If you haven’t heard, it’s our 10th anniversary. I’m pretty excited about it; a little because that’s a nice milestone and I’m proud of our work, and a lot because it gives us a very good reason to host a big bash party (of which you’re invited so get in your R.S.V.P.). However, I happen to be thinking about all of the things we could have done had we planned a bit better for the big year. So learn a little from my mistakes and take some advice: make time to plan for yourself and your business.
One of the things I was thinking would have been fun to include in a 10 year marketing activity was a microsite. Oh the fun we could have had. We were brainstorming today on some crazy, outlandish goals for the next 10 years (loved Clay’s idea of rebranding the White House seal…cracks me up) and we could have shared such fun via a microsite. Then my brain hopped to wondering: Do people really know how to utilize a microsite? I think we all get it’s a site (hence the name) but maybe not exactly it’s purpose or potential. I’ve come up with eight ways off the top of my head to get you started on how you can intertwine a great microsite presence to your marketing mix.
- A Special Offer – You want to create a site that hosts your special offer. The special offer does not live on your home site and no one knows about it unless you drive them to or they find this special offer microsite.
- Speaking Spanish – Want to branch out to a specific culture or group? Speak their language! We were recently talking to the International Center of Indianapolis and it made me think of all the global families that find their home here in our communities. What if we welcomed them, initially, via an entry point that was all known and comfortable to them?
- Social – If you’re a social networking maniac and involved with more than a dozen social media sites, maybe it’s time to make your own social site.
- Anniversary – note above. This would fit under the short-lived microsite type, but, it would have been relevant, had a great purpose and provided some history and facts that would have helped our clients and prospects learn a bit more about us.
- Expertise – if you’re an expert in your area but you’re lost in the corproate world shuffle, get yourself a microsite. Your niche can win some SEO battles and help put you on the map a little faster when someone google’s your name.
- Campaign – If you’re running a special campaign or fundraiser type tactic, great use of a microsite!
- Product – this makes total sense if you’re selling a unique or special product, or, if you’re trying to education an audience. Help visitors learn what it is, what it does and how to get it.
- Co-Branding – if you’re partnering with someone or want to jointly do something as two brands, a microsite may be your best bet.
I’m sure there are other great uses, but these quickly came to mind based on what’s going on in our world right now and what may be the most relevant to our subscribers. Please share your microsite thoughts in our comments.
