Ever wondered how to capture your brand’s message on a single, stunning webpage? One page WordPress themes make it easy to showcase everything visitors need to know—without endless clicking or clutter.
This question matters whether you’re launching a personal portfolio, promoting a business, or creating a landing page. A one page website offers simplicity and focus, making navigation a breeze for your audience.
In this article, we’ll guide you through what one page WordPress themes are, why they’re useful, and how to set one up step by step. You’ll also find tips for choosing the perfect theme and making your site stand out.
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What is a One Page WordPress Theme?
A one page WordPress theme is a website design where all your important content lives on a single, continuously scrolling page. Instead of users having to click around to multiple inner pages, everything—about, services, testimonials, portfolio, contact form—flows in sequence on the homepage. Navigation menus usually smooth-scroll to different sections on the same page rather than loading new ones.
Why Use a One Page WordPress Theme?
One page themes offer a modern way to showcase your business, service, or portfolio. They are especially popular for:
- Portfolios
- Startups and agencies
- Small businesses
- Events and landing pages
- Personal resumes and CVs
The primary reason? Simplicity and focus. One page sites minimize distractions and direct visitors to take action—like contacting you, signing up, or making a purchase—without wandering off to secondary pages.
How to Create a One Page Website With WordPress
Setting up a one page website sounds challenging, but with WordPress, it’s surprisingly easy. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started:
1. Choose Your Domain and Hosting
Before anything, secure a domain name that reflects your brand and select reliable hosting. Many hosting providers offer “one-click” WordPress installs to simplify the process.
2. Install WordPress
Once you have hosting, install WordPress. Most hosts walk you through this part. After installing, log into your WordPress dashboard.
3. Select a One Page WordPress Theme
Browse popular one page themes in the WordPress theme repository or look for free and premium options from reputable companies. Here are some features to watch for:
- Section-based layout builder
- Smooth scrolling navigation
- Mobile responsiveness
- Customization options (colors, fonts, layout)
- Built-in contact form
- SEO-friendly structure
Popular one page themes include Astra, Zakra, Hestia, Neve, Sydney, and OceanWP. Many of these have both free and premium versions, so you can start without a big investment.
4. Install and Activate the Theme
In your WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance > Themes > Add New. Search for your chosen theme, install it, and activate.
5. Import a Starter Site (Optional)
Many modern themes, especially Astra, Hestia, and Neve, offer “starter sites” or demo imports. This saves time by loading pre-built content and layouts tailored for one page setups. After importing a demo, just swap in your photos, text, and branding.
6. Customize Your Sections
Edit each homepage section to suit your needs. Typical sections include:
- Hero/header (intro with headline and call to action)
- About
- Services/features
- Portfolio or work showcase
- Testimonials
- Team
- Contact form
Use the WordPress block editor (Gutenberg) or recommended page builders (like Elementor or Beaver Builder) for drag-and-drop editing.
7. Set Up Navigation for Smooth Scrolling
Adjust your menu so each item links to a section of your page. Most themes let you link menu items to specific page anchors (section IDs), creating a smooth scrolling effect when users click a nav item.
8. Add Content and Media
Write compelling copy for each section. Add high-quality images, videos, and graphics to illustrate your story and boost visual appeal.
9. Optimize for Mobile
Most quality themes are responsive, but always double-check that your site looks great and functions well on smartphones and tablets.
10. Publish and Promote
Hit “Publish” when you’re ready to go live! Promote your new website through social media, email, and other channels relevant to your industry.
Benefits of Using a One Page WordPress Theme
One page sites are not just a trend—they’re a powerful communication tool. Here are some benefits:
Simplified User Experience
- Visitors find everything they need by scrolling.
- No endless clicking between pages.
- Navigation is fast and intuitive, especially on mobile.
Clear Call to Action
- One page means all attention is focused on your main goal—whether it’s booking, contacting, signing up, or purchasing.
Easy Maintenance
- No need to update multiple pages.
- Fewer chances for broken or outdated links.
Lightning Fast Loading
- With fewer pages and scripts, one page sites tend to load quickly—great for SEO and user retention.
Stylish and Modern Appeal
- Clean, elegant design that looks fantastic on all devices.
- Contemporary, professional impression for visitors.
Potential Challenges of One Page WordPress Sites
While one page designs are appealing, there are some considerations to keep in mind:
Limited for Complex Content
- Not ideal for blogs, e-commerce stores with many products, or sites with lots of resources or articles.
SEO Limitations
- With all content on a single page, targeting lots of different keywords can be a challenge.
- However, if your goal is to rank for a single service, name, or brand, a one page site can work very well.
