If you want to make a big splash with your target audience, then a splash page is a great way to do so. An effective splash page can promote offers, generate leads, qualify visitors, and direct traffic to the relevant part of your website.
Having a visually appealing and targeted splash page can be a great way to improve the overall user experience, but an ineffective approach could do the opposite.
That’s why our experts at XYZ Advantage put together this list of inspirational examples of splash pages as well as tips to create an effective, on-brand splash page in as little as 10 minutes.
Keep reading to learn the difference between a landing page vs. splash page, use strategies from 15 exceptional examples, the importance of a well-designed splash page, and tips to help you create your very own splash page.
Jump Here:
- What is a Splash Page?
- Importance of a Well-Designed Splash Page
- Lead Generation and Free Trial Splash Page Examples
- How to Create a Splash Page in 10 Minutes
What is a Splash Page?
A splash page is an introductory screen, first page, or pop-up window that greets visitors before they land on your homepage or other webpages. It’s the first experience traffic will have with your brand, which is why it’s so important to make sure it’s attractive and effective for your specific goals.
They are typically heavy on visual design elements like images, videos, and logos. They often used to generate leads, announce updates or product launches, qualify visitors, restrict access, or offer a choice to direct guests to specific parts of your website.
Many people get confused about what’s a splash page versus a landing page example, and the main difference is with the purpose. A landing page is a dedicated page with plenty of information and sales copy about a specific product, service, or promotion, and the main goal is to convert leads via a clear call-to-action.
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Conversely, a website splash page conveys limited information necessary for new guests before entering any part of your website. While some pop-ups also act as splash pages, the splash page will be there for any visitor landing on your website.
Importance of a Well-Designed Splash Page
A well-designed splash page can be a great way to improve the user experience, boost conversion rates, generate leads, and make your brand stand out. It can engage your visitors, direct them toward a custom experience, and support other marketing strategies like email marketing, search engine optimization, PPC ads, and more.
However, with a poor design, you can negatively impact the user-experience, increase bounce rates, and lower trust in your brand, product, or service. That’s why it’s so important to not only create an attractive, simple, and effective splash page, but to continue to refine and test it for your ever-evolving audience and brand.
Use the following 15 examples of splash examples as inspiration for your campaign. To help you, we divided them into 4 categories based on the purpose of the splash page: lead generation, announcement and updates, confirmation and qualification, and choice or direction.
Lead Generation and Free Trial Splash Page Examples
Lead generation splash pages are the most common type and are used to gather emails and other information. This type is often used in pop-up format to offer a free download, upcoming event, webinar, discount, trial, or other benefits in exchange for an email. In some cases, this splash page will also include an upsell after gathering leads.
Example #1: Shiseido Discount Pop-Up Splash Page
This splash page example is for the Japanese cosmetic company Shiseido. The pop-up style splash page offers 15% off a visitor’s order in exchange for name and email address. By gathering a guest’s email, they can now promote new products, discounts, news, and more to encourage engagement and boost conversions.
With an image, a large headline, and minimal other information, it is clear, on-brand, and simple. Plus, the use of red is not only on-brand but red is often used for sales because it catches attention and encourages a click.
This is especially true when combined with the large, clear CTA button on this page. Not only does the 15% off discount save visitors money, but it also improves the overall user experience.
Example #2: CrazyEgg Free Trial Splash Page
Crazy Egg is a B2B marketing analytics platform that tracks website behavior, and its splash page greets visitors with the opportunity to input a website URL for a free heatmap. Then, on the next page, they ask for an email, password, and other information to sign-up for a free trial.
This splash page is somewhat unique because it’s located at the top of the homepage but occupies the entire page until you click to “learn more” to view the actual homepage.
They include partner logos of recognizable brands like Dell, Etsy, and Intuit, as well as the number of websites that use Crazy Egg. This established credibility. Along with a clear call to action that explains the exact benefit and the use of “Free Trial” and “Cancel Anytime” to encourage users to sign-up.
Example #3: Drake Waterfowl Pop-Up Newsletter Splash Page
Drake is an ecommerce outdoor apparel and hunting gear brand, and their website as a whole offers a lot of imagery that does a great job targeting their customers, and their newsletter splash page is no different. While this splash page also offers a 15% discount, it’s the image that makes the splash page design stand out.
Plus, the short and sweet copy is welcoming and approachable, which is also on-brand. The only information they require to access new releases and exclusive offers is an email, which makes it easy to sign up.
However, they also have the option to sign up with a phone number as well, which means they gather more lead information that can help them fuel their marketing campaigns.
Example #4: Culture Amp Demo Invitation
This B2B employee management tool has a unique lead generation pop-up splash screen. The initial pop-up is conversational and doesn’t ask for any information. It stays on the brand by asking to show the visitor around. Then, when you click, they ask for information to set up a free guided tour or demonstration of the platform.
This option is unique because it does something different than many other splash pages: it uses no images. While splash pages are generally visual with images, videos, and interactive features, this one is straightforward and asks if the visitor needs someone to show them around.
