When a Website Feels Too Defining: Why a One-Page Site Might Be the Answer.
When a Website Feels Too Defining: Why a One-Page Site Might Be the Answer
Ever feel like your website is trying too hard to sum up everything about you? Like it's this pressure-filled digital business card that’s supposed to neatly encapsulate who you are, what you do, and why you do it—all in just a few pages?
I’ve been there. And it can feel... stifling. It’s as if the moment you click “publish,” you’ve committed to being that version of yourself—forever. But we’re all more complex than that, right? Our interests evolve, new projects pop up, and the things that make our hearts race one year might shift the next. So why should our websites feel like they’re locking us in?
The Trap of Over-Defining
There’s a certain pressure to make your website the ultimate reflection of your brand—especially when you’re a multi-hyphenate like me. We want it to look professional, but also personal. To be clear about what we offer, but also leave room for all the new ideas we haven’t quite put into words yet. I used to get caught up in thinking my website needed to have everything: a homepage, a detailed about page, portfolio, blog, contact form... You name it.
But sometimes, more pages don’t give you more freedom. They can actually make things feel more rigid. Suddenly, each page starts to feel like another box you have to check off, another part of yourself that needs to fit neatly into a category.
And let’s be real—fitting into boxes has never been my thing.
When a One-Page Website Makes More Sense
That’s where the beauty of a one-page website comes in. It’s like taking a deep breath and letting go of the need to have it all figured out. Instead of trying to cram yourself into a structure that doesn’t quite fit, a one-page site allows you to create a more fluid story—one that doesn’t have to explain every detail.
Think of a one-pager as the “elevator pitch” of websites. It’s short, sweet, and it gives people just enough to get a sense of what you’re about. And because there’s less to manage, it’s easier to update when your focus shifts or a new idea comes along.
For those of us who are always learning and evolving, this simplicity can be a breath of fresh air.
Why It Works for Some.
When some of the people I consulted with switched to a one-page website, it felt like they were finally giving themselves permission to not have all the answers. Instead of getting stuck in the weeds of figuring out how to describe every single thing they do, they could focus on creating a site that just felt... real. They had room to share a snapshot of my journey, highlight a few things they’re currently excited about, and make it easy for people to reach out. That’s it.
And you know what? That simplicity doesn’t make me them less of a professional. If anything, it allowed them to show up in a way that’s more honest. It’s not about being flashy or impressive—just creating a space that feels like them without all the pressure.
Is a One-Page Website Right for You?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of building (or maintaining) a multi-page site, or if you feel like your website is boxing you in, maybe a one-pager is worth considering. It could be the nudge you need to remember that your online presence is yours, and it can change whenever you do.
Your website doesn’t have to be this grand declaration of everything you are. It can be a snapshot—a small, honest piece of your story that’s allowed to evolve, just like you.
And if nothing else, a one-page site is a reminder that it’s okay to keep things simple. Sometimes, that’s all you really need. And if you need help getting started with this, I’ve created a FREE Canva website template for you to test things out for free before you commit to website subscription or those pesky short trials.
