One page website SEO

[SamCUK]

Can a one page website rank well with the right SEO? I am building a new site so it is best to put the content related to two or three related items on one page or create seperate pages? Surely by creating just one page I can put all my link building efforts into improving the authority of that page as opposed to spreading my time over 3?

[Matt-Williamson]

I think you are going to struggle ranking well for multiple terms in relation to a one page website. I would even go as far as to say how much value does a 1 page website give to a browser? You could argue that it provides them with exactly what they are looking for. However I would say a site with several pages will allow you to rank for multiple keywords better concentrating on one for each page and then you could actually end up with a better link profile as you can push each individually rather than purely the one page. You might gain decent links to several pages rather than limiting it to just one. I would always stick to the principle that Google is looking for over-optimized and spammy pages, since Penguin especially. How over-optimised is a page likely to look if it is targeting multiple keywords, potentially using all the on-page factors? Also then when Google finds it is a single page it will set alarm bells off if you ask me – this site is just there to rank for these terms and serves no real value. Put the time in to develop an information rich site that really serves the purpose you intend it to well and is not a shortcut for search engine ranking. You are more likely to rank well and get links from decent sites/authorities if you go about it in this way I think.

[KevinBudzynski]

Agree totally with Matt. If the keyword is competitive (like shoes), no way you will rank high. However, If it's a long tail with no competition (cool shoes with blue laces) you could.

[CPLDistribution]

Could you rank? Yes, however I think that by breaking the content up into separate pages you would generate higher volumes of traffic. Why?

• Separate pages will enable you to write engaging and keyword rich title tags that will get a higher CTR (with one page you would be forced to write keyword stuffed title tags). (ditto for meta description)
• Separate pages will enable you put your target keywords at the start of the title tag which will help you rank for that keyword.
• Separate pages would look less spammy from a search engine perspective and therefore your site would have less chance of being penalised.

And from a user perspective:

• Would a one page website raise alarm bells about credibility?
• How easy would it be for a user to find what they are looking for on a one page website if it is cluttered amongst other content?

[SamCUK]

Thanks for your reply guys. That all makes perfect sense. I want the site to be as useful as possible so seperate pages will help that cause.