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Splash Pages
Here is a lot of information about splash pages, all of which comes down to this single point:
Don't use splash pages. There are many reasons why splash pages are bad.
What is a Splash Page?
A home page is the page you get when you type a domain name. If you type "healthyministryresources.com," you go here. The home page is the launching pad into the rest of the site. It's like walking into a mall and seeing a directory of the stores in the mall.
A splash page, too, is what you get when you type a domain name. But with a splash page, you don't get a directory. Instead, you typically get an elaborate animation which lasts maybe 5-10 seconds and tells you...well, not much. It's more for show. You're supposed to be wowed by the splash page. Most splash pages use Flash animation. Coooool!
Movies have something similar at the beginning. The studio, the production company, the distributor--they all show an elaborate animation which, when it comes right down to it, is nothing more than an animated logo. Sitting there in the theatre, you must endure it. But on the web, people do have a choice. They can go elsewhere.
Somewhere on the splash page, usually the bottom, you'll find a "Skip Intro" button. If you click on it, you'll go directly to the site's main page without having to endure the insufferable animation. I always, always click on the "Skip Intro" button. I've never yet seen a splash page that adds anything of value to my life.
People who don't know better view a splash page as....
If you must use a splash page....
If you must, absolutely must, use a splash page, make sure the "Skip Intro" button is prominent. That button should take them to your main page. Better yet: use the splash page as your main page. Let them enter the store directly, rather than force them to enter through an entryway lined with pictures they don't care about.
Only Use a Splash Page if....
Don't use splash pages. There are many reasons why splash pages are bad.
What is a Splash Page?
A home page is the page you get when you type a domain name. If you type "healthyministryresources.com," you go here. The home page is the launching pad into the rest of the site. It's like walking into a mall and seeing a directory of the stores in the mall.
A splash page, too, is what you get when you type a domain name. But with a splash page, you don't get a directory. Instead, you typically get an elaborate animation which lasts maybe 5-10 seconds and tells you...well, not much. It's more for show. You're supposed to be wowed by the splash page. Most splash pages use Flash animation. Coooool!
Movies have something similar at the beginning. The studio, the production company, the distributor--they all show an elaborate animation which, when it comes right down to it, is nothing more than an animated logo. Sitting there in the theatre, you must endure it. But on the web, people do have a choice. They can go elsewhere.
Somewhere on the splash page, usually the bottom, you'll find a "Skip Intro" button. If you click on it, you'll go directly to the site's main page without having to endure the insufferable animation. I always, always click on the "Skip Intro" button. I've never yet seen a splash page that adds anything of value to my life.
People who don't know better view a splash page as....
- The cover of a book, which grabs your attention as you pace through Barnes & Noble.
- A billboard, which snares the attention of passers-by.
- A window display, which grabs the interest of pedestrians and convinces them to enter the store.
If you must use a splash page....
If you must, absolutely must, use a splash page, make sure the "Skip Intro" button is prominent. That button should take them to your main page. Better yet: use the splash page as your main page. Let them enter the store directly, rather than force them to enter through an entryway lined with pictures they don't care about.
Only Use a Splash Page if....
- The content of the site is inappropriate for minors or might offend someone. Hopefully, that doesn't include anything on your church website.
- You have versions of the site in different languages (like English and Spanish), and you want people to choose their version.
Add Your Own Thoughts. Please.