The Web Site Maid - be sure your entry page works

Be sure your splash page isn't a trash page

Many sites use what is called a "splash page" for their home page. A splash page is the Internet equivalent of bugle players at a royal ball. Splash pages usually have pretty artwork, perhaps some sound or Flash technology, but not much information. A splash page's only purpose is to announce the arrival of a web site on someone's browser.

If someone has typed in your web site address, or has followed a link on another site to yours, you already have their attention. A splash page is unnecessary. But if you still want one, be sure your splash page isn't a trash page.

What is a trash page? Here's an example: A site that the Maid will preserve from embarrassment starts out with a completely black screen. If you wait a bit, the splash page begins to appear from the black background — faintly at first, then gradually becoming brighter until a separate browser window opens with the "real" home page — the one with information and links. With the Maid's fast cable modem, the entire show takes about 40 seconds. Trouble is, the black screen causes a visitor to think the site is not operating. Bad, bad design.

If you MUST have a splash page, be sure it has information. You need the following:

Identification in the form of a logo and company name
If your company name doesn't identify what your company does, include a slogan or brief sentence about what your company does (Example: Perfect Planks — We make the best snowboards on the planet)
A clearly marked link that allows those who hate splash pages to bypass your little show and get right to the information.