How to Create a One-Page Website with WordPress

On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Online Business Success

A one-page website simplifies navigation by having all content on a single scrollable page. Here’s how to build one with WordPress:

1. Why Choose a One-Page Website?

Fast Navigation: Content loads on a single page, enhancing user experience.
Control Content Order: Showcase your product or service logically (e.g., benefits first, pricing later).
Mobile-Friendly: No page reloads; ideal for app-like experiences.
Best for Small Sites: Ideal for minimal content (e.g., six sections with brief text).

2. Setting Up WordPress

Option 1: Local Setup with XAMPP

XAMPP allows testing WordPress locally before publishing.
It bundles Apache, MariaDB, PHP, and Perl to simulate a server environment.
Follow these steps:
Install XAMPP and select essential components (MySQL, phpMyAdmin).
Launch the Control Panel and ensure Apache/MySQL are running.
Access http://localhost in your browser to confirm setup.

Option 2: Hosting Plan with Preinstalled WordPress

Skip local setup by purchasing hosting with WordPress preinstalled.

3. Installing WordPress Locally

Download WordPress: Extract it to the htdocs folder in XAMPP.
Create a Database:
Visit http://localhost/phpmyadmin and create a new database.
Connect Database:
Rename wp-config-sample.php to wp-config.php.
Enter database credentials (root username, no password).
Install WordPress:
Navigate to http://localhost/your-folder-name and complete setup.

4. Selecting a Theme

Use any WordPress theme; for this tutorial, try SiteOrigin North (free).
Install via Appearance > Themes > Add New in the WordPress dashboard.
Choose a theme with a sticky menu for better navigation.

5. Installing Plugins

Install two essential plugins for building a one-page site:
1. Page Builder by SiteOrigin (for layout customization).
2. SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle (for additional elements).
Activate both plugins via Plugins > Add New.

6. Building the Page

Step 1: Create a Page

Go to Pages > Add New, then select the Page Builder tab.
Use prebuilt layouts (e.g., "Fitness Gym") or start from scratch.

Step 2: Customize Sections

Switch to Live Editor to edit page elements visually.
Add row IDs under Row Settings > Attributes (e.g., "services").

Step 3: Configure the Menu

Go to Appearance > Menus and create custom links for each section.
Use the row ID prefixed with (e.g., services) in the menu URLs.

7. Preview and Publish

Test the scroll behavior and navigation.
Customize further by adjusting colors, fonts, and layouts.
Once satisfied, publish the page.

Tips for Success

Optimize for Speed: Use compressed images to keep the one-pager lightweight.
Enhance SEO: Add meta descriptions and alt text for images.
Regular Updates: Keep plugins, themes, and WordPress updated.

Creating a one-page WordPress site is quick, beginner-friendly, and ideal for showcasing concise information. With tools like XAMPP and SiteOrigin, even complete beginners can create stunning, responsive websites.