Legacies account for £40 million of the Trust's funding, one-fifth of the total, and it is hoped the microsite will lead to an increase in the number of people, 870 last year, who pledge donations to the Trust in their wills.
The microsite contains information on making a bequest and arguments for making one, including case histories on how individuals' pledges have benefited the Trust.
Previously, this information was contained in a brochure mailed to people who requested it. Apart from generating more bequeaths, it is anticipated that the online approach will realise administration cost savings.
Legacy development manager Roger Walkinton said the initiative was devised after National Trust research showed 57 per cent of National Trust members have access to the internet with 13 per cent visiting the Trust's site (www.nationaltrust.org.uk) regularly.
More than one-quarter of people aged over 65 have visited the site, according to the Trust.
Visitors to the microsite will be offered the opportunity to receive a newsletter and attend National Trust legacy open days.
The microsite was created by direct marketing agency Target Direct, which specialises in the non-profit sector.
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