11 of the Best Microsite Examples We’ve Ever Seen

Microsites are single web pages that provide focused information on a specific topic or campaign. Unlike traditional websites, microsites tend to be simpler and easier to navigate. While they may be small in size, microsites can pack a big punch when it comes to engaging users and driving conversions. In this post, we’ll show you some great examples of microsites that get it right. From clean and minimal design to interactive elements, these microsites are sure to inspire your next project. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

What is a microsite?

A microsite is a small web page or website that promotes a product, campaign, service, or event. Microsites are usually hosted on a subdomain or domain that is not part of the main company website. They include links back to it, but they act as an independent entity for the brand.

Microsites are a great way for brands to achieve many things. Alex Girard, HubSpot Product Manager, says that a website can be used to create a digital experience at a variety of points in the buyer’s journey. You don’t need a website that converts visitors into leads. Digital experiences can be built that cover the entire customer journey.

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Many companies use them to promote a campaign or target buyer personas. They can be used to tell a story, to test new types of content or to reach new regions. A microsite might be launched by a company to promote sign-ups and spread awareness of a major event.

No matter the reason, the microsite’s goal is to attract visitors to the business by sharing a message and generating interest.

1. Website Grader (HubSpot)

Website Grader is a microsite from HubSpot that can help you improve your website, for free. All you need to do is paste in your site’s URL and your email address, and Website Grader will leverage Google Lighthouse’s automated assessment system to assess your website and assign it a grade.

The grade is based on several factors, including performance, accessibility, SEO, and best practices. In addition, Website Grader will provide you with specific recommendations for how to improve your website. Whether you’re looking to improve your website’s grade or just want to get some expert advice on how to make your site more effective, Website Grader is a great re.

Website Grader assigns a grade to your site based on four factors: performance (how fast your website loads), SEO, mobile, security, and each one gets its own score. Website Grader gives you suggestions for improving your website’s performance on each factor.

Website Grader also offers suggestions and directs users to the HubSpot Academy course for improving their website grade. To get more help, users can click on one of the CTAs located on the assessment page.

2. Listening Together (Spotify)

When it comes to crafting engaging microsites, Spotify has proven to be a true expert. The streaming platform rose to prominence in the late 2000s with its innovative, data-driven approach to curating music playlists, and this ethos is reflected in Spotify’s ability to create captivating microsites that not only complement their campaigns, but also engage users and encourage them to participate.

The streaming platform’s most famous example of this is undoubtedly its much-loved Spotify Wrapped series, which began as a microsite before being integrated into its user-facing app. This feature allows users to look back on their listening habits from the past year and see how they stack up against others’ across categories like top songs and artists, top genres, and more.

Another successful example is the latest iteration of its Listening Together campaign, which premiered earlier this year as a custom microsite that prompts users to share their favorite songs so they can discover new music together.

Overall, these examples prove that Spotify knows exactly how to leverage the unique capabilities of web pages in order to craft truly engaging campaigns that bring listeners intentionally back time and time again. And with exciting innovations like its recently introduced audio streaming device just around the corner, there’s no doubt that Spotify.

3. My Creative Type (Adobe)

Adobe’s software suite contains several industry-standard tools for visual creatives. In addition to the well-renowned tools it makes, a big force behind Adobe’s success is the brand’s ability to align itself with customers through marketing.

The microsite My Creative Type is a prime example. By providing customers with a personalized assessment of their creative strengths, Adobe is able to position itself as a thought leader and trusted re. Additionally, the microsite helps to build customer loyalty by offering exclusive content and discounts. As a result, Adobe’s investment in marketing has paid off handsomely, helping to fuel the brand’s continued success.

This microsite allows visitors to complete a questionnaire that will determine their “creative personality”. Each question is followed by a humorous video metaphor.

You’ll be given one of eight types of creativity (I chose “the Maker”), along with a description of your strengths and motivations and some advice on how to pursue creative goals. The type can be downloaded or shared on social media.

Although it isn’t clear how scientifically sound this is, it’s still an enjoyable way to introduce new artists to the fold.

4. Emojitracker (Emojipedia)

Emojitracker.com is a fascinating and unique site that has captured the interest of people all over the world. Created by Matthew Rothenberg, an innovative tech entrepreneur, this microsite was originally created as an experiment to track all emojis used on Twitter in real-time.

