If you’re stepping into the digital world—whether you’re a business owner, a marketer, or someone building your online presence—you’ve probably heard the terms “landing page” and “website” being thrown around a lot. Despite their similar sounds, they have quite diverse functions.
What precisely distinguishes a landing page from a website, then? And how can you determine which one you require?
Let’s dissect it in the most straightforward manner.
A website: what is it?
A collection of linked pages that can offer a range of information is called a website. It serves as your virtual “home,” where guests can peruse, investigate, and discover all the information they require about your company, brand, or mission.
A typical website might include:
- Home Page
- About Us
- Services or Products
- Blog
- Contact Page
- And more…
Each of these pages serves a different function, and together, they create a complete experience for your visitors.
Example:
If you own a digital marketing agency, your website might include information about your services, success stories, client testimonials, blog posts with tips, and a contact form.
What is a Landing Page?
A landing page, on the other hand, is a single web page designed with one specific goal in mind—usually to drive conversions.
Conversions could mean:
- Getting someone to fill out a form
- Signing up for a newsletter
- Downloading an eBook
- Registering for a webinar
- Buying a product
Landing pages are simple, targeted, and devoid of extraneous links or navigation menus. They are usually linked from a marketing campaign—like a Google ad, Facebook ad, or email—and they speak directly to the visitor’s interest.
Example:
Let’s say you’re running a Facebook ad for a free social media strategy guide. When someone clicks on the ad, instead of going to your full website, they’re taken to a dedicated landing page that talks only about the guide and asks for their email in exchange.
Important Distinctions Between a Website and a Landing Page
Let’s compare them side by side to get a better picture:
| Feature | Landing Page | Website |
| Purpose | Conversion-focused | Information-focused |
| Content | Minimal, specific | Multiple pages with detailed content |
| Navigation | Usually no navigation | Full menu with links to multiple sections |
| Target Audience | Specific to a campaign or offer | General audience and visitors |
| Traffic Source | Paid ads, email campaigns, promotions | Organic search, direct traffic, referrals |
| Speed of Setup | Quick and simple | Takes longer to build and structure |
| Call to Action (CTA) | Strong, singular CTA | Multiple CTAs or links across the site |
When Should You Use a Website?
You should build a full website when:
- You want to build brand awareness and showcase your company.
- You must include thorough details about the goods or services you offer.
- Regular blogging will increase organic traffic.
- You aim to create a complete customer journey across multiple pages.
- You want people to explore, learn, and get in touch in their own way.
Websites are ideal for long-term growth. They’re like your online headquarters.
When Should You Use a Landing Page?
Landing pages are ideal when:
- You’re launching a marketing campaign (like Google Ads or social media ads).
- You have a specific offer like a discount, free trial, or lead magnet.
- You want to test different messages or formats (A/B testing).
- You’re looking to convert visitors fast without distractions.
Think of landing pages as short-term sprinters, designed for a quick win or immediate action.
Can You Have Both?
Absolutely! In fact, you should have both if you’re serious about online growth.
Here’s how it works:
Your website serves as both your foundation and online presence.
Your landing pages support your campaigns and drive conversions.
Let’s say you run a coaching business. Your website includes your background, services, blog, testimonials, and contact info. But if you run a Facebook ad offering a free 30-minute consultation, the ad links to a landing page built just for that offer—with a form to book the call.
Common Myths About Landing Pages vs Websites
Myth #1: A whole website can be substituted with a landing page.
Reality: Landing pages are great for campaigns, but they don’t provide enough depth or information to act as your full digital presence.
Myth #2: Landing pages are only for big companies.
Reality: Small businesses, freelancers, and even side hustlers can benefit greatly from landing pages—especially when testing offers or collecting leads.
Myth #3: If you already have a website, landing pages are not necessary.
Reality: Even with a full website, landing pages can drastically improve the performance of your marketing efforts by offering a focused experience.
SEO: Do Landing Pages Help With It?
Landing pages typically don’t perform well in SEO because:
- They’re usually temporary.
- They have minimal content.
- They often don’t have backlinks.
Websites, on the other hand, are better suited for search engine optimization because:
- They have multiple pages and blog posts.
- They are regularly updated.
- They attract more backlinks and engagement.
So if you’re trying to rank on Google, focus on building out your main website with valuable content. For short-term objectives and sponsored advertising, use landing pages more.
Final Thoughts
To wrap it up, here’s a simple way to think about it:
Your website is your online home—it’s where people get to know you, explore your brand, and learn about everything you offer.
A landing page is like a focused sales pitch—it grabs attention, delivers one clear message, and drives one specific action.
You don’t have to choose one over the other. Make use of landing pages for targeted campaigns and websites for a sustained presence. When used together strategically, they create a powerful digital marketing combo that can boost traffic, leads, and sales.
Want to Build Both the Right Way?
If you’re starting your website or launching your next campaign, don’t just guess what will work. Invest in a well-designed, user-friendly website and create high-converting landing pages that speak directly to your audience.