Thanks for the question Paul.. While we teach, we learn..
First of all a splash page is nothing but a page that is seen by the users before they actually see the main content of the website..Usually splash page is used to instruct the user what kind of flash player or browser they need , to read the rest of the content of the website...That is its like a door to your website...It is also used to encourage the users and create an urge to see the rest of the content of the website..In short, the splash page makes the first impression of your website.. "First impression is the best impression", we all know that.. So the better the splash page ,the better the traffic to your website...
Also i would like to warn you that splash pages can be annoying, and often not needed. Think about why you want it. Is it because everyone else's site has one, and you think it looks cool? If so then don't get one. Is it because you need to give visitors important information? Then it is best for you to add it. Remember, splash pages slows down the user, and it can create a negative effect to have one when it's not needed.
Now i would like to explain, how to design the splash page effectively..
1. If you do not want to spend money for creating a good splash page, then keep it real simple with some attractive photos(relevant to the content) and the links to see the rest of the content of your website..When the users click the links they can explore your website.. Or else you can directly take the users into the content through the splash page by setting up a timer( the timer must be large enough for the users to see it and placed at center of the page)..So the users will be watching the timer and do not care about the rest of the splash page design..
2.If you want to create a good,attractive splash page,the following answer if for you..
Creating an effective splash page needs knowledge of HTML,CSS(cascading style sheet)and some basic Java Script..I am not going to go deep on how to create a splash page because the question is how to effectively design(decorate, though it also means create) it and moreover the creation involves so many html and java codes which are difficult to type here and it will also bore you(big time)...
Splash Designs:
1. First of all give a good header(title) to the page that is relevant to the content..
2. All the details in the page must be relevant to the content and must create an urge to see the rest of the content..
3. Use attractive colors(pleasant colors) and not many dark colors which will irritate the eyes(and eventually your customer)..
4. Use videos(short and relevant because it may waste the user's time) and pleasant music or sounds so as to glue the users to your site..
5. Attractive , good photos have to be included..
6. Links to your other websites can be added which are relevant to the content displayed in the splash page..
7. Gateways can be added for join your team(like in SFI or TC)..
8. Your ECA can be advertised ..
Similarly you can add all the details you want .. But keep it short and simple because the users click the link to your splash page to see the content of that website and not your ad campaign..So the loading time to display your website content must be kept very short otherwise they will move away..
I hope this answer helps......
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