTube blog states that users upload over 500 hours of video every minute. However, it all started with just one video.
These sites have in common that they rely on functionality as much as content, and it is vital to have this in place before creating a colossal content schedule. Get the basics right, and everything else tends to fall into place.
For personal websites, just a couple of pages could be enough. It depends on the intent behind the site. A personal blog grows organically as site owners write more posts. Getting off the ground can be as simple as a homepage and the first post.
On corporate sites, it can be more complex. Users visiting the site usually want to find out more about the company and gauge trust. A single-page site may not be enough, and there are also privacy policies about pages and other essentials to consider. Consider what visitors want from the site, and tailor your output to that audience.
Meeting a Need
Some sites thrive with just a single focus and a handful of supplementary pages. Browser-based games are an ideal example. Visitors go to the site to play a game, and everything involved in the activity is contained within the code on a single page. Spider Solitaire Challenge is an excellent example, as the key reason for the site existing – the game itself – never requires visitors to leave the main page. It is backed up solely by pages required by all modern websites, like the privacy policy and terms of use.
Other sites need as many pages as possible, with news websites being the perfect showcase. From ESPN to CNN and everything else in between, dozens or even hundreds of new pages appear every day. These sources would not be what they are today without them.
For a small business website, meeting a need comes down to a few core pages:
- Firstly, the home page to showcase the brand.
- Secondly, a contact or order page to enable visitors to become customers.
- A privacy policy and cookie notice to meet regulatory requirements.
- Finally, product and service pages to inform potential customers on what you do.
Table
| Category | Page Type | Description | Who Needs It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Pages | Home | The main landing page that provides an overview of the website. | All websites |
| About | A page describing the purpose, mission, or background of the organization or individual. | Businesses, personal sites, non-profits | |
| Contact | A page with contact information, forms, or maps for visitor inquiries. | All websites | |
| Services/Products | Describes the services or products offered, sometimes split into sub-pages for each. | Businesses, e-commerce | |
| Blog/News | A space for updates, articles, or industry insights. | Content-heavy sites, businesses | |
| FAQ | Answers common questions to help users understand offerings or policies. | Service-oriented businesses, e-commerce | |
| Privacy Policy | Details how user data is handled and protected. | All websites (legally recommended) | |
| Terms & Conditions | Outlines website usage rules and policies. | Businesses, e-commerce, SaaS | |
| E-Commerce Specific | Product Listings | Pages displaying individual products with descriptions, prices, and images. | Online stores |
| Cart | A page where users review items before purchase. | E-commerce | |
| Checkout | A secure page for completing transactions. | E-commerce | |
| Order Confirmation | Displays after a successful purchase, summarizing the order details. | E-commerce | |
| Marketing & Landing | Landing Pages | Standalone pages designed for campaigns, ads, or specific calls to action. | Marketers, advertisers |
| Portfolio/Case Studies | Showcases past work, projects, or success stories. | Agencies, freelancers, service providers | |
| Testimonials/Reviews | Highlights customer feedback and reviews. | Service providers, e-commerce | |
| Support & Resources | Help Center/Knowledge Base | Provides detailed guides, tutorials, or resources. | SaaS, tech companies, support-heavy sites |
| Documentation | Technical guides for products or services. | Software companies, developers | |
| Optional/Advanced | Careers | Lists job openings and company culture details. | Businesses, large organizations |
| Events | Promotes events, webinars, or meetups. | Event planners, businesses, non-profits | |
| Gallery | Displays images or media collections. | Photographers, artists, travel sites | |
| Forum/Community | Space for user discussions or forums. | Niche communities, tech platforms |
How Many Pages Does a Website Needs: Final Words
With those in place, a site owner can begin to think about the direction they wish to take with the site. For example, if the brand is already established and well-known beyond the website. It is crucial to raise awareness around the online platform. On the other hand, if the company thrives on organic search traffic, additional content targeting specific keywords is a must.
Nevertheless, core pages are a must and should always serve as the initial focus. Beyond that, site owners can decide upon the direction they wish to take their creation. Finally, results are often dictated by their goals for the site and the habits of their potential customers.
