Welcome back to Brand It, Build It! I’m your host, Kelly Zugay, and I’m so happy you’re here. Today, we’re diving into a question that comes up a lot when designing websites: Should your website be more long-form and storytelling-driven — or should it be simple and direct?

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering which style is better for your unique business, the answer is — it depends! And that’s exactly what we’re going to explore today. We’ll go over the pros and cons of each approach, plus some simple ways to decide which is best for your business. So, let’s jump in!

What is a Long-Form, Storytelling Website?

A long-form, storytelling website is exactly what it sounds like—it’s designed to guide your visitors through a journey. Instead of short, to-the-point pages that require people to click around to find what they need, a long-form site lays everything out in a flowing, scrollable way.

Think of it like this: If a short, direct website is like flipping through a book, a long-form website is like unfolding a beautifully designed magazine spread — everything flows naturally as you scroll.

On a long-form site, you might see:

• A Home page that slowly reveals your brand story, piece by piece
• Engaging visuals, movement, or interactive elements that keep people scrolling
• Calls-to-action—those little nudges to take the next step—placed naturally throughout the page

Why a Long-Form Website Might Be a Great Fit

1. It guides your visitors smoothly. Instead of expecting them to click around and explore, everything is presented in a natural, easy-to-follow way.
2. It helps tell your story. If connection is a big part of your brand, this format allows you to introduce yourself in a way that feels intentional and engaging.
3. It works really well on mobile. Scrolling is second nature on a phone, so this approach often feels more natural for visitors browsing on their devices.

Why a Long-Form Website Might Not Be the Best Fit

1. Too much content can feel overwhelming. If the page is packed with information, visitors might lose interest before they get to the important parts.
2. It takes more strategy to design well. You have to be intentional about structuring the page so people don’t get lost.
3. It’s not always the best for quick decision-making. If someone just wants to find your pricing or contact info fast, scrolling through a long page might feel frustrating.

What is a Simple, Direct Website?

On the flip side, a simple, direct website is all about efficiency. Instead of long, scroll-heavy pages, this type of site keeps things concise and to the point.

Instead of a long, flowing Home page, you’ll see:

• Shorter, focused pages with just the essential info
• A clear navigation menu so visitors can click right to what they need
• A structure that encourages quick action, like booking a service or making a purchase

Why a Simple, Direct Website Might Be a Great Fit

1. It’s quick and easy to navigate. Visitors don’t have to scroll endlessly—they can find what they need fast.
2. It works well for businesses with a clear, straightforward offering. If you’re selling one core service or product, you don’t always need a long, storytelling experience.
3. It loads faster. Shorter pages with less content tend to have better speed and performance, which is great for both user experience and SEO.

Why a Simple, Direct Website Might Not Be the Best Fit

1. It can feel less engaging. Without that storytelling flow, visitors might not feel as connected to your brand.
2. It puts more pressure on your copy. Because you have less space, every word has to work extra hard to make an impact.
3. It might feel too basic in creative industries. If you’re in a field where aesthetics and experience matter—a brand photographer, an interior designer, or a luxury service provider—a super simple website might not feel as elevated.

So… Which One is Best for Your Business?

Alright, now that we’ve covered both styles, how do you decide? Here are a few quick questions to help:

• Do you need to educate your audience before they take action? A long-form website might be the way to go.
• Is your audience looking for quick information? A simple, direct site might be the better fit.
• Do you want to create a high-end, luxury feel? A well-designed long-form website can help build that experience.
• Do you prefer a minimal, modern approach? Then a simple, direct site might align more with your style.

And here’s the good news — you don’t have to choose just one! A lot of businesses use a hybrid approach, where the Home page is long-form and storytelling-driven, but the service or contact pages are short and to the point.

At the end of the day, the best website is one that works for your audience and helps them take the next step with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Whether your website is long-form and storytelling-driven or simple and direct, what really matters is that it feels right for your business and makes it easy for your visitors to connect with you. I hope this episode gave you some clarity as you think about your website strategy! Thanks for tuning in!

Brand It, Build It Podcast, Hosted by Kelly Zugay

Hosted by Kelly Zugay, co-founder of With Grace and Gold, The Brand It, Build It Podcast is the best small business marketing podcast for small business owners, creatives, and founders. Weekly, brief, actionable episodes will equip you to build a successful, sustainable small business. Since 2014, With Grace and Gold has provided award-winning custom brand and Showit web design and completely customizable Showit website templates for small businesses worldwide.