You will no doubt find varying answers to the question “what are microsites?” This post provides a microsite definition.
I use microsite interchangeably with mini site.
In my view, microsites are not necessarily small websites with respect to amount of traffic. Instead, mini sites are defined as such in relation and contextually to a business’ Web marketing campaign.
With respect to businesses, and that is the context in which I’m referring to mini sites here, microsites are additional business websites that are specific in nature in relation to a business’ offerings.
For example:
A law firm that provides 5 types of legal services could create separate websites for each service offered. Each of those websites I call microsites.
The main law firm website that features all services is what I call an “umbrella website.”
Given the above-definition of mini site above, it’s clear that a mini site is not necessarily small with respect to amount of content. For example, a law firms mini site could include a blog with 100s of posts pertaining to the specific legal area to which the mini site is dedicated.
That said, a microsite could be comprised of only a few pages such as a landing page.
Mini sites are defined in relation to the other sites of a business.
For example:
A law firm that only offers legal services in one area could also create a website dedicated to that area which could be that firms’ umbrella site.
However, just because a firm offers 1 legal service doesn’t mean they couldn’t create mini sites. In all likelihood, there are distinct clients within that practice area.
For example, a criminal defense lawyer could create websites devoted to DUIs, assaults, murder, etc.
Does this mean a firm with 5 practice areas could create more than 5 microsites?
Yes. Mini sites within a practice area would be “tier 2″ mini sites in a sense. However, it’s best to start with tier 1 sites and build from there. It’s easy to get stretched too thin with microsites (unless resources are plentiful).
Microsites are very interesting Web marketing tool because there are almost limitless opportunities for small businesses.
That said, if you’re contemplating creating mini sites, avoid getting stretched too thin.
Moreover, sites with a lot of content tend to rank better in the search engines. I say tend, because there are exceptions. There are some small websites that rank well for chosen keywords.
For more information about microsites, read my *Are Microsites Effective? Ultimate Microsite Guide for Small Businesses and get a free copy of my Microsite Bootcamp for Small Business Guide which steps you through building your own microsites.
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