As online marketing strategies continue to evolve, the development of microsites has proven to be highly effective. Microsites are an auxiliary to your company’s primary website, with the main distinction being that microsites are often focused on a specific product or content theme. Whether functioning as an independent website or as a subdomain, microsites can be utilized to further a range of strategic objectives during a product launch. In addition to supporting sales efforts, microsites help to open distributor channels, generate industry awareness, boost search engine optimization efforts, and sculpt a unique, ownable brand image.

Effective integrated campaigns use direct mail, email, and brochure/sell sheets (among other tactics) to drive prospects to a microsite where they can view product specifications or informational videos. Give users the tools to download PDFs, order online, contact your company for more information, or find a nearby retailer where they can purchase your products. Both traditional and online PR can be used in the same fashion. By publicizing the launch of the product where your target audience spends time online, you can drive valuable traffic and interested users to the microsite. Furthermore, PR can notify industry publications of your product, where you might garner a review.

Microsites realize their full potential when used to complement other multi-channel marketing efforts by presenting relevant and in-depth information about a particular product. Ideally, your agency partner should develop a campaign that aligns strategy and messaging both online and off.

Remember that the greatest feature of a microsite is its infinite “trackability.” You can measure the metrics that matter while gleaning valuable customer insight from user behavior data, search terms, and content engagement. The track, measure and analyze the data provided by your web analytics tools to determine how to maximize the results of your product launch.

• GROWTH THROUGH INNOVATION/CREATIVITY: Rather than be constrained by ideas for the new products, new services, and new markets coming from just a few people.

• Increased profits: The corporation will experience an increase in profits due to savings in operating costs as well as sales from new products, services and ventures.

• Higher business values: The link between profits and business value means that the moment a corporation creates a new sustainable level of profit.

• Lower staff turnover: This, combined with the culture that must exist for innovation and creativity to flourish, means that new employees will be attracted to the organization.