Capturing and retaining the attention of website visitors is becoming increasingly complex, but there are ways to combat the shortening attention spans of users. A good splash page is one way to retain user attention and improve branding. Among the many benefits they can bring, splash pages are designed to make a solid first impression, pique visitors’ curiosity, and encourage them to take action.
If you’re still getting familiar with the concept of splash pages, don’t worry – this article will guide you through everything you need to know to create an engaging splash page. Before examining some valuable examples, let’s dive into the basics first and explore what a splash page is.
What Is a Splash Page?
A splash page is a standalone web page specifically designed to capture visitors’ attention and promote a specific offer or message.
Unlike traditional web pages, splash pages are minimalistic and usually feature a bold headline, eye-catching visuals, and a prominent call-to-action (CTA).
Think of a splash page as a movie trailer – it gives visitors a taste of what’s to come, piques their interest, and encourages them to take action. The goal of a splash page is to make a strong first impression and direct visitors toward a specific purpose, such as signing up for a newsletter, downloading an ebook, or making a purchase.
Splash page vs landing page
| Splash Page | Landing Page |
|---|---|
| Introductory page | Standalone page |
| Showcases brand, product, or event | Designed for conversion (e.g., purchase) |
| Full-screen with limited navigation | Contains more content |
| Requires user interaction to access main content | Includes clear and direct calls to action |
| Aims to create a visually impactful experience | Focuses on guiding visitors toward a specific action |
While splash and landing pages are designed to capture visitors’ attention and promote a specific action, they serve different purposes and are used differently.
A splash page is typically used as an introductory page to showcase a brand, product, or event. It’s usually a full-screen page with little or no navigation options and requires visitors to click a button or link to access the site’s main content. The main goal of a splash page is to create a visually impactful experience that draws visitors in and motivates them to explore further.
On the other hand, a landing page is a standalone page designed to convert visitors into shoppers by encouraging them to take a specific action, such as making a purchase. Unlike a splash page, a landing page typically has more content and includes clear and direct calls to action to guide visitors toward the desired conversion.
Unique Splash Page Examples
Are you tired of the same old boring splash pages?
Fear not, because we’ve scoured the internet for the most creative and unique splash page examples that will leave your visitors impressed and eager to explore your website.
Get inspired by these innovative designs prioritizing user experience and best practices in web design.
1. Canva
Canva is a popular graphic design tool offering various design templates to help people create professional-looking graphics. When users land on Canva’s website, they are immediately presented with a splash page showcasing some of the most popular templates.
This splash page provides visitors with a taste of what they can expect from Canva and encourages them to dive right in and start creating.
2. SquareSpace
SquareSpace is a website-building platform with a wide range of templates and tools for your business. Their splash page features a bold, eye-catching background image with a clear call to action, inviting visitors to “get started” on building their website.
Animated elements help to highlight some of the critical features of SquareSpace’s platform, such as its drag-and-drop editor and e-commerce capabilities.
3. Dropbox
Dropbox is a straightforward cloud storage and file-sharing service. The Dropbox splash page is a simple yet effective design that showcases the platform’s benefits. It also immediately makes the critical features of the service visible. These include file sharing, collaboration, mobile access, and a clear call to action inviting visitors to sign up for the service.
4. Duolingo
Duolingo is a popular language-learning app that uses gamification to help users learn new languages. Their splash page features a playful, cartoon-like design that showcases some of the app’s essential features, such as personalized learning paths and fun, interactive lessons.
At the bottom of the splash page is an excellent call to action inviting visitors to download the app and learn a new language.
5. Slack
You are probably familiar with Slack as the platform that allows teams to collaborate and communicate more effectively. Their splash page features a simple yet effective design highlighting some key benefits of using Slack, such as improved communication and increased productivity.
The Slack CTA invites visitors to sign up for the service and join the millions of people already using the platform.
6. Grammarly
Grammarly is a popular writing tool that helps users improve their writing by catching grammatical errors and making suggestions for improvement. Their splash page clearly and concisely states the benefits of using Grammarly. Integrations with other platforms, such as Slack, Outlook, Gmail, and LinkedIn, are visually presented.
7. Notion
Notion is another excellent example of a splash page done right. Notion’s splash page is sleek and modern, with a clean design emphasizing the app’s unique features and benefits. The page uses animations and vibrant colors to draw visitors in and keep them engaged. One of the most compelling aspects of Notion’s splash page is its minimalistic and concise messaging.
These examples showcase a different approach to splash page design, from simple and effective to bold and bright. Study these examples and try to identify what makes them effective. Then, you can create splash pages that effectively communicate your value proposition and encourage visitors to take action.
