Understanding the distinctions between a landing page and a splash page is essential for effectively utilizing both in your digital marketing strategy. These tools serve unique purposes and are designed to achieve different objectives.
The main differences between landing pages and splash pages are as follows:
- Purpose
- Content
- User interaction
- Duration of visit
- Navigation
- Frequency of use
- SEO impact
- Relation to website
This article clarifies the differences between splash page and landing page, providing insight into their respective purposes, features, and advantages. By understanding these differences, you can better utilize these tools to achieve your marketing goals.
What is a Splash Page?
A splash page is part of a website that precedes any other page on your business website. It serves as a welcome screen and teaser for your potential leads before they access the homepage. There is no universal purpose for which splash pages are produced, as it varies depending on the niche or the industry your business operates in.
A splash page is used for announcements, promotions, or age verification. It often features brief content, often with animation or graphics, and offers minimal or no navigation options. A splash page can be an entry barrier, delaying access to the main content. Typically, splash pages are designed to grab attention instantly and leave a memorable first impression through stunning visuals.
Key features of splash pages:
- Brief Content: Often with animation or graphics, ensuring quick load times and visual impact.
- Minimal Navigation: Splash pages offer minimal or no navigation options, directing focus on the initial message.
- Temporary Barrier: They can be an entry barrier, delaying access to the main content but ensuring a specific message is conveyed first.
What is a Landing Page?
A landing page is a standalone website created explicitly for marketing and advertising purposes. It is designed to grab the visitor’s attention, present them with a specific product or service, and then encourage them to take the desired action.
The primary purpose of a landing page is to convert visitors through a specific call-to-action. It features detailed content focused on specific offers or actions and offers clear navigation to further steps or offers. A landing page is used in marketing campaigns to drive conversions and direct visitors to specific goals or content.
Key features of landing pages:
- Detailed Content: Focused on specific offers or actions, providing comprehensive information to persuade visitors.
- Clear Navigation: Offers clear navigation to further steps or offers, facilitating user flow towards conversion goals.
- Conversion Focus: Used in marketing campaigns to drive conversions, these pages direct visitors to specific goals or content.
8 Key Differences Between Splash Page and Landing Page
Splash pages are brief screens used for announcements and specific purposes, while landing pages are designed to encourage specific user actions such as sign-ups or purchases as part of marketing strategies.
Differences between splash pages and landing pages are critical to understanding their distinct roles in web design and digital marketing. Splash pages serve as introductory screens that captivate visitors with brief messages, announcements, or age verification. They require minimal user interaction and offer limited navigation. These pages are used sparingly for specific campaigns or events and have little impact on SEO.
In contrast, landing pages are integral to marketing efforts, designed to drive specific actions like sign-ups or purchases. They feature detailed, persuasive content, encourage user interaction, provide clear navigation, and are frequently updated to support ongoing marketing strategies, thereby having a significant SEO impact.
To fully grasp how each page type can enhance your website’s performance and achieve your marketing goals, read on for a comprehensive breakdown of their eight key differences.
1. Purpose
The primary purpose of a splash page is the goal of introducing visitors to a website with a single message. This could be anything from a welcome message to a special announcement, a promotional event, or an age verification requirement. For instance, a splash page might greet visitors with a seasonal sale announcement or ask for age verification if the site contains age-restricted content. The splash page is used for announcements, promotions, or age verification and acts as a captivating introduction to what lies beyond on the main website.
In contrast, the landing page has the purpose of converting visitors through a specific call-to-action (CTA). Whether it’s encouraging visitors to sign up for a newsletter, download an eBook, or purchase a product, the landing page is meticulously designed to guide users towards completing a particular action. It is integral in marketing strategies, focusing on driving conversions and achieving specific business goals.
2. Content
A splash page features brief content, often with animation or graphics. The content is designed to be visually appealing and quickly convey the intended message without overwhelming the visitor with too much information. This can include striking visuals, animations, or concise text aimed at creating an immediate impact. For example, a splash page for a new movie release might feature a short teaser video with a call to action to watch the full trailer.
