Two valid approaches
A one-page website puts everything — offer, proof, contact — on a single scrolling page. A multi-page website gives each topic its own page: services, about, gallery, contact. Both can look professional; they solve different problems.
When a one-page website is enough
If your offer is simple and local — one main service, one area — a one-pager can work well. A taxi service, a single-treatment clinic or a food truck rarely needs six pages. One-pagers are cheaper, faster to launch and force a clear message.
The trade-off is search visibility: one page can realistically rank for one main topic. If customers only ever search one phrase to find you, that is fine.
When you need a multi-page website
Choose multi-page if any of these apply: you offer several distinct services, you serve several towns, you want to rank for more than one search phrase, or you plan to grow the site over time with a blog or portfolio.
Each additional page is a door through which Google can send you visitors. A joiner with pages for kitchens, wardrobes, and stairs — each targeting its own searches — will always out-rank a one-pager saying "carpentry services".
The pragmatic path: start small, grow deliberately
A strong pattern for small businesses: launch with a focused site of four to five pages covering your core services, then add pages as the business grows — new services, locations, case studies. The site earns its keep from day one and compounds over time.
What it means for budget
A one-page website is the entry point; a standard multi-page business site costs more but works harder in search. If most of your customers come from Google rather than referrals, the extra pages usually pay for themselves within months.
Final thought
Do not choose based on price alone — choose based on how your customers search. If they search one thing, one page can do. If they search many things, give Google many pages to find.