You may have come across famous websites like Best Buy, Zara or Forbes and seen a splash page instead of their homepage. These pages are used to direct you to a specific topic on the site, sign you up for a newsletter, or to simply inform you of a clue before you enter the site.
Let’s look at what a WordPress splash page is, what you can use it for, and how you can create one for your website.
What is a WordPress splash page?
When you visit a website, a splash page or static page is the first thing you see, rather than the home page of the website. It serves as a welcome page or a teaser to grab the audience’s attention for a specific purpose.
Unlike a landing page, a website splash page contains an exit link that allows users to go directly to the homepage and then visit other pages. A regular landing page, on the other hand, tends to keep users on the page to make a purchase.
A typical splash page has a unique look and feel; it may even differ from that of the website theme. First impressions are important, so it should be memorable enough to retain users attention.
For this reason, a high-quality background image or a creative illustration is highly recommended. However, it’s probably not a good idea to include a video here, as it could slow down the performance of the website.
Also, the text on the splash page is typically short, simple and easy to understand. Since it’s not part of your website and only serves to convey a specific message, it should be action-oriented. No one wants to read a giant long-winded paragraph right after opening the website and not get to the home page.
What is a splash page best used for?
In the past, a splash page was mainly used to inform users that they should download the Flash Player to better visit the website, but today its purpose is much more than that.
Many websites use a splash page to inform users:
- Age verification to access the website
- Email entry for discount code, newsletter, free e-book, etc.
- Language and location options
- Occasional/special sales
- Announcement of new products
If you visit online store websites near Black Friday, you’ll recognize the effectiveness of these splash pages.
They let you know what kind of offer you’ll be getting from the store and immediately direct you to that sales page without you having to navigate to it from the homepage.
However, some people underestimate the power of a good splash page and don’t consider it necessary for their websites. In fact, a well-drafted splash page shows how professional your website is and attracts new users better.
Plus, all users accessing these websites with a foreign IP address will be asked for a language and location selection on the home page to be redirected to the local stores.
How to create a splash page
The first thing you need to do is find a page-builder plugin from WordPress.org and install it – we recommend Elementor. This page builder is the most popular for WordPress users, but most page-builders work in the same or a similar fashion. Either way, you can apply similar instructions if you’re using a different plugin.
Step 1: Create a new page
Create a new page as usual. In your dashboard settings, search for Page → Add New.
Name this page “Splash”. On the right-hand side you will find Page Attributes, under Template select Elementor Canvas.
Then click Edit with Elementor to start designing your new splash page.
Step 2: Design your splash page with Elementor
Once you have approved your post for editing with Elementor, the new Elementor settings page will appear with a variety of options. Click the Add New button to select a page template that you would like to assign to your splash page.
Then all you need to do is drag and drop the element you want to add to the splash page, such as an image, heading or button.
This is what our example looks like:
The process is much easier than you’d think. Even in the free version, the plugin offers you several options for a useful splash page or any page builder settings, so don’t forget to display a smart headline to entice customers to click on your call-to-action link.
Nowadays, many WordPress websites have protection for specific pages, posts or even the entire website, including password-protected content.
But what if you want to protect your splash page behind a password, but not the rest of your website? Password Protect WordPress plugin is what you are looking for.
How to Password Protect Your Website (without affecting the home page)
Password Protect WordPress Pro provides advanced features to protect pages, posts, custom post types or the entire site.
Simply click on Password Protect in the page and post settings, and the content in question will immediately be protected with a new strong password that is automatically generated by the plugin.
If you want to make your entire site private and only visible to subscribers or paying members, you can consider password protecting the entire site.
Under Password Protection WordPress plugin Settings, you will find Sitewide. All you have to do is activate the option Password protection for the entire site and enter the desired passwords in the field.
What about your splash page? You can use the splash page to entice new users or to inform them about the main topic of the site. Of course, you don’t want this page to be hidden from them like other pages.
That’s the point: Password Protect WordPress allows you to password protect the entire site while excluding one or more pages/posts (or password protect them individually, your choice).
In the drop-down list below, all your pages and posts are listed and you can select any content you want to be visible.
Now you no longer need to worry about your website being vulnerable to the general public and especially to unauthorized access.
Once you have password protected your site, only specific roles or users who have been given the correct password will be able to see the content – all other visitors will be redirected to the 404 error pages.
However, you can completely exclude protection for pages and posts created for general users.
Conclusion
A splash page helps your website stand out from other businesses, especially in the highly competitive e-commerce market. With our easy-to-follow guide, it only takes a few minutes to create a splash page, and this small change can help you retain visitors for the long term, by signing them up for your newsletter or by giving them special offers.
