What is a microsite?

 A microsite is an additional website, separate from your company’s main website, with an independant address, used to deliver a more specific message, product or service. A microsite is a great way to create a special platform for people to interact with your campaign. For instance, if your company is participating in multiple trade shows throughout the year, you might create a microsite to drive potential customers to your trade show booth. There are many ways to utilize a microsite to support your marketing strategy and in today’s article we will discuss some of my favorites.

Event Specific Microsite

Rather than incorporating your event or trade show information on your company site, create a microsite designed specifically for

people who will be attending the event. Here are some great ideas on what to include on your microsite:

 

1. Feature a calendar that lists dates and shows you’ll be showing.

2. Have a media center to host downloadable press kits and other media material

3. Build an appointment scheduler that allows interested parties to book meeting times with you during the show.

4. FAQ’s about your company and its participation in the show.

5. List of attractions, specials and/or special guests at your booth.

 

Launch Microsites

How long have you waited for updates to be made to your company website? Utilizing a launch specific microsite is a great way to announce a product or service while you wait for updates to your main company website. A launch microsite also allows you to put all of the focus on your new product/service, minimizing distractions a user might experience on your primary website. Here are some interesting ways to use a launch microsite:

 

1. Display videos about your product

2. Technical sheets

3. Product virtual tour

4. Event calendar where interested customers can meet you and experience your new product.

 

Virtual Tradeshow Microsite

You can use a virtual tradeshow microsite as a tool to enhance your tradeshow exhibit or you can use it in place of physically participating in a show. Its also a great way to reach customers who are unable to attend your show. When using a microsite to enhance your tradeshow, consider featuring videos of your staff, video presentations of your product and a chat platform for customers to engage with you.

What makes a microsite successful?

 

1. A focused topic: Since a microsite is smaller and less complicated than a standard website, you’ll have plenty of room to really detail your product or service. Use this opportunity to thoroughly educate your customer.

 

2. Great design: Microsites give you the flexibility to experiment with your design approach. Because the microsite is about the product and not the brand, use this opportunity to show your customers the “other side” of your brand personality.

 

3. Create your microsite with your target audience in mind, especially if your target audience is outside the norm. Be creative and ensure the microsite offers an engaging user experience.

 

4. Limit the site to one topic or product. For information about your other products, direct the customer to your main website.

 

About the author: William Hall is a seasoned business coach specializing in branding, social media and promotional events. William has spent his career teaching businesses of all sizes how to stand out in the crowd while using marketing dollars most effectively. His clients are continuously thankful for his out-of-the-box ideas that lead to increased revenue, more clicks and a bigger online presence.

 

About the author: William Hall is a seasoned business coach specializing in branding, social media and promotional events. William has spent his career teaching businesses of all sizes how to stand out in the crowd while using marketing dollars most effectively. His clients are continuously thankful for his out-of-the-box ideas that lead to increased revenue, more clicks and a bigger online presence.