What do you really know about your website? You probably have one, but how do you know when to add to it? How to increase your SEO, your traffic?

What do you know about microsites?

They’re a site within a site. It’s as simple and as complicated as that. Marketers love them because they’re most often used to target a particular demographic or achieve a specific goal. Think of them as a bridge between email marketing and your main website. They can act as steroids for your SEO and draw eyes to new services and attract new customers like bees to the Botanic Gardens.

Microsites give an opportunity for more company branding and exploring new web design. You can be a little quirky–most things that go viral are, see Mashable’s post on creating viral microsites–or more serious.

A microsite can be anything. It’s a dream within a dream. (See what I did there?)

Excuse me while I knock them off their shiny marble pedestal and look at the flip side.

If used incorrectly, microsites can be confusing and expensive. A change in interfaces might frustrate your audience, while the cost of maintaining one might make your accountant wince.

How do you decide if a microsite is right for your website?

Accept the fact it’ll take up time and resources, no matter how micro the site may be, and decide first if it’s worth it. Working with someone who knows the realities of E-marketing can help make sure you’re using microsites to your company’s best advantage.

There are some simple rules of thumb for building a microsite:

1. Have a goal

2. Keep it simple

3. It’s all about your brand

There’s pros and cons to everything, but it’s up to you to decide whether it’s worth it for your company.