One of the first questions that occurs when a website is being created is all about the number of pages that are required. This question happens whether it's a brand new website or a website that is being re-designed.
The number of pages required can vary dramatically between websites.
Some websites can exist with just a single page of content. For example, a simple website that focuses on a single service. This type of website could share enough information to help a visitor understand if it's the right fit for them, offering a contact form or telephone number for any enquiries.
Other websites could need hundreds or thousands of pages of content. An example of this would be an E-Commerce website. Every product or category on an E-Commerce site is a page that needs content added to it.
The success of a website isn't defined by the number of pages. Instead, it's how easy it is for your potential customers to understand the products or services that you offer.
Your potential customers are the single most important aspect. It's all about how you display and share your content with a potential customer, helping them to understand your products or services. The easier it is for someone to understand what you offer, the easier it is for them to make a purchase from your business.
When it comes to content, many websites have too much or too little content. Yes, both of these are possible.
There's no hard and fast rule for just how much content should be on a page. You need enough to explain what you offer to your readers and to capture their attention. Your aim should be to encourage communication - whether that's through an email, a phone call or a visit to your retail store.
An example of too little content would be a website page with just 100 words or so. This isn't really enough for a reader to digest and it's also bad from the perspective of a search engine. It's the type of page that Google would consider being "thin content". This is described as something that has little or no value.
A website page that has too much content would be a page that overwhelms a reader. If your page has the equivalent of the expansive novel 'Ulysses', it's probably something that could be trimmed a little. Longer pages are great for delivering information, but that information needs to flow cohesively and keep a reader's attention.
So how many pages does a website really need? The simple answer is: as many pages as you need to easily explain your products or services to a reader.
If you're taking the time to show your products or services, explain the benefits that a potential customer will receive and to answer any questions they might have, then you're already most of the way there.
It's worth taking the time to think about your website and the number of pages that you have.
Are each of the pages set up to deliver value or information to your prospective customers? Are there any pages that could be improved? Are there any pages that are redundant?
If you haven't updated the content on your website for a while, you may well find quite a few areas that could do with a little love.
Remember, the easier it is for someone to understand what you do and how you do it, the easier it is for them to move a step closer to purchasing from you.
P.S. If you want to learn more about digital marketing and how you can create website more effectively for your business, I’d be happy to discuss this with you. Please book a meeting with me using my calendar here.