Now maintained by Emojipedia as a tool for exploring trends in emoji use, it offers users a truly engaging and interactive experience. Whether you are looking for the latest emoji news or simply curious about what humanity is up to using these little pictorial icons, emojitracker.com is the perfect online destination for you.

With its intuitive interface, easy-to-use search tools, and extensive catalog of emojis and their meanings, this site has something for everyone. So why wait? Visit emojitracker.com today and start exploring!​

Only a few outgoing links are the only call-to-actions on this site. It’s there for curiosity only. It doesn’t have a navigation bar, or a way to navigate to another site. This could confuse visitors.

Although Emojipedia may not be following the rules of user interface design it shows that microsites do not have to be complicated and that an original idea can take you far. Keep it simple enough that people don’t have to spend too much time on your page.

5. Elf Yourself (OfficeMax)

Microsites are typically unique, small websites that are used for advertising or other promotional purposes. While there are many different types of microsites, perhaps the most well-known and successful example is Elf Yourself. Launched by OfficeMax a few years ago, Elf Yourself quickly grew in popularity and was an instant hit among holiday shoppers.

With its simple but fun animation templates, users could upload photos of themselves or their friends and family, and have them dance to popular holiday songs. Today, Elf Yourself continues to be a mainstay during the holiday season, appearing in emails from retailers and popping up in people’s social media feeds. Despite its popularity, some have argued that Elf Yourself may be on its way out – however, it seems clear that this iconic microsite isn’t going anywhere anytime soon – at least not until next year’s holiday season!

Why is the site so popular? Well, it’s hilarious. The website’s content is easy to share, it is simple to use and makes users stars. It is not obvious that this site is corporate sponsored.

OfficeMax took advantage of the microsite to let loose and be creative. The campaign was focused on consumers and not the brand. However, the sales tie-in came at Elf Yourself videos as coupons and promos.

6. Blue Heart (Patagonia)

Patagonia is one of the few exceptional brands that not only offers a top-tier customer experience, but goes above and beyond in its advocacy work. In a partnership with Farm League, the company created a microsite to draw attention to environmental harm caused by hydroelectric dams in the Balkan region.

The microsite, which featured a short film and interactive map, was designed to educate visitors about the issues at hand and prompt them to take action. In addition to raising awareness, Patagonia also donated $50,000 to support the work of local organizations working to protect the environment.

This commitment to environmental justice is just one example of how Patagonia sets itself apart as a brand. Through its innovative marketing initiatives and philanthropic efforts, Patagonia demonstrates a dedication to making the world a better place – not just for its customers, but for everyone.

7. Inside CHANEL (Chanel)

Chanel is one of the most iconic fashion brands in the world, with a rich history and heritage that spans over a century. The company has always been at the forefront of innovative design, and its commitment to quality and craftsmanship is second to none. In recent years, Chanel has harnessed multimedia to educate visitors on its remarkable history and heritage.

The Inside Chanel microsite is a must-see for anyone interested in fashion or history. It houses a ton of short, social videos that chronicle the people, places, items, and events that have contributed to the continued success of this iconic brand. From the origin of the famous Chanel suit to the story behind Coco Chanel’s signature perfume, these videos provide a fascinating insight into the world of Chanel. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the brand or you’re simply curious about its history, Inside Chanel is well worth a visit.

What is the purpose? Dalia Strum (President of Dalia Inc.) explains that the microsite’s purpose is to make Chanel’s history more accessible, but also their success over the years.

Their video-centric approach to visual storytelling is something we love. Each video shows you behind the scenes photos and stories that relate to color, couture and other aspects of the brand.

This isn’t Chanel’s first attempt at creating a microsite. The brand has tried many microsite formats, including Chanel News, an editorial-style site.

8. Xbox Museum (Microsoft)

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Xbox brand, Microsoft launched the microsite Xbox Museum, a virtual tour of its various consoles throughout the years. The museum is divided into four sections, each representing a different generation of Xbox.

Visitors can explore highlights from each console, including iconic games, hardware features, and design changes. In addition, the museum includes a timeline of major milestones in Xbox history. By providing an interactive and informative look at its past, present, and future, the Xbox Museum offers fans a unique way to celebrate two decades of gaming innovation.

The site is an interactive, content-rich walk through history that takes you on a journey from the early consoles to modern video games. You can explore different timelines and articles describing each event in depth while playing as one of many characters who are all trying to navigate their own personal timeline without getting lost or forgetting what happened before!

