is a Splash Page? How to Create Yours [2024]
What is a Splash Page? How can you make the most of it?
Entrepreneurs and small businesses often wonder how they can make their pages more engaging and effective, without compromising the user’s experience.
Fret no! We’ll look at the basic features of splash pages today, their pros and cons and compare them to other web pages.
There are also some examples and tips to help you create splash pages that work better.
What is a splash page?
Splash pages are digital tools for marketing that direct visitors to a website’s main page.
They are displayed before any other website to attract attention. They can be used for a variety of purposes depending on what you need.
- Offer a limited-time offer, a discount, or a promotional campaign.
- An announcement of a new product or other important news.
- Collecting email addresses or other contact details can help companies to build their email list.
- A sneak preview or teaser is a short video that shows upcoming products or services.
- You can direct visitors to different versions of your site depending on the language they prefer or their location.
- As gateways and tools for age verification, they ask visitors to confirm or provide other pertinent information.
- Presenting an disclaimer.
- Set the tone of the event by introducing your brand and creating a positive first impression.
Take a look at the differences between landing pages and homepages.
Home page vs. splash page
It can be confusing if you are not an expert on web design or digital marketing to distinguish between these three kinds of pages.
Here is an example of a splash-page from .
This page is used to build an email list. It asks visitors for their email address in exchange of a discount or free return.
The visitor can accept or reject the offer and continue to browse the site.
Here’s a comparison of one of their landing pages.
The landing page for account registration has a similar email address field as the splash page.
Its purpose is to allow visitors to create an account, not to build a mailing list.
The landing page also has no exit or skip button. This is because landing pages are designed to convert visitors no matter what.
Now, here’s Blume’s homepage.
The homepage contains a wealth of information, and is the hub of the site.
Landing pages and splash pages tend to be focused on one goal with only one call-to-action.
There are links on the homepage to other sections and pages of the site.
Splash pages do not.
When done correctly (in this instance, offering discounts and free return), splash pages help to start the sale process even before visitors reach the homepage.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of splash pages?
The Pros and Cons Of A Splash Page
Over the years, Splash Pages have undergone some changes.
In the past, many were hardcoded just like other pages on a website.
Most websites today use full-screen popups to create splash pages.
landing pages builders are a big part of the reason for this. These tools allow you to easily create splash screens and pages and deploy them wherever needed.
The main difference between regular popups and splash pages is that they usually appear after the landing page or homepage has loaded.
Splash pages are pages that appear when you first enter a website. The splash pages are the first thing that you see.
There are times and places to use these types of pages.
You need to consider both the pros and cons:
What should you include on these pages to maximize the benefit and reduce the risk of frustration or an increased bounce rate for your visitors?
What should a splash page contain?
The splash pages can be used to guide visitors to the desired destination.
You can choose to have them all be the same or different depending on your goals, but they must:
- Look at this!
- Give their message immediately
- Prompt action
- Get out of the Way!
Every splash page must contain certain key elements.
A clear and concise message
Like doormen in fancy establishments, splash pages greet visitors and open the doors. They welcome visitors and open doors, creating a good first impression.
They do not engage in long conversations with guests and keep them outside in cold weather.
It should be the same for your splash page. It should be short and concise, allowing you to quickly convey the purpose or value proposition.
Splash pages can be used to promote a product, an event or collect emails. They are also a great way to introduce yourself.
Eye-catching visuals
Your splash page will be successful or unsuccessful based on the visuals.
After all, a picture can speak a thousand or more words. It will do the majority of the talking for you on a splash-page.
First-time visitors will be the ones to notice and remember your brand.
You need to make sure that your visuals are representative of your brand and easy to read. They should also be relevant to your audience.
Make sure that these elements are in line with the brand theme or event you want to promote.
Splash pages typically include:
- Background Image
- Design elements and photos of high-quality products
- Videos, GIFs or animations are all good options.
Visuals that are striking complement the message and create an emotional connection. They also leave a lasting impact.
A poor quality visual can also drive people away, lowering your conversion rate.
Call-to-action (CTA)
Splash pages are designed to encourage visitors to take action.
CTAs serve a purpose.
The CTA button must be clearly visible, concise, action-oriented, and compelling.
Examples of CTAs on a splash page include
- Visit website Splash pages that use this type of CTA are usually used to introduce a brand or product or to make an announcement, such as a warning about sensitive content.
- Verify your age: For age verification purposes.
- Entering your email is usually in exchange for discounts, gated content or subscription to the newsletter.
- Start: Some subscription-based services use splash pages to facilitate registration.
Responsive design
Your splash pages should also be responsive, displaying seamlessly on desktops and mobiles.
The splash page must adapt to the different screen sizes and orientations in order to provide an optimal user experience.
A non-responsive design of a page is not only an inconvenience to visitors. You’re not just losing out on potential customers.
A poorly designed page can also affect your search engine optimization.
Pages that don’t conform to Google’s Core Web Vitals, popup, and mobile-first indexing guidelines rank lower in search results.
