In advertising as in life, there is nothing like a chance to make a first impression. A splash page is your introductory page to your web site. It is targeted to those visitors with short attention spans. It can be a graphic, an animation or flash movie to gain attention, words that call for action, or simply a sign up/enter site.
A splash page is your first and best 15 seconds to show off your stuff. Splash pages garner 3 times the click through rate compared to pages with lengthy introductions.
If you use an animation/movie, make sure it is less than 15 secs. Videos with peeps giving a lengthy sales pitch are likely to get zapped before the product introduction. Speaking of introductions, always-always-always, start off with a call for action. Studies have shown that, unless the introduction is spell binding and spectacular, a call for action needs to be introduced in the first 5 seconds for consumer response.
When to use splash pages:
1. As a landing site from a link in a blog side show.
2. As a start page for a list builder.
3. As a signature in an email to your down line members.
4. As a start page on Traffic Exchanges.
5. As a rotating page from a rotator.
6. As a rotator link in an advertised portfolio.
7. As a landing page from a banner, etc.
8. As a marketing page from cross sales in your on-line store.
9. As a start page for an auto responder.
10. As a mouse-over on multiple applications.
When not to use a splash page.
1. As a landing page for adwords or other PPC advertising.
2. As a landing page for your home URL.
3. As a landing page for redirected domain names.
4. As a landing page from your Business Card.
5. Never use to build your brand. *(splash pages are designed to prompt an action not build a brand name. It's the seeking of more information that prompts an action. If you give the consumer too much info, he or she will zap you before continuing.)
6. As a landing page from a link in an article.
7. As a signature landing page in professional correspondence.
8. Catch-all: Never use splash pages when someone has paid for the view!
Think of a splash page as a billboard on the highway. Will it catch your eye? Is it short and to the point? Is it compelling? Will it cause an action?
Example of a splash page: Myregistryname.com
