When You Create A Web Site, Don't Make A Splash!

Don't make a splash!

Are you thinking about using a splash page when you create a web site? You would be wise to think again.

What is a splash page?

Generally,it is a fancy entrance graphic which requires your visitor to click inorder to enter the main home page of your web site. It may include amovie-like presentation with lots of sound effects and moving, flashy,animated graphics. These are often created using a technology calledMacromedia Flash.

Top three reasons

Here are the top three reasons why you shouldn't use a splash page when you create a web site:

1 - Your visitor's don't like them

Accordingto test conducted by web site research firm Marketing Sherpa, 80% ofvisitors surveyed preferred a web site without an entrance splash page.One quote by a survey responded summed it up: "When searching the web,my most immediate concern in generally time, how quick I can find/doit." Since a splash page just takes up your visitor's time withoutproviding real and useful information, they generally don't like them.

2 - They are slow to load on a dial up connection

Eventhough the world is slowly moving to fast broadband connections, thereare still millions upon millions of web users who connect to theinternet using slower dial up connections. Putting a splash page onyour web sites makes them wait - in effect, putting a block betweenthem and your chance to present them with information. Why would youwant to do that?

3 - Search engines generally can't read splash pages

Whiletechnology is evolving, the search engines like Yahoo and Google searchand index the text on your web site. If you don't provide text (meaningyou have only a graphical splash page), the search engines may not beable to find your web site - and that means that your potentialvisitors won't be able to find you either.

5 Biggest Reasons why Website Design Fail
Here are 5 biggest reasons why your website design fail make profits for you.
5 Important Rules in Website Design
When it comes to your website, extra attention should be paid to every minute detail to make sure it performs optimally to serve its purpose. Here are seven important rules of thumb to observe to make sure your website performs well.
Does your Website need a Redesign?
You may have a beautiful website, it may win awards for excellence in design, but unless the designer has taken into account the principles of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), you may need to consider a redesign. You may have an old website...
7 Important Rules in Small Business Website Development
When it comes to your web site, you should pay attention to every detail. You want to make sure it performs optimally to serve its purpose. Here are 7 important rules of thumb to observe when you engage a firm for small business website development.
Site Covers
Site covers can serve a number of different purposes. Some function as splash screens that offer little information, but are intended to entice users into a site by using snazzy graphics or effects. Others are used to establish an overall look-and-feel for a site...
The Stages Of Web Design - How Those Websites Used To Look
A great article about old good times when all the sites looked the same.
Last Modified, Loading Time, Preload your Images
Last Modified, Preload your Images, Loading Time. In this tutorial you will find scripts for this topics.
Top 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid when you are Planning to Build a Website
Re-inventing the wheel is really tempting but why not use someones experience in web design and web building to consume some time for things you really enjoy doing.
Use Of An Entry/Splash Page
Over the past few days I have been zooming through sites looking at different designs for inspiration and ideas. During my site viewing time I came to realize things I hate about web designers. These are things that caused me to close my browser window before the site loaded or even not visit the si...
Big Business Web Design Disasters
When you think of the worlds most successful businesses, what names come to mind? Most likely, consumer-oriented giants such as Coca-Cola, McDonalds, Sheraton, Disney, IBM, and General Electric...