Long Scrolling
- If you have a lot of content, the page can become too long, potentially overwhelming visitors.
Analytics
- Tracking which “sections” visitors engage with is trickier compared to multi-page sites, though solutions do exist.
Practical Tips & Best Practices for One Page WordPress Sites
For the best results, follow these guidelines:
Keep It Focused
- Prioritize your core message and keep each section concise.
- Eliminate unnecessary details that distract from your call to action.
Use Engaging Visuals
- Use crisp images and icons to break up text and guide the eye.
- Consider adding subtle animations or parallax effects to make scrolling enjoyable.
Make Navigation Stand Out
- Use a sticky header so menus are always accessible.
- Clearly label each menu item to signal what’s ahead.
Optimize for Speed
- Compress images, use caching plugins, and choose fast hosting.
- Minimize the number of plugins and scripts to keep load times short.
Prioritize Accessibility
- Use high-contrast colors, legible fonts, and alt text for images.
- Ensure your site is usable for everyone, including people with disabilities.
Add a Clear CTA (Call to Action)
- Place buttons for your main action (contact, buy, sign up) in multiple sections.
- Use strong, action-oriented language.
Popular One Page WordPress Themes: Features & Options
A thriving community of developers and designers create themes focused solely on the one page approach. When browsing for a theme, you’ll discover a variety of options:
Free vs. Premium Themes
- Free themes: Ideal for getting started or if you’re on a budget. They often include essentials like anchor navigation, customization, and basic templates.
- Premium themes: Offer more design flexibility, advanced elements (like sliders and portfolios), bundled plugins, and support.
Trusted Theme Providers
Several providers are well-regarded for their high-quality one page WordPress themes:
- Astra: Known for speed, flexibility, and many one page starter templates.
- Hestia: Sleek material design, easy to set up, and great for business landing pages.
- Sydney: Popular for portfolios and creative agencies.
- Neve: Lightweight and highly customizable.
- OceanWP: Versatile, works with popular page builders.
- Zakra: Modern design, compatible with Elementor and Gutenberg.
- Colorlib & Athemes themes: Offer stylish options with a focus on simple editing tools.
- ThemeForest: Marketplace with hundreds of creative, unique designs reviewed for code quality.
- Hostinger, Speckyboy, Curate Labs, TemplatesJungle: Known for curated lists and free theme selections for every need.
Key Features To Look For
When shopping for a one page theme, make sure it offers:
- Drag-and-drop builders or compatibility with popular page builders (Elementor, Gutenberg, Beaver Builder)
- Ready-made demo sites for quick launch
- Responsive design for mobile friendliness
- Fast performance
- Integration with contact forms and social media
- Strong reviews and regular updates
Cost Tips
Building a one page WordPress site can be very budget-friendly:
- Domain: Generally $10-20 per year
- Hosting: Shared hosting ranges from $30-100 per year
- Theme: Many top themes are free, while premium versions usually cost $30-70 (one-time fee or annual)
- Page Builder Plugins: Optional extras like Elementor Pro, if needed, usually $50-$100 per year
If you’re on a tight budget, start with a free theme and upgrade as your needs grow.
Summary
A one page WordPress website is a smart, modern solution for businesses, portfolios, and individuals who want to deliver a focused message with compelling design and easy navigation. With the right theme and a bit of planning, you can launch a stylish, mobile-friendly site without technical headaches. Whether you choose a free or premium theme, pay attention to design, speed, and usability for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between a one page and a multi-page WordPress site?
A one page site consolidates all key content onto a single, scrollable homepage. A multi-page site has separate pages for different topics. One page sites are quicker to browse, while multi-page sites suit larger, more complex projects.
Are one page WordPress themes good for SEO?
One page themes can perform well in search engines if optimized properly, especially for focused, niche keywords. However, they are less ideal if you want to target a wide range of topics and keywords.
Can I add a blog to a one page WordPress website?
Yes. While the main site is one page, most themes let you enable a blog as a separate section or link out to it. Just remember: trying to fit too much diverse content into the one page can clutter your design.
Is it easy to convert my existing multi-page site to a one page site?
It’s usually possible but requires some planning. You’ll need to condense content, use section anchors for navigation, and perhaps switch to a dedicated one page theme that simplifies the process.
Do I need coding skills to build a one page WordPress website?
No! Most modern one page WordPress themes offer drag-and-drop editing and section builders. You can customize layouts, colors, and content without touching code, though having basic WordPress knowledge is helpful.
With a one page WordPress theme, you can launch a beautiful, results-driven website quickly and efficiently. Keep your message sharp, your sections engaging, and remember: simple is powerful. Good luck building your new site!