What defines a "landing page" in web development?

A landing page is specifically designed as a standalone page that focuses on a single objective or goal, typically created for marketing campaigns. Its primary purpose is to convert visitors into leads or customers by guiding them toward taking a specific action, such as signing up for a newsletter, downloading an ebook, or making a purchase.

Unlike a homepage, which provides a broad overview of a website and its various offerings, or sections dedicated to customer support that are meant to assist users with their inquiries, a landing page is usually stripped of extraneous distractions. This allows visitors to concentrate on the call to action without being sidetracked by other website elements.

Furthermore, while any page linked from social media can be used for promotional purposes, a true landing page is strategically crafted to align with specific campaign goals and messaging, creating a focused path for the user. This level of intent and design distinguishes landing pages within web development and marketing strategies.