The Difference Between a Website, a Landing Page, and a Sales Page (And Why You Need to Know It as a Coach)
Let me take you back a few years. I was working with a life coach who had just launched her business. She was smart, passionate, and deeply committed to helping moms reclaim their joy. The only problem? Her website was doing none of the heavy lifting.
It looked great at first glance—clean layout, soft colors, lots of inspirational quotes—but no one was booking discovery calls. Her traffic was trickling in from Instagram and referrals, but it felt like her website was just sitting there, waving politely and hoping someone would say hi.
This story isn’t unique. If you’re a coach building your online presence, you might be wondering why your website isn’t converting. That’s where understanding the difference between a website, a landing page, and a sales page can change the game.
Let’s break it down in plain English, with zero tech jargon.
Your Website: The Digital Home for Your Coaching Brand
Think of your website like your house. It’s where people come to get to know you. It has different rooms: your homepage, your about page, your blog, your contact page, and maybe a page listing your services.
Your website helps potential clients understand who you are, what you do, and why you do it. It gives them the big picture. They can browse, explore, and take their time getting to know your vibe.
If you’re a coach, your website should answer these questions:
- Who are you?
- Who do you help?
- What kind of results do you help people get?
- How can someone work with you?
- Why should they trust you?
The thing is, websites are meant to inform and build trust. They are not necessarily built to convert on the spot. That’s where most coaches get stuck. They expect their homepage to do the job of a sales page. That’s like asking your front porch to serve dinner.
Your website is essential. It gives your business credibility and gives your audience a sense of place. But if you want someone to take immediate action, you’ll need something more focused.
A Landing Page: The Single-Task Workhorse
Now let’s talk landing pages. Imagine you’re hosting a dinner party and you send out an invite to just the living room. You decorate it just right, put snacks on the table, and play music that sets the mood. Everyone who walks in knows exactly why they’re there.
That’s what a landing page does. It has one goal. Maybe it’s to get someone to sign up for your free guide. Maybe it’s to register for a webinar. Whatever the purpose, the page is stripped of distractions and laser-focused on that one action.
Landing pages don’t have a menu or a bunch of links to other places. They keep the reader’s attention right where you want it. That’s why they’re so powerful.
Let’s say you’re offering a free PDF on “5 Ways to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed as a Working Mom.” You’d create a landing page just for that. The copy would speak directly to her. You’d highlight the benefit of downloading it, and the only thing she can do on that page is enter her email.
Simple. Focused. Clear. No rabbit holes to fall into.
If you’re running ads or promoting something specific on social media, sending people to your homepage is like saying, “Figure it out.” But sending them to a landing page says, “Here’s exactly what you came for.”
A Sales Page: Your Online Salesperson
And then there’s the sales page. This is the closer. The one who sits down with your potential client, looks them in the eye, and says, “Let me show you why this offer is the solution to your problem.”
Sales pages are typically longer. They walk your reader through a very intentional journey: from identifying their pain points to painting a vision of what’s possible, and then showing how your coaching offer gets them there.
It’s storytelling with purpose.
A great sales page includes:
- A compelling headline that grabs attention
- A relatable story or problem that makes your reader say “Yes, that’s me”
- A breakdown of what’s included in your offer
- Testimonials or social proof
- A clear explanation of how your program works
- A big, beautiful “Buy Now” or “Book a Call” button
Sales pages are usually where you send someone when you’re ready to sell a specific offer. Not just “Hey, I’m a coach,” but “Here’s my 8-week group coaching program, and here’s why it’s perfect for where you are right now.”
Think of a sales page as your most persuasive salesperson. It’s available 24/7 and never needs a coffee break.
Why It Matters to Know the Difference
Here’s why all this matters.
A lot of coaches try to shove everything into one website. They want to tell their life story, share their blog, pitch their services, and collect emails all from the same page. The result? Confused visitors who don’t know where to look, what to click, or why they should care.
When you understand the purpose of each type of page, you can design your client journey with more intention.
Here’s how it might look in action:
- Someone finds you on Instagram and clicks your link.
- That link goes to a landing page for a free checklist.
- She signs up and gets added to your email list.
- A few days later, you send her a link to your sales page for your one-on-one coaching.
- If she’s interested, she books a call.
- After the call, she checks out your website to read your bio and learn more about your background before making the final decision.
Each page does its job. No one is overloaded. And you’re building trust while guiding people toward action.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a tech wizard to understand how these pages work. But as a coach running your own business, knowing the difference can help you make smarter decisions about how you show up online.
Your website is your home.
Your landing page is your invitation.
Your sales page is your closer.
Use each one with purpose, and you’ll create a seamless experience that turns curious browsers into committed clients.
And if you’re still feeling overwhelmed, just remember: you don’t have to do this all at once. Start with one great landing page. Then build your sales page. Tidy up your website when you’re ready. Progress is what builds momentum, not perfection.
Need help figuring out which one you need first? I’d be happy to walk you through it.
You’ve got this.
Leave a Reply