Elements of An Effective Splash Page
A few key elements must be present to make a splash page effective and engaging for visitors. Let’s look at the three pillars of great splash pages.
1. Clear and compelling headline
Your splash page’s headline is the first thing visitors will see, and making a solid first impression is crucial. Your headline should be clear, concise, and compelling, grabbing visitors’ attention and making them want to learn more about your product or service. Ensure that your headline is relevant to your target audience and highlights the main benefit they will receive from using your product or service.
For example, “Revolutionize Your Workflow with Notion – The All-in-One Workspace for Productivity” is a strong headline that highlights the benefits of using Notion.
2. Eye-catching visuals
In addition to a strong headline, your splash page should have eye-catching visuals that grab visitors’ attention and keep them engaged.
Use high-quality images or videos that are relevant to your product or service, and use them to showcase your product or service’s unique features and benefits.
If you’re creating a splash page for a new mobile app, include screenshots of the app in action or a short video that shows how the app works.
The color scheme should also match your branding. While some product landing pages perform better when they are colorful, others benefit more from focusing on product features.
3. Clear call-to-action
Finally, your splash page should have a clear CTA or action button encouraging visitors to take the next step. Whether signing up for a free trial, downloading a whitepaper, or purchasing a product, your CTA should be prominently displayed on your page and communicate what visitors need to do next.
Use action-oriented language that creates a sense of urgency and encourages visitors to take action immediately. For example, “Start Your Free Trial Now” or “Download Your Copy Today” are effective CTAs that create a sense of urgency and encourage visitors to take action.
With these three vital elements in your splash page, you can create a page that is visually appealing and effectively communicates the benefits of your product or service. It will make it much easier to encourage visitors to take action.
Remember to keep your target audience in mind and tailor your splash page to their needs and interests, and you’ll be on your way to creating a splash page that converts visitors into customers.
What Are Splash Page Templates?
A splash page template is a pre-designed web page. Using a template will help you to create a splash page quickly, and remember to include all the essential elements. Here are some of the benefits of using a splash page template:
- Time-Saving – a pre-designed template saves you a lot of time because you don’t have to start from scratch. You can just pick a template and customize it to your liking;
- More cost-effective – hiring a professional designer to create a splash page can be expensive. Using a template helps you to get a professional-looking splash page at a much more affordable rate;
- Easily customizable – splash page templates are created to customize each element, even if you have no design skills. You can change the colors, fonts, and images to match your brand’s needs.
But where do you find a suitable template for your specific needs? Look at a few popular website options with excellent splash page templates.
The Best Sources of Splash Page Templates
If you aren’t sure where to start, have no worries. Splash page templates are widely available. Look at some of the following platforms, and you will surely find something that suits your needs.
- Canva – A graphic design platform that offers a variety of templates, including splash pages;
- ThemeForest – You can find a wide range of templates for different platforms here, including WordPress and Shopify;
- Unbounce – A landing page builder that offers a variety of templates, including splash pages;
- SplashThat – A platform that allows you to create event pages and offers a variety of templates for different types of events.
Using a splash page template can save you valuable time and money. With so many options available, there must be something out there that will bring life and vibrance to your website.
The Bottom Line
Creating a successful splash page can make all the difference in user experience and engagement. Aim to follow the best practices in splash page design and incorporate some social proof. You can make your splash page an introduction page and a key piece at the top of your sales funnel. Remember, web design is all about creating an enjoyable and memorable experience for your visitors, and a well-designed splash screen is essential.
Moreover, by experimenting with different splash page templates design elements, you can find the perfect balance between creativity and functionality. So don’t be afraid to try new things and see what works best for your brand.
The key to a successful splash page is providing a memorable and engaging introduction to your website, and with these tips and tools, you can do just that. So go ahead, get creative, and make your splash!
Splash Page FAQs
Splash pages can impact SEO negatively if not optimized properly. They may lead to slower load times and provide less content for search engines to index. It’s crucial to use SEO-friendly practices on your splash page.
The primary benefit of a splash page is to create a visually engaging and memorable introduction to your website or brand. It can capture visitors’ attention, convey your message effectively, and guide them toward specific actions.
Ideally, a splash page should be concise and to the point. It should provide essential information and visuals without overwhelming visitors. Aim for brevity, typically within a few seconds of viewing.
A splash page should include a compelling headline, eye-catching visuals, a clear call to action (CTA), and a brief message or introduction. It’s essential to engage visitors quickly and provide a seamless transition to your website’s main content.
