A minisite is just what the word suggests - a mini website. When set up correctly, it is a great way to direct targeted traffic to your main site or online store. For that to happen though, you need to have all the elements of a successful minisite in place. Once you do, you'll reap extra traffic and profits.

Think of your minisite as a spotlight on a single product or service, which you need to choose from your product offerings. Just one, mind you. Minisites focus on a single theme. If you have more than one product or service, don't worry. Build a minisite for each one. In the end, you'll have a network of minisites all linking back to your main website.

Think of the increase in traffic from doing that alone! Let's say that you want to promote the sale of vegan vitamins from your health care line. It could just as easily be an affiliate program, but for this illustration, vegan health (more specifically, the effects of vegan vitamins on your health) would be your theme. Remember, in order to have the elements of a successful minisite, you must remain laser focused on your theme. No rambling, branching off, or distracting potential customers to another topic, page or product.

Key elements of a successful minisite

- You need the following for your greatest chance of optimum success.

- Tightly written and persuasive copy. Make the writing good.

- Have good keywords scattered throughout your copy in a natural way. Don't just stuff the writing with keywords, it has to flow and be focused and informative.

- Add testimonials if you have some. It helps build credibility.

- Offer bonuses if possible, and note any guarantees that you're prepared to back your product up with.

List the features and benefits (FAB) of your product or service. What's in it for the customer?

- Give your minisite an easy-on-the-eyes layout with attractive graphics and a large attention grabbing headline near the top.

- Add a PayPal "Buy Now" button. Recall the razor sharp focus that you're going for? Get in quick, get the sale quick, then out again. Kind of like the crib notes of a sales site. In fact what happens is, when the site visitor clicks on the Buy Now Button, they are taken to your main site to complete the sale.

Creating an incredibly effective minisite is not so difficult. The only snag you may hit is when it comes time to install the PayPal "Buy Now" button. It's the perfect application for handling your payment processing, and even your secure download delivery, but it has a complicated set up. If you're proficient in computer programming you'll be fine, otherwise you'll want to get some help. Look for software that can help you get this set up.

Using all the elements of a successful minisite gives you a distinct marketplace advantage. Start promoting your new site, and watch your traffic climb.