You may have heard it many times before that first impressions are everything when conducting business online. Even the smallest details can be just as important as the larger picture.

Customer expectations are higher than ever. It’s important to maximize every touchpoint. Splash pages are the answer!

What is a splash page exactly? What is the difference between landing pages and splash pages?

These are the questions you need to answer. Let’s start right away to learn more about this fascinating topic!

What is a splash page?

The splash pages or splash screens are the pages visitors first see before they discover the rest of your website. However, it is different from landing pages. More on that later. A splash page is a way to communicate all you need before someone visits your homepage.

Splash pages are often referred to as virtual business cards by experts. A splash page can convey important information such as upcoming events or promotions, or even create a feeling of mystery or exclusivity. A splash page usually has one message and an exit link.

Visitors are not required to give their email address or name on a splash page. A splash page’s primary purpose is to inform. Forbes did this with its splash page below.

You can create a splash page to:

• Promote a new offer, upcoming event, or launch
• Website visitors can choose between a language and a region.
• Provide a disclaimer and/or age verification
• You can place an alert or warning.
• Announce the time it will take to load your website

A splash page’s elements are heavily influenced by its purpose. You may be surprised at how different splash pages look.

You can use one or more of these elements to create a splash page:

• Logos and/or eye-catching graphics/ images for a company
• An important and pertinent initial message
• Animation or video
• You have the option of entering the site in one of several ways

A splash page: The pros and cons

Many people aren’t sure if they should have a splash page for their website. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons to a splash page and make informed decisions about what is best for your company.

A splash page is a useful tool depending on the goals of your company. Splash pages are actually very useful.

• They are fast-loading due to the fact that they contain very little information. This allows you to quickly grab attention and provide the information you need to website visitors.

• Portfolios are a great way to showcase your best work. This “wow” factor allows you to show your craft and makes a great first impression.

• If your website offers several versions, let visitors choose which version they prefer.

• You can get feedback from your customers by simply looking at which splash pages worked well for you.

It is also possible for a splash page to have the following negative effects:

• It can be irritating. Many readers do not like splash pages. According to some studies, 25% more people leave a website after visiting a splash page than they did when they went to the main site. This large number of people might make you think. You wanted to surprise them with a splash page, but instead you made them leave.

• Search engine friendly. Many splash pages contain only a Flash animation or a giant graphic. This makes it difficult for search engines to focus or optimize. Because you aren’t found in search engines, this can lead to sales losses.

• It can be repetitive. This is particularly true for splash pages without a skip option. Visitors can find it irritating to see the same splash page repeatedly when they visit your website regularly. They might be annoyed enough to look elsewhere for the exact content.

There are differences between landing pages and splash pages

Although landing pages and splash pages may sound the same, they are completely different. We have compiled some key differences between the two pages.

First, is . A splash page, by definition , is a screen that appears when you enter a website. It also has an exit link, which takes users to the main site where they can navigate to other pages. A landing page, on the other hand, is a page that has been created for a specific purpose. Because it is designed to keep users on the page until they convert, it often does not have an exit link or additional Navigation.

The main goal. The splash page is designed to give valuable information to visitors, direct them to a specific call-to-action (CTA) and/or collect contact information. A landing page is designed to achieve a specific goal, such as:

• Subscribe to the newsletter
• Content downloads
• Contest entries
• Webinar registrations

Thirdly, length. A splash page should be brief and only focus on welcoming visitors. However, landing pages can be either long or short. It is all about engaging visitors and you can choose the best design for your business.

The creation process. Splash pages should be as brief as possible so they can be created in minutes. However, landing pages can take longer to create and may take more than 30 minutes.

Here are the main differences between a landing page and a splash page.

	Splash Page	Landing Page
By definition	When you enter a site for the first time, a screen will appear.	A page that is designed to help you achieve your conversion goals.
The main goals	– Provide valuable information for visitors – To drive people to take a specific action (CTA).  Collect contact information	To achieve a particular conversion goal: Subscribe to the newsletter     – Content downloads – Contest entries – Webinar registrations
Length	It is a very short page.	It could be a page long or short.
The creation process	It can be done in just a few minutes	It can be longer and take more than 30 seconds

7 Splash Page Examples for Inspiration

1. Age verification (Budweiser)

Many websites that sell alcoholic beverages include an “age verification splash page”, which is a warning to customers. These splash pages are not required by Federal law, but the Federal Trade Commission recommends that alcohol-selling brands self-regulate and use age disclaimer technologies.

