Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall concept of a MicroSite?
A MicroSite is an online special section, a category-specific cluster of pages which are meant to function as an auxiliary supplement to a primary Web site.
How will a MicroSite get onto and work on my Web site?
Metro's online special section MicroSites are self-contained Web sites delivered in a single folder that is uploaded to your Web server. To make life simple, Metro developed and makes available to all MicroSite customers our Metro interactive MicroSite Publisher (MiSite) so that anyone can update and publish a MicroSite. Link to the MicroSite home page from any page(s) on your site and it's ready to go.
Is the MicroSite a framed site?
No. A MicroSite is a self-contained Web site designed to be placed on your server. This setup allows you to track site performance, increase visitors and page views and, most importantly, build your search engine optimization (SEO). Framed sites do not allow any of this.
What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?
Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the volume and quality of traffic to a Web site from search engines via "natural" ("organic" or "algorithmic") search results for targeted keywords.
What is the value of using a Web 2.0 design?
Web 2.0 design makes it simple to see and understand content on a Web site. It also contains enhanced navigation which is always available to the visitor and leaves no doubt about where to find anything throughout the site.
What is Client-side Include?
Client-side include is an operation that allows you to update all pages of a site with the modification of a single document, in a similar fashion to updating master pages in a page layout program or word processor.
Will Google or other search engines find content within my MicroSite and where will it link to?
Each MicroSite is search engine optimized (SEO), which increases the possibility that the content will be found organically on search engines. If the content within your MicroSite is located, a search engine will link directly to your page containing the content.
How long can we keep a MicroSite posted?
Since the MicroSites reside on your server, you can keep each one active for as long as you want, even changing advertisers from week to week or month to month for greater revenue potential. Some key themes will have two editions during the year for increased relevancy.
How can a I personalize the site and features with my logo?
Each MicroSite package includes access to Metro interactive MicroSite Publisher (MiSite). With this online tool, anyone can upload a logo to personalize the site. MiSite also provides the ability to add up to eight articles and images that will appear front and center on the home page of the site.
Can the branding area be enlarged?
No. The area designated for your logo is set to a specific width and height based on the MicroSite design.
Where exactly do the ads go?
There are four advertising opportunities available on each page of the MicroSites. They include a top-of-page Advertiser Sponsorship, Rectangle Ads, Skyscrapers and Directories.
What if there are advertisers that are not related to a story or don't want be next to a story?
Each MicroSite page can be modified to include or eliminate an advertiser. However, we recommend selling the MicroSite ads as a run of site (ROS) flat fee.
Can you have more advertisers on a MicroSite page?
Yes, you can have more advertisers on a page by employing ad rotation on your ad server, or dividing the directory listings into ad space. That space can also accommodate skyscraper ads or rectangle ads.
How can I add advertising with a limited sales staff?
It is simple to post and manage advertisers on a Metro MicroSite. If you aren't able to sell online ads due to staff limitations, employ Google AdSense and let Google deliver the ads to your viewers.
What is the purpose of the advertisers' page?
The advertisers' page is designed to be an area to spotlight your advertisers listed in the "advertiser directory" with business name, a description paragraph, and link to their business Web site or splash page you might create for them.
Can an interactive or animated ad that rotates be placed in the Rectangle or Skyscraper ad spaces?
A publication can place any form of advertising that meets the pixel dimensions of those ad areas. The publication controls interactive and animated ads through the use of their ad server.
Can stories be added, replaced or edited?
You can easily add stories to the MicroSite using the MiSite deployment tool that comes with every subscription. For replacement or deletion of stories advanced HTML knowledge is required.
What is the difference between the stories listed on the Home page and those in other areas of the sites?
The stories in the call-out boxes of the Home page have been chosen to entice viewers to visit the entire MicroSite.
Are stories repeated in different parts of the MicroSite or will they all be unique?
If a story relates to several areas throughout a MicroSite, then it will appear in all related areas. For example, a story on in-ground sprinkler systems may appear in a lawn area as well as a garden area.
Are there multiple sections each month and will they be different month to month?
Yes. Metro creates three new themed MicroSites per month. Microsite themes will change every month.