What Pages Should a Website Have? A Simplified Guide
A quick search online will serve up an overwhelming list of results, leaving you wondering, what pages should a website have? But here’s the reality: it’s not about the number of pages; it’s about having the right pages, designed to make it easy and intuitive for visitors to find what they need.
Think quality, not quantity—more pages can overwhelm users and potentially drive away leads and clients.
5 Essential Web Pages Every Successful Website Must Have
Let’s keep this simple. Here are the core pages almost every website should have (with some exceptions):
- Home Page
Your home page is the entryway to your website, setting the tone for what you do, building trust, and guiding visitors. Focus on capturing attention with clarity—avoid clutter and highlight your main value points. - About Page
An About page gives visitors insight into who you are as a business. Share your mission, values, and origin story to strengthen your brand’s voice and make a personal connection. - Contact Page
Assuming you want to be contacted (most every business should!) this page is essential! Keep it straightforward, with a form for easy outreach, and include any other contact methods available. - Privacy Policy Page
Privacy policies may be legally required, especially if you’re collecting data. They’re essential for building trust, detailing data handling, cookie use, tracking policies, and reassuring visitors about their privacy. - Terms of Service Page
This page is critical for setting user expectations and protecting your business. It should outline guidelines and acceptable behavior for visitors.
Specialized Pages for Businesses with Specific Needs
- Service Pages or Product Pages
If you’re offering services or products, it’s helpful to have dedicated pages for them. Be concise and customer-focused, and consider adding testimonials or reviews to build trust. - Blog or Resources
If you’re creating content like blog posts or resources, a dedicated page makes it easy for users to find. Done well, this page can enhance user engagement and boost SEO. A blog or resource section is especially valuable if you’re aiming to build your brand online.
Focus On Quality Over Quantity
Design & User Experience on Each Page
Each page should be designed with a clear purpose and user-friendly layout. Avoid overwhelming visitors; instead, provide a smooth, easy experience. Design consistency and page hierarchy help guide users to the next steps. Well-placed calls to action can feel natural and encourage action without being pushy.
SEO & Accessibility
Again, quality over quantity. Focus on optimizing your core pages. Each page should be accessible, responsive, and include alt tags on images. For SEO, remember the most basic rule: prioritize user experience. By focusing on a valuable, easy experience for users, you’re already laying strong SEO and accessibility foundations.
Provide a Beautiful User Experience
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that more pages mean a better user experience. Start with your core pages. Once those are polished, you can always add more as needed. Keep your users in mind, and let that be your guide in building a site that truly represents your brand.
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