These splash pages are unique because they are specific to the industry. These pages don’t include an exit link, and visitors are required to verify their age before they can gain access to the main site.

The splash page for Budweiser is very simple. It includes the design, copy and call to action. These designs feature the unique Budweiser logo, brand colors, fonts, and colors. This splash page is more than a boring message that informs visitors that the website content is intended for a particular age group. It makes the interaction easier and more enjoyable. 

2. Delicious newsletter signup (Gimme Some Oven)

Besides, the message is clear and to-the-point. The value proposition here is straight-forward: If you share your name and email, you’ll receive delicious new recipes

3. Sign up for an email list that is mobile-friendly (Tom Ford).

Jay-Z said, “I Rock Tom Ford”. The mobile-responsive overlay is a hit with Tom Ford. What does this splash page do?

• Did you know that mobile devices account for more than half of all page views? If you don’t have an overlay or splash page that is mobile-optimized, you are missing half the visitors.
• Only ask for one thing. One field, such as email address, makes it easy for visitors to sign up and then go back to shopping. Visitors shouldn’t be required to do more than is necessary.

4. Cool email capture (KILLSTAR).

This splash page is a great example of what it does:

• Images that are fun and relevant to the brand. KILLSTAR is a “Clothing & Lifestyle Brand with a Twist of Darkness” – thus, their splash page looks like a coffin.

• Copy that is consistent with the brand’s personality. KILLSTAR could have used “Join our Email List” or “Your Email Address,” but “Join The Coven” is more engaging and suits their brand personality to the T.

5. Email to receive a special discount (J. Crew)

This splash page is a great example of what it does:

• Amazing product photography. These visuals show J.Crew’s great clothes, giving you an idea about what you can do with the 15% discount.

• Appealing copy. “Join our crew” is fun and exclusive (and yes, it’s a play on the brand).

• It’s easy to opt out. Visitors can easily opt out by clicking on an exit link at various points throughout the user experience.

6. Report download (Conversion Gods)

What is the purpose of this splash page?

• Exit link. You can go on your way if you don’t feel motivated. Keep it simple for your visitors to find the content they are looking for.

• Relevant content. You’re probably interested in the “conversion-boosting secrets” found in this download if you visit Conversion Gods’ blog. Other businesses can use this strategy if they create premium content marketing.

• Simple design. This page doesn’t have flashy animations or GIFs. It looks great on all devices and takes very little time to load.

7. Language selection (Zara).

This splash page is a great example of what it does:

• Beautiful visuals that are on-brand. Zara is a fashion label, as we all know. The splash page exudes fashion.

• Almost no copy. Zara provides preference options to website visitors by using drop-down boxes on the splash page. It is visually stunning because it has very little copy.

• Clear purpose. Websites must be able to recognize your language and geographic location in order to provide the best shopping experience.

Here are 4 ways to make a splash page that is effective

There are two options when creating a splash page:

1. You can hire a developer or designer from a third party and host the page on your site.
2. You can use a professional template with some of the website builders such as Instapage and Strikingly.

Whatever your choice, it is important to create a splash page that doesn’t interrupt or annoy your customers. These are our four simple, but powerful tips.

1. If you don’t have a splash page, consider using overlays or pop ups instead.

Your splash page is displayed as a lightbox popup, or overlay, above the page you wish to display. This allows them to know that they are at the right place. They can also exit the splash page if not interested.

2. Keep your splash page simple

Visitors will leave if your splash page is confusing and complicated. Your splash page should be as simple as possible to create a better user experience and speed up website loading . Keep your copy short and to the point, use simple JavaScript and reduce the number of plugins and animations on the splash page.

3. Make your splash page design responsive

Mobile devices make up more than half of all page views. Make sure your splash page is accessible to all users. To ensure that your splash page adapts to the screen width of each visitor, you should consult your designers.

4. Analytics are important!

After you’ve created your splash page, track the results to determine if it is improving or decreasing your website’s performance. You can measure, depending on your business goals:

• Page time
• Click-through rate
• Bounce Rate
• Submissions via form
• Email signup

Your results might suffer if you have a splash page. You need to understand why it is not working and then adjust it.

The bottom line

Splash pages are a valuable tool in online marketing. They help marketers and business owners communicate essential messages to their customers. Splash pages are easy to use and don’t require much effort from visitors, which is something that people greatly value.

Create and optimize splash pages now to see how your visitors love them!