If you are a marketer, you are sure to come across the confusing definitions of microsites and landing pages. The most common question is that if they are one and the same, or if different, what exactly are their differences.
Microsite vs. Landing page
To better understand the terms, experts say that a microsite is a type of branded content site that is not part of a company website but is rooted within the company’s domain names. It is also possible that a microsite has its own URL that is different from the parent website.
The simplest microsite definition is that it’s considered to be a website within a website but it uses an additional domain or subdomain and has its own navigation, design, and content. Because of this feature, a microsite can contain one or more pages.
A landing page, on the other hand, uses only one page and is published within the main website.
In terms of similarities, microsites and landing pages are both used for a specific purpose such as a marketing campaign. Both are smaller than a website. They are also usually published temporarily, but can also be accessible for longer periods of time.
Always remember that microsites are usually used for brand awareness while landing pages are used for conversion purposes.
When to use a microsite
You can opt for a microsite than a landing page if your goal is to increase brand awareness or if you are in the middle of building a brand. Microsites are good for engaging with your target audience because a microsite design provides better user experience.
Take note that a microsite does not provide better conversions from marketing campaigns compared to a landing page. Instead, it gives your target audience more information about your specific product or service.
In terms of SEO purpose, a microsite having a new domain may not have the established SEO authority as the main website. But if this new domain contains keyword-reach content, of course it will attract more traffic to the microsite. It just needs to have its own SEO strategy for its own domain to appear on top of search engine results.
How to create a microsite
Just like building a website, it’s not easy to make your own microsite. You would need an expert with web design skills and tech knowledge to help. You would also require microsite development strategies especially if you will use it for digital marketing, which is totally different from what the parent website offers.
First, you need to know the objective of why you are building a microsite. Then, you have to decide on what domain name to use and purchase it. You also have to research other microsite examples or competitor microsites to see how you can differentiate your design and interface.
The designing part of creating a microsite is the most crucial because you have to establish a lot of features such as number of pages, navigation, gamification, call to action, audiovisual media, and social media.
It is only after the finalization of design can the content be created and placed strategically into the microsite. After that, you can already connect it with analytic tools and other digital marketing tools that you use before finally launching your microsite.
The Digiters can help
With the microsite creation process in mind, you definitely need to hire a microsite designer. Let the Digiters handle everything and assist you. After all, why do it yourself if you can dedicate your free time for other matters and get a global expert to do it for you instead.
Reach out to us and discover how! Send an email to info@digiters.ch today.