How Many Pages Should a Website Have for SEO?
Does More Website Pages Equal More Traffic?
Let’s cut to the chase—yes, more pages can lead to more traffic. But that doesn’t mean you should go out and build 1,000 pages overnight.
I had a client recently ask me:
Can we just have one services page that lists everything instead of separate pages for each service?
Here’s how I explained it:
Each web page acts as a door to your website. The more doors you have, the more opportunities people have to find your business. If you limit the number of pages, you’re also limiting the number of ways people can discover you.
But there’s a catch.
Having more pages doesn’t automatically mean better results. It’s about the right balance between quantity and quality.
Why More Pages Can Be Good for SEO
More pages give your website more chances to rank for different search queries. For example:
- If you have one services page, Google only has one page to show for all your services.
- If you have separate pages for each service, Google can show the most relevant page based on what someone is searching for.
For instance, if you run a construction company and offer home renovations and kitchen remodels, you want separate pages. Someone searching for “kitchen remodel contractor near me” is more likely to find you if you have a dedicated page for that, rather than a generic services page.
Remember, each page is an opportunity to capture a specific audience.
Why Too Many Pages Can Hurt Your SEO
Now, here’s the flip side. Having too many pages without purpose can hurt your rankings.
Search engines prioritize quality and relevance. If you create dozens (or hundreds) of pages that don’t answer searchers’ questions properly, it can:
- Lower your domain authority
- Increase your bounce rate (people leaving quickly)
- Confuse search engines about what your site is actually about
When people land on your site and don’t find what they need, they leave quickly, telling Google your website is not what people are looking for.
The Balance Between Quantity and Quality
The key is to create useful, high-quality pages that match search intent.
What is search intent? Simply, it’s what people expect to see when they search for something on Google. For example:
- If someone searches “best hiking boots for winter”, they expect a list of winter hiking boots, not just a general page about boots.
- If someone searches “roofing repair vs. replacement”, they expect a comparison of the two, not a general page about roofing services.
Google rewards websites that meet search intent by ranking them higher.
How Many Pages Should Your Website Have?
There’s no magic number because it’s less about the number and more about how well your pages serve search intent. Here is a rough guide to get you started:
- Small business website: 10-20 pages
- Service-based business: 20-50 pages (including separate service pages)
- E-commerce site: 100+ pages (depending on products)
Keep in mind that if your website has a blog, it naturally increases your page count. That said, treat each blog post like any other page—always ask, “What is the search intent for this post?”
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering whether to create separate pages for your services, the answer is yes, if it makes sense for SEO.
- More pages = more ranking opportunities
- More pages without purpose = weaker SEO
- Pages that match search intent = stronger rankings
Think of your website like a library. A well-organized library with clearly labeled sections is easy to navigate and useful. A cluttered, disorganized library? Not so much.
So, before cutting your pages down or adding more, ask yourself:
- Does this page serve a real purpose?
- Is it answering a specific question people are searching for?
If yes, go for it.
If not, rethink it.
Luke Bergmann – Owner & Marketing Manager at Mission CTRL SEO
As the Founder of Mission Ctrl, I bring years of experience in SEO, web development, and digital marketing, helping businesses stand out online and achieve measurable growth. I’ve worked with a diverse range of clients, from bakeries to mechanics, artists to home builders, tailoring strategies that elevate their online presence and drive meaningful results.