Conversely, a landing page features detailed content focused on specific offers or actions. This includes comprehensive information about a product or service, persuasive headlines, engaging copy, images, videos, testimonials, and CTAs. The detailed content is designed to inform and persuade the visitor, providing all the necessary information to encourage them to take the desired action. For instance, a landing page promoting a new software might include detailed features, benefits, customer reviews, and a free trial sign-up form.
3. User interaction
User interaction on a splash page is minimal. The splash page offers minimal or no navigation options, often providing only a single action, such as entering the site or verifying age. It acts as an entry barrier, delaying access to the main content. This simplicity ensures that the user focuses on the intended message without any distractions.
In contrast, a landing page is designed to facilitate user interaction and engagement. It offers clear navigation to further steps or offers, guiding users through the content and towards the CTA. Elements such as clickable buttons, forms, and links to additional information are common. The focus is on creating an interactive experience that encourages visitors to engage with the content and take the next step.
4. Duration of visit
The duration of visits to splash pages is typically short. The splash page can be an entry barrier, delaying access to the main content, and its purpose is to quickly communicate a message or requirement before redirecting visitors to the primary content of the website. For example, a splash page with an age verification might only hold the visitor for a few seconds before granting access.
On the other hand, landing pages are designed to keep visitors engaged for a longer period. By providing detailed and engaging content, a landing page aims to hold the visitor’s attention, encouraging them to explore the information and ultimately take action. The longer duration helps build interest and trust, leading to higher conversion rates.
5. Navigation
Navigation on a splash page is almost non-existent. The splash page offers minimal or no navigation options, often featuring just one action button or link. This simplicity helps in focusing the visitor’s attention on the single message or action required before moving to the main site.
In contrast, landing pages are designed with user navigation in mind. A landing page offers clear navigation to further steps or offers, guiding visitors through the content and making it easy for them to proceed to the next stage of their journey, whether it’s filling out a form, making a purchase, or learning more about the offer.
6. Frequency of use
Splash pages are used less frequently and are typically reserved for specific occasions, such as special promotions, announcements, or mandatory verifications. They are not a regular feature on most websites but are deployed strategically when there is a need to capture immediate attention or comply with regulatory requirements.
Landing pages, however, are a staple in marketing campaigns. They are frequently used and regularly updated to align with marketing goals and strategies. A business might use multiple landing pages for different products, campaigns, or audience segments, making them an essential tool for ongoing marketing efforts.
7. SEO impact
The SEO impact of a splash page is generally minimal. Because a splash page features brief content and often with animation or graphics, it does not contribute significantly to search engine rankings. Additionally, the lack of substantial text and internal links means that splash pages are not typically indexed by search engines as part of the site’s main content.
On the other hand, landing pages are usually optimized for SEO. A landing page features detailed content focused on specific offers or actions and is often designed with targeted keywords and SEO best practices in mind. This helps improve the page’s visibility in search engine results, driving organic traffic to the site and contributing to the overall SEO strategy.
8. Relation to website
A splash page is typically a separate element that appears before the main website. It acts as a gateway or overlay, temporarily engaging the visitor before redirecting them to the main content. This separation means that the splash page is not integrated into the main website’s navigation or structure.
In contrast, a landing page is fully integrated into the main website. It is often linked from ad campaigns, emails, or social media and is designed to be part of the visitor’s overall journey on the site. A landing page directs visitors to specific goals or content, making it an integral part of the website’s architecture and user experience.
What is The Difference Between a Homepage And a Splash Page?
While a splash page precedes the main content to introduce or verify visitors, a homepage is the main entry point of a website, offering comprehensive navigation and a broad overview of available content. The splash page can be an entry barrier, delaying access to the main content but ensuring an essential message is delivered first. Additionally, the homepage serves as a crucial hub for brand representation, embodying the company’s identity and values through its design and content.
Splash Page vs Landing Page Examples
Examples of splash pages and landing pages illustrate their distinct purposes and features in enhancing user experience and conversion rates. Splash pages, such as those from Reserved and Heineken, serve as introductory gateways that improve navigation and ensure legal compliance. Conversely, landing pages like the AG1 Travel Packs and Articulate 360 examples focus on engaging users and optimizing conversions. Keep reading to find inspiration for creating web pages that are more effective and user-friendly.
