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To Micro-site or not to Micro-site?

Eric,

I was just using that term as an example, but the point was more on where you deliver someone who does search specific terms like that. By taking the comsumer to a "tahoe" specific page we are increasing the chance of converting the customer into a lead (same concept as a microsite), but at the same time giving them the freedom to browse your entire site. I wouldn't expect terms like that to give a dealer an avalanche of traffic, but I sure don't want to ignore the fact that people are typing longer search queries, and if presented with what they ask for with one click, then the odds of them converting go up dramatically. Our CTO just returned from the Goolge Auto Exec conference, and Google now says that the average search term is 4 words. So things are trending towards people typing exactly what they want.

A great non auto example is:

Google - spiderman dvd

The first organic link is Amazon. Do you go to the homepage or directly to the dvd?
 
Eric,

I was just using that term as an example, but the point was more on where you deliver someone who does search specific terms like that. By taking the comsumer to a "tahoe" specific page we are increasing the chance of converting the customer into a lead (same concept as a microsite), but at the same time giving them the freedom to browse your entire site. I wouldn't expect terms like that to give a dealer an avalanche of traffic, but I sure don't want to ignore the fact that people are typing longer search queries, and if presented with what they ask for with one click, then the odds of them converting go up dramatically. Our CTO just returned from the Goolge Auto Exec conference, and Google now says that the average search term is 4 words. So things are trending towards people typing exactly what they want.

A great non auto example is:

Google - spiderman dvd

The first organic link is Amazon. Do you go to the homepage or directly to the dvd?

James Kovacs
ClickMotive
www.clickmotive.com
 
James -

I understand the concept of driving visitors to pages w/content related to their search terms.

However, using a search phrase that isn't a real word example of user behavior as a reference point to your "proven success" may be confusing to dealers who may not be familiar w/this concept.

I've heard so many dealers tell me about how unsatisfied they are with the results their vendors deliver - if automotive vendors want to earn, and retain, more business - they need to explain things in easy to understand language, show case studies and service the hell out of their customers.

If you haven't seen them, check out Ralph P's presentation decks & case studies. (It'll take you the entire month of May, but it'll be worth it)

Eric
 
Hey Joe:)

Thx..however, I was trying to drill down further as to where James was getting his info from...

Tone is always a difficult thing to gauge in the written word - but there was a sublte amount of dry sarcasm in my post to James.

Eric
 
Alex excellent post...

Wow micro sites for SEO/SERP... hmm that is a new one for me. Someone point out a micro site that ranks well for any good keyword on any SERP. 4 word keywords don't count.

If you are doing PPC sure special finance micro site makes sense... but why bother... when you can do sub domains (taken as separate sites anyhow). Keeps the brand and less chancing of dupe penalty.

I'm always for sites with personalized URL. So if you are doing a postcard get a personalized URL for each recepient but don't get a micro site to go along with it... single page... site is not really worth it.

Why pay for static micro site... host it on Google for free...

Jeff... ahaha... I am the KING of MicroMedia websites!!