23 Jan
Nowadays there are many elements and features that can be added while designing websites. When creating your own website, website builders allow you to implement an abundance of web design features intuitively, helping you to think outside the box and give your visitors the best possible experience.
One strategic feature you might consider adding to your website is a splash page. This page is also known as an intro page, is a unique element that greets visitors before they even reach your homepage, unlocking a lot of potential engagement.
A splash page is a great way to grab people’s attention the instant they land on your website. Also, it’s an incredibly powerful tool for sharing important updates, content, and offers.
What is a Splash page?
Splash pages are often confused with a landing page or homepage but while these three web design assets share similar forms, they have very different functions on a live website. A landing page is a single page that’s used to get visitors to complete an action and click through to an end goal. Your homepage acts as the main page of your website. Apart from images and a description, a homepage typically includes a navigation menu that will allow visitors to browse through the rest of the site’s categories and pages.
Whereas, Splash pages are known as intro pages of your website. The screen may cover the entire screen or web page or may simply be a rectangle near the center of the screen or page.
In other words, a splash page is an introductory screen visitors see before they can enter your website. It will direct people towards a single, strong call-to-action, like ebook download or newsletter signup. Typically, the site visitor will need to complete some kind of step to close the page, even if it’s simply closing the message.
Splash pages work best when they’re offered and updates your site visitors absolutely should not miss. There are different reasons publishers and site owners use splash pages:
- Choose language or region
- Ask for age verification
- Show limited-time offers
- Announce new products
- Highlight top content
Using a splash page is wildly effective in the right context, but a closer look at the pros and cons may help you decide if you should use it on your website or not.
Pros and cons of a splash page
Many people doubt whether or not they should use a splash page on their website. Let’s look at both the pros and cons of a splash page so that you can make an informed decision about what really makes sense for your company and website.
Depending on your company’s goal, a it can serve as a handy tool. As a matter of fact, splash websites:
- Are fast-loading because there is very little information on them. This allows you to quickly grab the attention of website visitors and deliver the information you want to provide them.
- Are a good way to show off your best work, as a portfolio. This “wow” factor helps you show the quality of your craft and make an outstanding first impression.
- Allow visitors to choose the site technology or language if your website has a few versions.
- Allow you to get feedback about your customers’ preferences by simply seeing which splash pages you created worked best for your business.
However, it’s also argued that a splash page can have some following serious downsides, including:
- Can be annoying. It’s true that many readers don’t like splash pages. In some studies, 25% of visitors left a site right after seeing a splash page, instead of heading into the main website. That large number of people may make you think carefully, because you wanted to “surprise” them with a splash page, but instead, you pushed them away.
- Not search-engine friendly. Because many splash pages only include a Flash animation or giant graphic, there isn’t much content for a search engine to optimize or focus on. This results in potential sales loss because you can’t be found in the search engines.
- Can be repetitive. This is especially the case for splash pages that don’t have a “skip” option. When visitors regularly access your website, they can find it annoying to watch the same splash page again and again. It could annoy them enough to have them look elsewhere for the same content.
Differences between splash pages and landing pages
Though splash pages and landing pages sound similar, yet they are entirely not the same. We’ve studied and compiled some of the significant differences between two pages.
Firstly, by definition, a splash page is a screen that pops up when you first enter a site. It has an exit link that takes visitors to the main website where they can navigate to different pages. On the other hand, a landing page is a standalone page created to fulfill a conversion goal. It often doesn’t have an exit link or additional navigation, because it aims to keep users on the page until the convert.
Secondly, the main goal. A splash page aims to provide valuable information to your visitors, drive people to a specific call to action (CTA), and/ or collect contact information. Meanwhile, a landing page is created for a particular goal of conversion, such as:
- Newsletter subscribers
- Content downloads
- Contest entries
- Webinar registrations
Thirdly, length. A splash page is only about welcoming, and it needs to be short. Nevertheless, a landing page can be long or short, it is about engaging visitors and you can decide which design is the most appropriate for your business.
Finally, the creation process. Because splash pages are supposed to be as short as possible, they can be created within minutes. But when it comes to the landing page, the process of creation can be lengthier and often takes more than a few minutes.