Use caution when adding videos or animations to your splash pages. They can slow down loading times if they are too large.
They may also not be visible to users of ad-blockers, reducing their engagement on the page.
Simple exit or skip option
An exit link is another important component of any splash page design.
Include a simple skip option to allow visitors to bypass the splash screen and go directly to the main website.
If you have a splash page for age verification, the “go to site” button is still important.
A clearly visible and easily accessible link to exit the application will prevent any frustrations and maintain a positive experience for users.
These key elements are essential to maximizing your splash pages’ impact, usability and effectiveness.
Let’s look at a few examples.
Learn from with these 4 outstanding examples of splash pages.
Here are some examples of splash pages that we believe best illustrate what the design should be.
Example #1: Zara
You will see this page when you visit Zara’s website.
This splash page redirects first-time site visitors to different versions based on their country and preferred languages.
It’s easy to use, intuitive and matches the brand’s image and identity.
Click “Go” to select your language and location.
The site will also pre-fill the language and country sections based on the IP address of the visitor.
It is more convenient for the majority of users.
Takeaways from the example:
- Theme-based background image of high quality.
- Call to action is very clear (they don’t have to say a word).
- Visitors can adjust their cookie preferences by clicking the Cookies disclaimer.
Example 2: White Claw
White Claw must have an age verification system in place because of its product. The splash page is primarily designed to accomplish this goal.
It is simple and straightforward, which means that it has a responsive design.
This page is unlikely to have problems loading or not follow Google’s best practice.
There is no way to skip this page, since visitors only need to enter their date of birth. Once they click “Confirm”, they will be taken to the homepage.
Zara offers a similar country/language selection for a more customized experience.
Takeaways from the example:
- Simple and responsive design.
- Call to action is very clear.
- Select your language and country.
Example # 3: Drake Waterfowl
Subscribe to newsletters is one of the most popular uses of splash pages.
This example of Drake Waterfowl is more popup-like because it’s a popup except for the name. It is called a splash page because it appears before the rest.
The splash page is not age restricted, so you can get a sneak peek even before the main page.
The right image shows the essence of the brand (hunting equipment).
Subscribe to our newsletter to get a special discount.
This splash page is different from the two previous examples because it has a skip “X” in the upper right corner.
It’s great that it’s white, and stands out against the background.
Imagine if the “X” was camouflaged to match their brand better! This would have frustrated many visitors.
Takeaways from the example:
- Crystal-clear message.
- High visibility skip button
- Thematic Background Image
Example #4: Species in Pieces
Species In Pieces, an interactive code-based exhibition project, rearranges 30 geometrical pieces of design to represent 30 different endangered animal types.
The splash page uses exactly 30 triangles to spell the word “Pieces.”
The document also explains briefly the scope and the purpose of the project. This sets the scene for the future.
The page also has a CTA that encourages visitors to visit the exhibition.
Takeaways from the example:
- Clear and concise messages
- Use of clever visuals to make their point.
- Simple CTA to invite people in.
How To Build A Splash Page
It’s not difficult to create splash pages such as the ones shown above.
There are three main ways to do it.
Hire a Web Designer and Developer
When you work with a professional web developer, your content will be high quality and tailored.
You may receive splash pages that are truly customized, and resonate with your brand as well as the audience you want to reach.
This option is more expensive and takes longer to complete. To achieve desired results, you must also know how to effectively communicate your needs and wants.
This option is best suited to large companies with clearly defined brands.
This service is mainly for large companies with complex needs and sufficient resources.
We’re generally talking about niche high-end services and luxury brands. A professional developer will be able to create custom designs for them.
Option 2: Code it yourself
You can be as creative as you want with the DIY option.
You can customize the page however you like. It also means you don’t have to worry about communicating your wishes to others.
You will code it yourself.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about the process of web development and gain some practical experience.
This option requires a certain amount of experience in web development and coding.
You will also need more time to complete the project, particularly if you are new to landing page design and coding. After all, there is a learning process.
This option is most beneficial to small and medium-sized tech companies, as they can use their existing skills.
This course is best for those who want to get their hands dirty and understand the basics of web development and coding.
Option 3: Use a website or page builder
Website and site builders can also be used to create splash pages that will help you achieve your conversion goals.
Drag-and-drop functionality is common, and gives users a more intuitive experience. With minimal effort, even people without technical skills can create pages that look professional.
You won’t get the same customization and freedom as if you were to do it yourself. The tool’s functionality and features will limit you.
Expert-tailored solutions don’t offer the same depth of professionalism and expertise.
A landing page builder such as Moosend offers a wide range of customizable options, including templates, widgets or pre-designed elements.
This is the best option for all businesses and industries who want an easy, quick and cost-effective way to design their splash pages.
Website and landing page builders offer a good compromise between professional design and ease of use.
You can choose from these three options the one that best suits your needs and requirements for splash page design.
Do You Need a New Splash Page For Your Website?
Splash pages are a wonderful addition to any site when used properly.
They are often the first contact visitors and customers have with your website. They must make a great first impression.
Register for free with Moosend to create your splash pages.
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