This may not seem much of a splash page website design, but the design is the two-step conversational approach that’s inviting and provides comfort and familiarity for a more positive website visitor experience.
Example #5: MindBar Free Self-Care Assessment Pop-up
This splash page for the mental health platform MindBar pops up for all new visitors and asks them to subscribe to their newsletter and get a free self-care assessment as well. Whereas other web splash page examples offer a discount, MindBar offers a free assessment to “boost your well-being now!” which improves the trust of the brand.
The image targets their specific primarily female audience and exemplifies the joy they wish to bring to their clientele as well. The colors, neutral background, easy to click exit link, and comforting tone also embody their mental health focus and target their audience.
Announcement and Update Splash Page Examples
Another type of splash page is an announcement or update splash page. This type is designed to provide pertinent information for all visitors, including schedule or hour changes, contact information, office closures, website maintenance, and more.
Example #6: Correct Toes 404 Error Redirection
Instead of having a boring 404 error that requires the visitor to backtrack, Correct Toes uses a splash page to redirect potential customers. They offer a few recommendations for other locations on the site that the visitor might have been looking for, which amplifies the guest experience.
In addition to suggesting a few product categories, they also implement a search bar directly onto the standalone page to make it easy for visitors to find what they are looking for.
Additionally, if you scroll down, they also have a lead generation splash page feature. While not the primary purpose of the page, it’s a nice addition that could boost leads.
Example #7: MEETANSHI Maintenance Countdown Page
Most sites have to go down for maintenance occasionally, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose every visitor during that time. MEETANSHI is a Magento development company that uses a countdown timer on their maintenance splash page and has a place to generate leads.
Combine this with their beautiful imagery of a peaceful lake, and you have a splash page website example that catches the eye and improves the user experience. Additionally, they also include logo links to their social media pages so that visitors can still find information and engage with the brand while the website is being updated.
Basically, every aspect of the design, from the countdown timer and lead generation to social links, is designed to improve user interaction and ensure that no leads are completely lost.
Example #8: Ervin & Smith 404 Page
This 404 page can inspire you to do more with your 404 splash pages because it utilizes design elements and marketing techniques to make the best of broken links and pages.
The splash page prompts a question asking the visitor, “How certain are you that what you’re looking for is actually what you need?” with an arrow to explore the answer by scrolling.
This allows them to promote their brand directly on their 404 page with interactive graphics, images, and minimal copy. Then, it finalizes in a form to fill out. Instead of frustrating visitors who land on their 404 page, they use it for the perfect combination of humor and self-promotion.
Confirmation and Qualification Splash Page Examples
You can also use a splash page to confirm and qualify your visitors. Whether you only want to allow specific ages, people who’ve already signed up, or anything else, this can ensure a safe and friendly experience for every visitor.
Example #9: Budweiser Legal Drinking Age
Budweiser, and virtually every other alcohol brand, has a splash page to confirm the visitor’s age. Budweiser’s age verification page combines the colors and imagery of its iconic label with an upfront, clear, and concise copy to make it easy for guests to fill in, click, and enter the website.
They also have a pop-up on this splash page that introduces a promo code that visitors can use to earn points and prizes.
Additionally, the splash page is indicative of the entire site: fun, simple, and true to the iconic Budweiser brand.
Example #10: DGMG Log-In Confirmation Page
This simple splash page for Dave Gerhardt Marketing Group tells visitors that access requires membership, and the entire black screen with limited white elements evokes the exclusivity of the content as well.
While everything is simple and straightforward for this page, this type of splash page web design only needs to convey that the guest needs access and allow them to input credentials easily. This page does exactly that.
Example #11: Washington Post Paywall Splash Page
The Washington Post and many other widely read publications like the New York Times, Forbes, and Wall Street Journal use paywalls or overlay to block access without payment. This allows visitors to sign in, pay, or sign-up to view the article that they are interested in.
The Washington Post uses an interactive form that allows payment with Card or PayPal, monthly or yearly subscriptions, pricing, and other benefits in the clear journalistic way they write their articles. This gets the message across easily and effectively, just like their readers expect of their content.
Example #12: WRC Cookie Policy Splash Page
While many of the options on our list display the cookie policy or encourage you to select an answer, it’s good to mention that you can do this with a splash page that requires a response.
That way, you can make sure every visitor sees your message and keep it on brand using the colors, design elements, logos, and other features to cultivate a positive user experience.
That’s how WRC displays its cookie disclaimer, but they do so tastefully without sounding pushy or making you read or click too much. Plus, this makes it easy for someone to opt out if they wish.
Choice or Direction Splash Page Examples
While it may not be the first thing you think of when you learn what is splash page on a website, you can use them to direct visitors to specific portions of your website. For example, you can use an introductory splash page to ask a leading question that will determine the best part of your website to convert them into a paying customer.
Example #13: Zara Location and Language Splash Page
The Zara website uses high-quality photography to greet its target audience with minimal other elements, but the page is designed for a better overall experience by offering an initial choice of location and language.
Depending on the choice, you will be directed to the page that meets your needs, which means a streamlined, easier, and more targeted experience for every guest.
