The average bounce rate can range from 26% to 70%. This means, on the low end, one out of every four people leave your website in less than 10 seconds. One of the best ways to combat people leaving is a targeted splash page. But what exactly is a splash page, and how can it benefit your e-commerce business?
What is a Splash Page?
The splash page is an introductory page that appears before your main content. It offers visitors essential information or a choice before they proceed to the rest of the site. A good splash page welcomes visitors to your website and sets the tone or provides necessary context.
Differences Between Splash Pages and Other Types of Landing Pages
To properly optimize your website's user experience, you'll want to understand the differences between a splash page and other types of landing pages. Each serves a unique purpose and offers specific benefits.
Splash Page vs Landing Page
Splash pages serve as an entryway to your main website. They provide visitors with essential information or a specific choice, such as language selection, age verification, or a promotional announcement. The focus is on a single message or action.
Standard landing pages are typically standalone pages designed for specific marketing campaigns or goals. They usually promote a product or action, like signing up for a newsletter. Unlike a splash page, landing pages are more detailed and may have multiple calls to action.
Splash Page vs Homepage
The homepage serves as an essential hub of your website's content and navigation. It provides information about your business, products, or services and includes links to the different sections of your site. Homepages provide an overview of your offerings and guide visitors to the most common sections they are trying to navigate to.
A splash page is more focused. It appears before the homepage and has a single purpose. This could be to inform visitors about a sale or ensure compliance through age verification.
Splash Page vs 404 Page
The primary purpose of a 404 page is to inform visitors that they hit a broken link and redirect them back to the main site. These pages provide an opportunity to relay information or promote an offer, but the primary purpose is redirection away from the broken link. Check out these 404 page examples for examples of effective and creative 404 pages.
A splash page is not used only when something goes wrong. They can be highly targeted by introducing visitors to key information or choices.
Benefits of Using Splash Pages in E-commerce
Splash pages are powerful e-commerce tools. They can enhance user experience and drive business goals. Here's why you should incorporate splash pages into your e-commerce strategy:
- Immediate engagement: Capture visitors' attention by presenting a visually appealing design and a clear message. The immediate engagement sets the tone for the rest of their browsing experience.
- Highlight important information: Splash pages are ideal for spotlighting crucial information right when a user visits your site.
- Improve user experience: A splash page provides necessary context or important choices upfront, such as choosing the language or region selection.
- Compliance and verification: For industries with legal requirements, such as alcohol, splash pages offer a straightforward way to verify users before they enter your site.
- Boost conversion rates: Drive visitors toward specific actions, such as signing up for a newsletter or claiming a discount.
Consider our e-commerce redesign services to see how professional design can elevate your site's performance. Integrating best practices for creating engaging splash pages ensures visitors are captivated upon arrival.
Best Practices for Designing a Splash Page
An effective splash page requires careful planning. Here are some best practices to make sure your splash page enhances user experience:
Keep It Simple
Focus on one main message or action. Avoid clutter that can distract visitors. A clean design puts your message front and center.
Use High-Quality Visuals
Use high-quality images or graphics that boost your brand identity. Ensure any visual elements grab attention immediately and highlight the message of the splash page.
Clear and Concise Messaging
Convey your message quickly by using concise, to-the-point text. The purpose of a splash page is to offer quick communication without overwhelming visitors. Typically, all you need is a heading and a brief sentence or two.
Strong Call to Action (CTA)
Make sure the button is prominent. Whether the visitor needs to verify their age or claim a discount, the CTA needs to be clear.
Provide an Easy Exit Option
Make sure to provide an easy exit option for those who wish to skip the splash page. An "X" button, skip link, or "no thanks" option allows visitors to navigate directly to the main content if they prefer.
Examples of Successful E-commerce Splash Pages
Below are several splash page examples that demonstrate their power:
BetMGM | Regional Splash Page
This splash page makes it clear that you need to select your region before moving on. They chose a recognizable celebrity positioned in a way that he points toward the list. The choice of colors and icons all reinforce the brand.
PhotoBarn | Email Signup Splash Page
This pop-up blurs the line between a regular pop-up and a splash page. It darkens the page behind it and forces the visitor to make a decision before moving on. It effectively captures emails for their promotional list while also offering an exclusive discount.
Tito's Handmade Vodka | Age Verification Splash Page
This splash page blocks the rest of the content until you answer an important question that helps keep the website compliant.
Tools and Resources for Creating Splash Pages
Creating a splash page doesn't have to be complex. Many tools are available to help you create the best splash pages for your e-commerce site.
- Website builders: Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, and other website builders have templates and drag-and-drop editors allowing easy customization.
- Dedicated landing page builders: These are tools whose sole purpose is to create engaging landing pages and splash pages. Examples include Instapage, Unbounce, and Leadpages.
- Graphic design tools: You'll need editors like Canva, Photoshop, or Illustrator to make eye-catching graphics.
- Analytic tools: Google Analytics provides insights into visitor behavior, while specialized tools like Hotjar or Crazy Egg can provide heatmaps that help you tweak the page's design.
- Freelance platforms: We all need help sometimes. Find copywriters or graphic designers on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
Measuring the Success of Your Splash Page
Creating the splash page is just the first step. Measure key metrics to make sure it is meeting your business goals. Some key metrics to track are:
- Bounce rate
- Conversion rate
- Time on page
- Click-through rate
Many landing page and website builders offer advanced tools like A/B testing so you can test different versions of your splash page simultaneously.
Elevate Your E-commerce Experience with Splash Pages
Incorporating splash pages into your e-commerce site will enhance engagement, drive conversions, and reinforce your brand. If you need assistance elevating your website's design, consider using our targeted e-commerce design services. We can tailor our development to specific platforms and themes, like the Magento Hyvä theme.
