Landing page vs website: which one do you need first?
Both live on your domain and both can look the same. The difference is focus: one page, one audience, one action, or many pages for everyone who might arrive.
Side by side
| Landing page | Website | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus on one action | ||
| Fast to launch | ||
| Easy to test and change | ||
| Low cost | ||
| Ranks for many search terms | ||
| Explains a whole company |
Which first?
Landing page
Pre-launch, one product, paid traffic or a fundraise. You need sign-ups this month.
Both
A product with several audiences: a site for search and trust, landing pages per campaign.
Website
Several products, a sales team, careers and docs. People come to learn, not to act once.
What a good landing page has
- One headlineWhat it does and for whom.
- One actionRepeated, never competing with other links.
- ProofLogos, numbers and quotes next to the ask.
- The productReal screens, not stock illustrations.
FAQ
What is the difference between a landing page and a website?
A landing page has one goal for one audience, such as a sign-up. A website has many pages that explain a whole company to many audiences.
Can a landing page replace a website?
Early on, yes. Many startups launch with one page and add a site once they have several products or audiences.
Is a landing page good for SEO?
It can rank for one focused topic. For many search terms you need more pages, such as service pages and articles.