While this example is in clothing, you can use the idea as inspiration for any multilingual or multi-locational service, product, or industry. Additionally, you can adapt a similar approach to other user experiences, needs, or preferences.
Example #14: SpreadSheeto Experience Choice Lead Generation
SpreadSheeto is a place where you can learn how to use Excel online and they have an interactive splash page that combines lead generation splash pages with customized choices and use cases. They simply ask about your experience level, and your answer will determine the free download you can get in exchange for your email.
This choice-based lead generation customizes the user experience for visitors and can also be used by SpreadSheeto or your business to create separate email lists for more targeted promotions based on the questions you ask.
Example #15: H&M Location Entrance Page
H&M has customers from all over the world, and they want to create a positive experience for all of them. This splash page allows them to do so by having an organized selection based on location, and the background image is also on-brand and changes throughout seasons and promotions to display new clothing items.
This is a great way to keep the user experience fresh and unique while also promoting your products or services in a unique but user-friendly.
How to Create a Splash Page in 10 Minutes
Now that you have some inspiration, it’s time to create and use splash pages in only 10 minutes using the following steps!
Before you start creating a splash page, you should know the goal/purpose of this splash page and what tools or website builders you’re using.
That means you must determine whether you simply want to interact with visitors or if you want to customize their experience, generate leads, qualify prospects, or do something else. Regardless of the purpose, it’s important to focus your splash page on a single CTA to streamline conversions.
For simplicity in this example, we’ll pretend to create a lead-gen splash page to collect emails for people interested in getting a free download.
We’re going to use both WordPress and Unbounce as examples to show you how to create one in 10 mins, but you can use your preferred platform like Wix, HubSpot, or ClickFunnels.
However, if you don’t know what platform or tool to use, use this guideline (note to AM: we can make a quiz to tell people what’s best):
- What’s the purpose of the splash page:
- Lead-gen: what CRM/email platforms do you use -> choose one of these.
- Announcement/confirmation/choices: what platform is your website on -> choose that
- Do you need A/B tests (regardless of the purposes) -> yes, complex A/B tests: Unbounce; no or simple A/B tests, stick with what you have and add Crazy Egg.
- The first step in your 10-minute splash page (after you decide your purpose and which tools to use) is to decide which components you need like header, short intro, call to action, on-brand design elements, and a form to insert email.
- Next, use ChatGPT text automation to generate 5-10 ideas for the header within a specified number of characters as well as the intro within guidelines, an actionable CTA, and all other written portions of your splash page.
You can even tell ChatGPT to generate copy based on SEO keywords. For our example, we could tell it to “generate a 30 character headline that offers a free download about {subject}”
- Then, pick a template in WordPress or Unbounce.
- After that, you can put everything together. Some tools and plugins offer drag-and-drop features that make it easy to insert images and the copy within the template.
- Now, customize the font, image, and other details to suit your target audience, brand, and purpose.
- Finally, you can review and test and your splash page is ready to go!
Enhance Your Splash Page with These 3 Tips
To make sure your splash page is effective, regardless of it’s purpose, here are a few additional tips.
Use Compelling Visuals
The visual components of your splash page are very important. This includes animations, images, videos, font appearance, and anything else that captures the visitor’s attention, ensures a pleasant experience, and gives your splash page meaning.
However, keep in mind that you don’t want to distract from the purpose of the splash page. Visuals can be fun, but you don’t want to go overboard because it can confuse the visitor or even slow down the performance.
Additionally, we recommend keeping the entire splash page simple. Remember, it’s not a sales landing page and should be brief. That being said, we suggest using visuals to communicate your message instead of text whenever possible.
Craft a Clear and Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
To make sure your visitors know what they need to do on your splash page, and to make it easier for them to do it, you need an effective call to action. You can do this simply by telling them what to do in concise terms. For example, if you want them to sign up for your newsletter, use a button that says “Sign-Up.”
In addition, you want the design to make the button clear by using a large font, contrasting colors, and elements that don’t distract from that primary purpose. For splash pages, we also recommend only having one CTA whenever possible.
However, for choice or confirmation splash pages, this may not be possible, but we still suggest keeping the CTAs as minimal as possible to reach your conversion goal.
Test and Refine
After you complete your splash page, you will need to test and refine it for better performance and usability. We recommend getting customer feedback and testimonials on their first impression, ease-of-use, and more.
You can also track performance to see how many site visitors decide to click to download your free offer and how many users bounce. This can help you craft and refine the perfect combination of copy and visuals.
Unbounce offers A/B testing tools that can also come in handy with this step because you can test different headlines, images, and other elements to find out the most effective combination.
Summary
A splash page, compared to a landing page, is designed to welcome visitors, provide immediate information, offer choices for custom experiences, or gather leads from new visitors to your website. It’s short and sweet with a focus on visual elements instead of sales copy.
Hopefully, the 15 best splash page examples and 10-minute creation tips above inspire you to create an effective option that enhances your conversions, elevates the user experience, and drives credibility for your business.
If you have other tips, tricks, or suggestions, share them in the comments below or contact us to tell us about your splash page experience!
