Whats the point of a landing page?

[SEODinosaur]

I thought it is best to use your current site and build a new page targeting 2-3 key phrases max.

Lets say I have a current site that is ranking for a few keywords, why would I build a landing page when I can just add a page to my site and target those same exact keywords?

[JFritton]

Perhaps I'm misunderstanding the question, but isn't what you described the very definition of a landing page?

I usually consider landing pages according to the particular purpose needed for them.

If I have a search PPC campaign I'll make sure to build a landing page specific to each particular customer I'm targeting.  For example, I'm in the gold buying biz, so when I want to target customers that are looking for the current price for gold I'll build a landing page with current pricing and then make sure its the destination page for ads that target keywords like "Gold Price", "Spot price of gold" etc.

If I'm interested in increasing organic rankings for a particular keyword set that is beyond what my main page is optimized for, I'll create a page and new content that is designed for not only the new keywords but the customers I expect to drive to that page.  That "landing page" then is optimized for those new keywords and visitors and I work to increase its ranking, along with my main site in the SERPs.

I wouldn't necessary build a "landing page" that is a subdomain or a new URL completely, unless perhaps it's an exact match for the keywords I'm targeting.  I would however create a new "landing page" subpage on my current site and target a specific set of keywords or a specific customer profile.

Sorry if I'm misunderstanding.

-Jason

[SEODinosaur]

I believe a landing page is a "separate page" from the site. Usually used to target new keywords. From reading and watching many videos I think its better to just add another page to the ranking site. Once you add another page you can spread the sites authority to this new page rather then start from scratch.

[JFritton]

ahh, I see.  I usually consider landing pages just to be a separate page, not a whole separate domain.  I would definitely agree to use a new page on the same domain rather than a whole different domain or subdomain.

-Jason

[ZephSnapp]

Donnie, I have to agree with Jason.  Check this out:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landing_page

It think it is a great definition.  As you can see, any page can be a landing page, and EVERY page should be considered a landing page.  You are always trying to get the person who is on your page to do something, whether it is buy a product, download an ebook, sign up for your email newsletter, or click through to the next page.

Each landing page does not need its own domain.  Otherwise, how would a big brand like Target or Amazon rank for so many terms?

Anyhow, I hope this helps, and best of luck.