8 Tips for an Engaging Single Page Design
There’s no question that one-page sites are gaining popularity, and statistics show they’re fast becoming a favorite of web readers as well. This isn’t surprising since many web users have a short attention span, and they prefer having to make as few clicks as possible to find what they want on a website. But while anyone can whip up a single page website, putting together a quality single page design requires careful thinking and planning. Here are some suggestions.
Ensure Your Content is Suitable for a Single Page
A single page design cannot have too heavy a content as you only have a single page to convey your message. Also, single page designs tend to be unconventional in the design as there’s the need to provide info without being cluttered. Good candidates for single page designs are portfolios or companies that provide only a few services or products, so check if your idea fits in these categories.
Keep the Content Focused on Your Objectives
The page should stay focused on the subject at all times, and keep the content simple and easy to understand. If you’re setting up a portfolio, put up your best work and do away with the fluff. The same approach should be taken if you’re promoting a product or service as you need to get to the point quickly. Remember that with a single page design, you only have one opportunity to reach out to your target audience, so make the most of it. If the info isn’t there, readers will go
elsewhere so stay focused.
Use a Hierarchical Layout
Layout is absolutely critical because when properly designed you can direct the viewer’s eyes to where you want them to go. No matter who’s viewing the page, the big stuff always gets attention first so use large fonts to grab the readers’ attention. If you’re promoting a product, stress the important points right at the top of page, and add information that will make the reader want to scroll down for more information. Some single page designers like to tease the reader first with bits of information at the top, but by and large, getting to the point quickly is the best option.
Keep the Navigation Clear
There are some single page websites that take the visitor to an external site, and there’s nothing with that. However, you need to point out that they will be taken to an external site, or if you added a link to your payment platform, ensure the reader knows that is where they will be taken. In other words, navigation has to be clear and simple because a confusing page will turn people off.
Use Innovative Designs
Web users have little patience and get bored quickly, so an attractive design helps. You’ve probably heard that you shouldn’t use large pictures, large fancy fonts or anything that goes against the norm, but you can bend the rules a little with single page sites because you need to draw people’s attention.
The more intriguing your web design is, the more readers will be enticed to stay and check the content. Think of the page as a canvas where you can show off your artistic creativity. For instance, you can use different backgrounds for each unique section, or you can use a large picture of your product as the centerpiece, maybe an animation or an eye catching video.
Keep the Reader Engaged
The reason why you want to grab the reader’s attention at the top of the page is to keep them reading. So when you do get the reader’s attention, make sure the rest of the content flows in such a way that they’ll want to keep going. Again, always place the most important points first so the reader will be enticed to find out more information.
Divide Content into Segments
Don’t cram everything into a few paragraphs, as it’s important you divide the content into readable and manageable chunks. The content, no matter what it is, has to be precise, direct to the point and flows into the succeeding segment so there’s a sense of continuity. Do not divide the content just for the sake of separating them, as you need to make sure that the parts form a cohesive whole that actually makes sense.
A Strong Call to Action is a Must
A call to action can be in the form of a free trial for the product, a demo, order placement etc. Whatever the call to action you choose, it has to be strong and compelling. This is after all, the end goal of the whole site, because without the CTA then it’s all for nothing.
As you can see, a lot of thought has to go into the design of a single page site. While it’s not rocket science, you need to give it attention so you can achieve the desired outcome.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
