Landing Page vs Website: The Marketing Essentials

A Thought Leadership article we liked from Local Site Designer:

Website vs Landing Page: What's the Difference (and Which One You Need to Get More Leads)?

If you run a local business and you’re trying to get more calls, bookings, or quote requests online, you’ve probably heard people say:

“You need a website.”

True.

But here’s what most people do not tell you.

A website and a landing page are not the same thing. They do different jobs. And if you use the wrong one in the wrong place, you can burn through ad spend, lose leads, and wonder why your marketing “isn’t working.”

This guide breaks down the difference between a website and a landing page, when to use each, and how to set both up for better conversions and better SEO.

What is a website?

A website is your full online presence.

It’s built to serve multiple audiences and multiple goals, such as:

  • People learning who you are

  • People comparing services

  • People looking for your phone number

  • People checking reviews

  • People applying for jobs

  • People exploring different offers

A website usually includes:

  • Home page

  • About page

  • Services pages

  • Contact page

  • Blog

  • Reviews or testimonials

  • Service area pages (for local SEO)

A website’s main job

  • A website’s job is to educate and support navigation.

  • It helps visitors explore. It builds trust. It answers broad questions. It makes your business feel legit.

  • That is why websites have menus, multiple links, and lots of paths.

What is a landing page?

A landing page is a single page built for one specific goal.

It’s designed to convert a visitor into a lead with one primary action, like:

  • Call now

  • Book an appointment

  • Request a quote

  • Claim an offer

  • Download a guide

A landing page usually includes:

  • One clear headline (matching the offer)

  • Short, persuasive sections

  • Proof (reviews, photos, guarantees)

  • FAQ to handle objections

  • One main call to action repeated throughout

A landing page’s main job

  • A landing page’s job is to get one action.

  • Not educate broadly. Not showcase everything.

  • Convert.

The easiest way to remember the difference

Here’s the simplest explanation.

  • A website is a hub. A landing page is a straight line.

  • A website gives people options.

  • A landing page removes options.

Why?

Because options create hesitation. And hesitation kills conversions.

Website vs landing page: the key differences

1. Purpose

  • Website: Many goals

  • Landing page: One goal

2. Navigation

  • Website: Menus, multiple links, many paths

  • Landing page: Limited links, one focused path

3. Traffic type

  • Website: Great for organic search, referrals, brand browsing

  • Landing page: Best for paid ads, email campaigns, and specific offers

4. Content style

  • Website: Broad, descriptive, designed for exploration

  • Landing page: Tight, persuasive, designed for action

5. Measurement

  • Website: Engagement, pages per…

Read the rest of this article at localsitedesigner.com...

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OC Startup News, OC Startup ResourcesAngela IglesiaGuest Post, Startup, SEO, Landing Page, Website, Copy Writing, Local Site Designer, Orange CountyComment