Which is more valuable in a landing page, content or functionality?

[Dom441]

I have two possible landing pages to focus off page links and paid ad links to, one page has space for content but basically only serves as a springboard to a map view style listing page. The idea is to use this page full of good content to build search engine value. The map view page is the most functional and is what visitors would ultimately be seeking, but has no real room for content. Are these content landing pages useful? Would it be better to focus on user functionality even though there is no space for content, and would search engines naturally apply for value to these pages? Are these landing pages necessary? The url's in question are http://www.rentcollegepads.com/marquette/search and http://www.rentcollegepads.com/marquette

Thanks guys!

[sachin-sv]

Hi Dom,

Here is my opinion for your query:

You can have 2 separate landing pages for your organic & paid visitors (visitors from your paid marketing efforts like AdWords).

For your paid marketing, you should create a page where you can accommodate both important aspects- Content & Functionality on the same page. Content is equally important even if you are using landing page for paid ads. A perfect combination of both can give you better quality score, higher rank at low cost & more conversions.

Here, I am not suggesting you to write big paragraph on your landing page but you can just highlight very important aspects which can compel the visitors to take action.

I would advice you to write little content with catchy headlines along with functionality. A modification in page layout should work here.

For your organic visitors, you can make your landing pages content-centric to make it more informative from search engines & users point of view and then can lead them to the main functionality page via creating a button as suggested by OlegKorneitchouk. Content will help SEs to find you and help visitors to understand more about your services and then take necessary action. Please avoid to push "Call to Action" below the page as many a times visitors don't want to read too many content and they can leave the site without taking any action.

One more suggestion: I noticed that you have provides Login button on the top right on http://www.rentcollegepads.com/marquette/search. I would suggest you to make it Sigh In Button coz there are chances when visitors not member of your site already.

Hope this will help.

[KempRugeLawGroup]

First, that's a really pretty website. Nice job!

Second, why can't you just use both landing pages? Use the map one for paid ads, since they're going to show regardless, and built the content on the other one to work on backlinks?

• Ruben

[OlegKorneitchouk]

I think you should point links to http://www.rentcollegepads.com/marquette and "pre-sell" visitors to the map page.

Maybe you can add "hot deals" to the page to give even more direction for visitors.