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If you're just starting out as an entrepreneur, figuring out your online presence can feel overwhelming. You know you need something on the web to attract customers, but how much do you really need? Should you go all in with a full website, or will a simple landing page do the trick? Let’s break it down so you can decide what works best for your business.
What's The Difference
Before we dive into which one you need, let’s quickly clarify what we mean by a full website vs. a landing page:
Full Website: A complete site with multiple pages like Home, About, Services, Contact, and maybe a blog. It’s a fully fleshed-out online hub for your business.
Landing Page: A single, standalone page with one main goal—often to convert visitors into leads or sales. It’s usually focused on one specific offer or call-to-action (CTA), like signing up for a newsletter or buying a product. A landing page can include sections or anchors linked in the navigation, creating the impression of a complete website. When a visitor clicks on "about," they are scrolled down the page.
When a Landing Page Makes Sense
A landing page might be all you need if you're focused on one specific action or campaign. Here’s when a landing page can work wonders:
Launching a New Product or Service: If you’re promoting a product or service and want to drive conversions quickly, a landing page is perfect. It’s designed to be straight to the point, with a clear CTA, making it easier to guide your audience towards taking action.
Lead Generation: If your goal is to collect email addresses, a landing page with a simple form offering a freebie (like an eBook or discount) works well. It keeps visitors focused on signing up without distractions.
Limited Budget or Time: If you’re just getting started or testing the waters, a landing page is a quicker, more affordable option. You can have one up and running fast, without needing to invest in a full site.
When You Need a Full Website
Now, if your business requires more content or has multiple offerings, a full website is probably the way to go. Here’s when having a full website makes more sense:
You’re an Established Business: If you’re ready to showcase your entire brand, multiple services, testimonials, a portfolio, and more, a full website is your best bet. It lets visitors explore and learn everything about your business at their own pace.
You Want to Build Trust and Authority: A full website with sections like “About,” “Contact,” and a blog helps build credibility. People want to feel like they know the brand before doing business with you, and a full site gives them the opportunity to learn more about who you are.
You Need Room to Grow: A full website gives you the flexibility to add more pages and content over time. As your business grows, you’ll likely need to update services, share new testimonials, or start a blog. A multi-page site makes scaling much easier.
Negatives of a Landing Page from an SEO Perspective
While landing pages can be effective for specific campaigns, there are some downsides to consider, especially regarding SEO:
Limited Content: Landing pages typically contain minimal content compared to full websites. Search engines love rich, informative content. With just one page, you miss out on the opportunity to rank for various keywords that could drive traffic to your site.
Fewer Opportunities for Backlinks: A full website often has multiple pages that can be linked to from other sites, improving your domain authority. A standalone landing page may not attract as many backlinks, making it harder to improve your overall SEO performance.
Narrow Focus: Since landing pages are designed with a single goal in mind, they may not capture the broader interests of your audience. If potential customers are searching for various topics related to your business, a landing page may not provide the depth or breadth of information they need to stay engaged.
Less Trust and Credibility: Having a single landing page may not convey the professionalism that a full website can. A well-rounded site can help build trust with visitors, which is essential for conversions.
What to Consider Before Deciding
Still not sure whether to go for a landing page or a full site? Here are a few things to think about:
Your Business Goals: What’s your main goal? If you’re trying to build an email list or sell a single product, a landing page might be all you need. But if you want to offer more info about your services or build a long-term online presence, investing in a full website gives you that foundation.
Budget: Full websites typically require a bigger budget upfront, especially if you’re hiring a designer. Landing pages, on the other hand, can be quicker and cheaper to set up—perfect if you’re just starting and need something lean.
Time Commitment: A full website takes more time to build and maintain. If you’re short on time or want to get your business online quickly, a landing page lets you get started while you plan out a full site for later.
Scalability: Think about the future of your business. A landing page is great for specific campaigns, but if you plan to grow your brand, you’ll eventually need a full website to showcase everything you offer.
What’s the Right Move for You?
At the end of the day, the decision between a landing page and a full website depends on your immediate needs and future plans.
If you’re launching a single product, testing an idea, or need something quick and focused, a landing page will do just fine.
If you’re serious about establishing a solid online presence and need a site that can grow with your business, investing in a full website is worth it.
And if you decide a landing page is the way to go, I have just the solution for you! Check out the Modest Wix Landing Page Template. This template is designed specifically for consultants who need a sleek landing page or one-page website. It’s user-friendly and can be easily restyled to fit your brand. You can get it for just a one-time payment of $750 or opt for three easy payments of $275. It’s a perfect starting point for anyone looking to establish their online presence quickly and effectively!
Examples of a Landing Page Website
Here are a few businesses we created landing page website designs for:
Whether you choose a full website or a landing page, what matters most is that it aligns with your business goals. A landing page website can be a great way to start small and focus on conversions, while a full website offers the room to expand and engage with your audience in a more comprehensive way. Either way, your online presence is key to growing your business—so take that next step with confidence!
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