Differences between splash pages and homepages
A splash page is hosted on your homepage, any content page, or your blog. A It’s a “welcome screen” and it’s the first page the visitor sees before the website.
The homepage, content page, or blog page share the same root URL, which essentially make it the same page. However, there are some subtle differences between the main website page and a splash page.
Let’s analyze the differences between a splash page and a homepage:
- A splash page has very few elements — only a message and an exit link
- A homepage typically has navigation links and a lot of information on the product or service
- A splash page doesn’t necessarily have a background image or graphic
- A homepage has one or a combination of graphics
- A splash page has a single purpose (either present visitors with a choice or relay a message to them)
- A homepage can have multiple purposes; it’s offering visitors all of the products or features at the same time (via navigation links or otherwise)
What to include on splash pages?
Before you start building your splash page, define your goals. Are you looking to promote an upcoming event? Do you want to wow visitors with stunning visuals? Or is your main goal to grow your mailing list?
What you include in your splash page varies depending on your industry, personal choice and what you want to achieve. A splash page must have the following elements for it to be successful:
1. Eye-catching visuals
The perfect way to attract visitors by graphics and visual elements is a splash page. Since a splash page typically includes very few elements, it’s a chance to upload a background image that will stand out.
When talking about visuals, be sure to include your own logo on your splash page since this is the face of your brand, it will indicate to visitors that they are in the right spot.
2. A brief message
It’s great to include a concise message in your splash page to inform the visitors about your brand and convey a sense that there’s more to come. Apart from welcoming users to your page, you can include text that will inform your audience of relevant updates, provide them with instructions or set the tone with an inspiring quote before entering your site.
Just remember to use short, action-oriented text because visitors won’t like to have a page full of writing to get through before reaching your site. Also use a language that is consistent with your brand identity.
3. A clear exit strategy
The main concern of your intro page is to carry viewers through to your homepage. Make sure that visitors reach their final destination by displaying an exit button that can’t be missed. A good example is to create a button with a clear call-to-action that reads “enter here.”
If the main purpose of your splash page is to give visitors a different language option or view a specific version of your website, this is the place where you can let them choose their preferences and direct them to the relevant homepage.
Tips to keep in mind when creating splash page
It’s on you how to design a splash page for your website. Hence consider these tips when creating a splash page.
1. Use visual hierarchy
Good visual hierarchy is an important design principle to keep in mind when you lay out the elements of your site’s splash page. Take into consideration the size and placement of each component, making sure that everything works well together and is presented in a way that is fluid and effective.
2. Keep it consistent
The splash page is an introduction to your website, keep the style in mind and include your website’s color scheme, language and images consistent with the design of the rest of your website. This will not only please visitors aesthetically, it will also strengthen your branding and tone of voice.
3. Ensure speedy loading time
A slow loading website will cause even the most patient of people to leave a page. When creating your page and adding in elements, keep in mind how these additions affect the loading time of your page.
4. Add subscription forms and social media accounts
This applies to new and returning visitors alike, a splash page lets you capture contact information and sign visitors up for your newsletter mailing list. Additionally, adding social media icons linked to relevant accounts is a modest way to remind your audience to follow you and stay up-to-date with your business’s latest ventures.
5. Responsive design
Mobile devices accounts are over 50% of all web page views, so make sure your splash page works for all visitors. You should work with your designers or choose a responsive template in your site builder to ensure your splash page adjusts according to each visitor’s screen width.
6. Keep an eye on analytics
Once you have your splash page operated, remember to track results to see whether it is hurting or helping your website performance. Depending on your business goal, you can measure:
- Time spent on page
- Click-through rate
- Bounce rate
- Form submissions
- Email signup
If your results suffer after you add a splash page, you might not be providing enough valuable information, enough incentive, or intuitive user experience. Then, you need to learn why and adjust it.
Wrapping it up
We can’t deny that splash pages can be a useful tool in online marketing. Splash page is an unique part of a website that can offer brands a wide range of benefits. With the right splash page design, you can introduce potential customers to special promotions or events or provide them with information that allows them to improve their browsing experience.
So, create and optimize your splash pages today and see just how much your website visitors welcome them!