Splash page examples
Splash page examples, such as Reserved’s minimalistic approach to country selection and Heineken’s compliance-focused age verification, illustrate the significance of these landing pages in enhancing user interactions. By providing clear navigation and adhering to legal requirements, these examples underscore the importance of splash pages in improving overall user experience and satisfaction.
Reserved
The splash page for Reserved serves as an introductory gateway to the main e-shop. It features a clean and minimalistic design, centered around a store selector that enables users to choose their country before proceeding to the main site. The prominent “Reserved” logo at the top provides clear brand recognition, while the list of countries in multiple languages caters to an international audience, showcasing the brand’s global reach.
The page layout is user-friendly, with a straightforward list of countries presented in a column format, allowing users to quickly find and select their region. The “Go to store” button at the bottom of the page is clearly visible, encouraging users to proceed to their localized store. This approach helps ensure that users land on the correct version of the e-shop, tailored to their specific location and language, which can enhance user experience and satisfaction.
Heineken
The Heineken splash page serves as an age verification gateway, a common feature for alcohol-related websites. The page greets visitors with a simple yet bold message, “We’re more than 150 years old,” paired with the Heineken logo at the top. It requires users to select their country and enter their birthdate to proceed, emphasizing compliance with legal drinking age restrictions. The form includes fields for day, month, and year, ensuring the user is at least 21 years old before granting access to the main site.
The design of the splash page is clean and straightforward, featuring Heineken’s green color scheme and minimalistic layout. The text is easy to read, and the input fields are user-friendly. The form submission button is initially disabled and only becomes active once the user inputs a valid birthdate, enhancing the site’s user experience by ensuring the form is correctly filled out before submission. Additionally, links to the terms of use and privacy policy are provided, adding to the transparency and legal compliance of the site.
Landing page examples
Landing page examples show the AG1 Travel Packs page excelling in user engagement with its clear layout and credibility elements, leading to higher conversion potential. Meanwhile, the Articulate 360 page combines extensive product information and trust-building features with a professional design to guide users towards a free trial, ensuring a seamless experience across devices.
AG1 Travel Packs
The AG1 Travel Packs landing page is a focused and engaging example of a product landing page, designed to highlight the benefits of the AG1 travel packs and encourage visitors to take action. The page prominently features a clear headline that captures the visitor’s attention with an offer of “Free One Year Supply of Vitamin D3 + K2 & 5 AG1 Travel Packs,” immediately conveying the value proposition. High-quality images, concise descriptions, and strategically placed call-to-action (CTA) buttons guide the user towards unlocking the offer.
The landing page effectively uses a clean and professional layout with visually appealing elements, such as vibrant product images and concise benefit descriptions. The content emphasizes the convenience and health benefits of the travel packs, with sections detailing how they support immune defense, promote gut health, enhance stress response, and improve energy levels. Trust badges and a money-back guarantee further reinforce credibility and encourage conversions.
Articulate 360
The Articulate 360 landing page is a detailed, multi-section page focused on providing extensive information about the product, engaging users, and guiding them through the conversion funnel. It highlights key offerings like Rise 360 and Storyline 360, emphasizing ease of use and the comprehensive nature of the service. High-quality images, clear call-to-action (CTA) buttons, and a professional design all contribute to a seamless user experience, encouraging visitors to sign up for a free 30-day trial.
The page also incorporates trust-building elements such as testimonials and awards, which strengthen its credibility. Detailed feature descriptions provide potential customers with the necessary information to make informed decisions. The layout is optimized for both desktop and mobile devices, ensuring accessibility and convenience across different platforms.
Splash Page vs Landing Page Templates
Templates for splash pages and landing pages each fulfill unique roles in web design, aiming to enhance user experience and engagement. Splash pages are designed to be minimalistic, focusing on delivering a powerful visual or message. In contrast, landing pages are more detailed, featuring comprehensive content, multiple calls to action, and lead capture forms. Continue reading to explore some excellent templates for both splash pages and landing pages that can help streamline your creation process.
