Landing pages vs. homepages: What’s the difference between a landing page and a homepage?

There’s been a ton of research and A/B testing put into the effectiveness of landing pages. Even the smallest details, such as button colors, have been thought about when constructing landing pages. We help companies navigate website development, content strategy, Google ads, and landing pages. 

What is a landing page?

A landing page is meant to drive a specific action that relates to a lead. Often they are set up to sell a specific product, collect contact information, or target a specific type of customer. Landing pages have one goal, while a homepage typically has many goals. 

When do you use a landing page?

There are instances when you want your website visitors to perform a certain action. An example of this is a targeted Google Ads campaign for plumbers. If plumbers click your ad, then you want their website experience to be as personalized as possible. This will lead to higher conversions because your audience will get the exact product or information they searched. 

Why do you use a landing page?

Landing pages have a place in your online presence. We’ll walk you through the reasons to use landing pages over just any webpage. 

Landing pages have a different goal.

Landing pages have a singular goal. This is different than your homepage. Your homepage is meant to be explored. You are asking your visitors to look around and stay awhile. You’re inviting them to read multiple pages like your about page, service(s) page, and your testimonials. You want people to get to know your brand on the homepage. 

Landing pages are not trying to tackle all of these things. But instead, landing pages attack one goal. Landing pages have one call-to-action (CTA) placed in several, convenient places on the page. Landing pages are typically focused on a singular product and even a singular customer type. 

Landing pages have different audiences.

Landing pages have a more focused audience. While your homepage caters to many different people visiting your site, your landing page is where targeted leads land. Often a click from social media or an online advertisement leads them to a landing page. You can (and should) be more specific in your messaging. 

Landing pages have different navigation.

Your home page will have straightforward navigation because you want your website visitors to explore your full website. This is not the case with landing pages. Landing pages have various buttons, links, and forms. But they all have the purpose: to get a lead through a targeted campaign. Often, your website’s navigation won’t even be present on the landing page. 

Homepage vs Landing Page

Homepages do a lot because they encourage your website visitors to get to know you. Your homepage is the first view that website visitors see of your company. They give the essential information: what you do, who you are, and how to contact you. Homepages do all of this while demonstrating your brand. Your homepage is your first impression, and that’s invaluable.

Landing pages are highly targeted to achieve a goal. There are many opportunities to do a singular call to action. A landing page’s minimal distractions lead them to be effective. 

Use landing pages when doing targeted Google Ads campaigns.

If your Google Ads aren’t effective, it could be your landing page. We can help.

Are you having trouble distinguishing the difference between landing pages and your home page? At Crosby Digital Marketing, we get companies noticed online. We help create funnels, starting with an optimized Google Ads campaign on a landing page and website that will convert. Contact us today to get started.