Honor the past, look towards future with this thoughtful way to celebrate your business anniversary

9. Life at Home (Ikea)

IKEA commissioned a study about how people live at home and the results were surprising. The majority (67%)of survey takers said they feel more productive when there is less clutter around them, making it easier for them to focus on tasks ahead without being distracted by unimportant items or decorations that take up space but don’t offer much value in return; additionally 70% reported feeling happier with their living spaces as well!

This report highlights how our mental health, families and communities have changed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They emphasize that a comfortable living space with strong relationships is crucial for your well being as it impacts not only you but those around them too! There are also cool elements such like maps visualization videos short questions posed by experts which will make this document very informative indeed

Ikea’s microsite expertly connects the importance of safe living spaces and healthy relationships back to its branding, forming positive associations in visitors’ minds. This close connection creates an emotional pull that leads them closer towards making a purchase with ikeakidsbrands

10. NASA Spacecraft (NASA)

NASA’s spacecraft are some of the most advanced and innovative technology in existence. From early explorations of our solar system to venturing out into deep space, these machines have allowed us to probe the universe and uncover its secrets.

The website catalogs every NASA spacecraft that has been launched, starting with its first in 1960. Each entry includes detailed information about the mission, as well as high-resolution images and videos. The site also features a timeline of NASA’s major milestones, from the first human spaceflight to landing on Mars. With so much to explore, the NASA Spacecraft website is a must-see for anyone interested in science and space exploration.

The spacecrafts have their own 3D visualization that you can rotate and view from various angles, along with a brief description. It’s enough to reignite any kid’s (or adult) interest in space research!

11. Chipotle Farmers Market (Chipotle)

Chipotle has always been known for its commitment to using high-quality, ethically-d ingredients in its delicious burritos, bowls, and tacos. With the launch of its new Farmers Market microsite, the company is continuing to show its dedication to sustainability and ethical practice. Through this website, Chipotle aims to increase awareness of the farmers who supply their ingredients and promote their work.

The site features information about different farmers, including photos and videos that showcase their unique growing methods. Whether you’re a Chipotle superfan or just looking for some easy meal ideas, the Farmers Market microsite is a great re for finding responsibly d ingredients. So if you’re in the mood for real farm-fresh food, give it a try!

The Chipotle Farmers Market is one of the most comprehensive sourcing websites out there, providing information on some of their suppliers and allowing you to buy products directly from them. They also offer a means by which they give $5k towards farming initiatives in order for 50 farmers under 40 years old can apply–an innovative idea that’s sure worth checking out!

Microsite vs. Website

While microsites are often their own websites, there are a few things that differentiate them from what we usually call websites.

The main difference between a website and a microsite is its purpose. An organization’s website often does many things, including explaining its products or services, sharing its values and mission, and selling products. It’s the main place where visitors, leads, and customers go to learn or do business with you. It’s also probably built in order to drive conversions and encourage visitors to a purchase.

Microsites, on the other hand, could be made for a bunch of different reasons. As Girard explains, microsites are “smaller websites, separate from a company’s corporate website, that enable marketers to quickly build content for and report on the success of a specific initiative.” This initiative could be a campaign, a product launch, an event, or other way to draw in current and potential customers. Still, all microsites are usually focused on brand awareness or conversion. They also typically occupy a different domain or subdomain than the primary website.

Additionally, as their name implies, microsites are typically smaller than full company websites. As we saw in our examples, a microsite could range in size from one page to several, but almost always fewer pages than the main website it’s related to.

Microsite vs. Landing Page

Like microsites, landing pages are focused on a specific goal related to a marketing play. However, a landing page is not a website — it is a single web page within a website intended to inform visitors about an offering and drive conversions.

While landing pages feature minimal design to keep visitors focused on generating leads, microsites encourage exploration and engagement. Microsites aim to build positive connections between people and brands, so visitors are more likely to convert later in their journey.

Microsites: Small But Mighty

At least when it comes to websites, companies don’t like taking risks. The goal is to get visitors from landing to conversion to purchase as seamlessly and as quickly as possible. That’s why businesses spend so much of their res on design and the user experience.

But, microsites aren’t a company’s main website — that’s the point. As a result, they’re some of the coolest projects on the internet. Microsites are a chance to experiment with new content, promote a unique message, do something offbeat, and, most importantly, create value for visitors.

This post was originally published in March 2016 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. link