This Is How You Create Your First Easy MiniSite
This Is How You Create Your First Easy MiniSite
A number of different things can be attributed to the word "minisite". Some people call small niche article sites minisites, but that isn't the general use of the word. In Internet marketing, the word "minisite" is generally used to refer to very small websites that are set up to sell a product usually an eBook or other digital download. Very often minisites have various multimedia content, animated, narrated introduction, and lately more and more they present visual schemes such as videos, complimenting the product well.
Minisites are generally only 1 to 5 pages. But most of them are only a single sales pitch page, plus perhaps a thank you page to be displayed after the customer places an order. Others have a contact page, a terms of service page, frequently asked questions page or other general pages. And unlike traditional websites, minisites that consist only of one page, generally utilize a direct response marketing approach to sell its single product. This being a digital product such as a PDF, e-Books, software, audio, podcasts, interactive web videos, etc. but they also sell sometimes physical products as well.
In the mid 1990's, when the World Wide Web got so popular, minisites started to gain favour amongst direct marketers, who adapted their offline direct mail campaigns to suit the worldwide audience provided by the Internet.
So, let us work on creating a single page minisite, covering only the design not the sales copy. Most minisites have a header and footer, some have only a header, and sometimes neither. Of course there are many other elements too like addressing readers' problems, providing solutions to customer's problems, and using virtual product packages or "eCovers" to create higher perceived value.
But don't forget one of the most important aspects of minisites, which is a sales letter of some sort, promoting the product. Although, very often, a single page is used primarily to capture names and addresses, to create a list of subscribers, to whom, later on promote and offer multiple products as well as services including physical products as well.
The first step in creating a minisite should be creating your eCover if you intend to use one. You can do cCovers with Photoshop, because the eCover action scripts needed to create them, only work with Photoshop. If you don't have Photoshop, you may need to create it from scratch, or have it made for you by a professional graphic designer.
You'll then need to create a header. Some marketers don't use headers, but most of them do. A well-designed header can draw attention to your headline, and it can make your site look more professional.
Include your product's name and a tag line in your header like a one-sentence blurb that tells what your site is offering. It can also contain a photo that's related to your niche, and it might also contain a small version of your ecover all tied into a theme that matches the interests of your audience.
If you are creating a minisite to sell your dog-training ebook, your header could potentially contain a picture of a woman pointing at a dog, and the dog sitting down. The text on the header might say something like: "Dog Training 101: The Ultimate Guide to Training Your Puppy or Adult Dog!"
You don't want you header too large. If the header is so large, visitors can't see the headline without scrolling, it's too big! It should attract attention to the headline, not hide it. Headers are generally between 700 and 800 pixels wide and 100-200 pixels in height.
The footer is usually the same width, but about half the height of the header. It may only contain the product name or logo, but may also contain an image or copyright notice. Finally, you need an order button that draws a lot of attention. Your button might contain your eCover, plus a brightly coloured button and a call-to action, such as "Click Here for Instant Access!"
If you have the money to invest, you might consider ordering a minisite package from a professional designer. For about $300, you'll get the header, footer, eCovers, and even sometimes extra banners that you can use for off-site promotions.
G Calvo
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