Splash page templates
Templates for splash pages are usually simple, featuring space for a compelling visual or message, and a minimalistic design to focus on the introductory purpose. A splash page template often includes a single background image or video, a brief message, and a call-to-action button to enter the main site. It is designed to be visually appealing and to capture the visitor’s attention instantly.
Take a look at three splash page templates that cater to different industry needs. Each template offers a unique way to make a first impression, driving user engagement and conversions.
Ebook download
This splash page template promotes a new offer right before visitors enter the main site. That way, it catches their attention and encourages immediate engagement. You can edit this template in Landingi, customizing its content freely.
The template includes:
- Logo
- Prominent background image
- Clear CTA
- One-field form
- Value proposition
Ecommerce discount
This template for promoting a discount serves as a great splash page because it immediately grabs the customer’s attention with its bold design and clear messaging, making the value proposition unmistakable and enticing right from the start. Customize this template in Landingi by adding or removing sections to fit your specific needs.
The template includes:
- Compelling headline
- Value proposition
- One-field form
- CTA
- Hero shot
Music promotion
This template is ideal for creating a music splash page, as it effectively conveys value to the visitor and encourages them to take a simple action. You can use this template at no cost in Landingi’s Free plan or during a trial.
This template includes:
- Modern design
- Strong headline
- Hero shot
- CTAs
Also, explore pop-up templates that can create stunning splash pages while dimming out the rest of the page!
Landing page templates
Landing page templates are comprehensive, providing sections for detailed content like product features, benefits, customer testimonials, and multiple calls to action. They also include forms for lead capture and navigation options to guide the user journey. Structured to guide the visitor through the information, these templates encourage specific actions, such as signing up for a service or making a purchase.
Take a look at two landing page templates that are optimized for high conversion. Each template utilizes psychological triggers and user-friendly design elements that are proven to increase engagement and persuade visitors to take action.
Ebook landing page
This ebook promotion landing page template includes all the essential elements of a good landing page. The hero section is compelling and clearly presents the value proposition. The main call-to-action prompts users to purchase the product immediately, while the secondary call-to-action encourages visitors to scroll for more information about the ebook, its contents, social proof, and the author. This template is available for free use in Landingi, including in the Free plan and during a free trial.
The template includes:
- Compelling headline
- Value proposition
- Primary and secondary CTA buttons
- Descriptions
- Social proof
- Benefits
- “About”
- Form
Event landing page
The event landing page template can be used to encourage sign-ups for a festival, announce a coming soon concert, or promote early bird ticket sales for a workshop or seminar. This template features captivating visuals, such as video and parallax effect, compelling copy, and a clear call to action, making it an essential tool in building anticipation and increasing participant engagement. It’s available for free in Landingi’s Free plan and during a trial.
The template includes:
- Parallax effect in the background
- Social proof
- Form
- Video
- Value proposition
- Statistics
- Pricing
- “About us”
- CTA
Conclusions – Splash Page vs Landing Page
Both landing pages and splash pages are powerful tools in digital marketing, each serving unique purposes. While a splash page is ideal for brief announcements or verifications, offering minimal navigation and acting as an entry barrier, a landing page excels in converting visitors through detailed content and clear calls to action, with a focus on driving specific marketing goals. Understanding their differences allows businesses to use them effectively within their marketing strategies, maximizing their online engagement and conversion rates.
Choosing between splash pages and landing pages ultimately depends on your specific marketing objectives. If you need a simple, yet effective way to capture your audience’s attention for announcements or verifications, splash pages may be the way to go. Conversely, for more detailed campaigns aimed at converting prospects, landing pages are indispensable.
Fortunately, there’s no need to compromise on design or functionality, regardless of your choice. Landingi offers intuitive tools to create both types of pages with ease, allowing marketers to craft compelling, goal-oriented web pages without needing extensive technical skills. Why not take advantage of Landingi’s free trial and explore the possibilities for elevating your digital marketing strategy today?
