the dreaded splash page

file structure consequences

[brdwlsh]

hi-

i have a site that is ready to be uploaded. my client decided that he wants to add a fancy schmancy splash page for the viewers pleasure.

my file structure is already set up like so:

index.html
html(folder with pages)
images(folder with pics)
includes(folder with css)
video(folder with, you guessed it, videos)

where would the splash page fit in?

if the user types the url he/she/it will be automatically directed to the index, right?

do i need to use some sort of javascript onload function?

i would try to talk this guy out of the idea but i've never spoken with him directly--i will make it worth my while though!

[bill]

Well, if it's going to be the default entrance page for your domain, then I'd say it should be named "index.html"...if that's the name of your server's default page.

[PSilver]

Yup, rename your current index page to index2.html or something like that, then make a new version of index.html for the splash page.

Please try and convince them not to have a splash page. No people like them (point out all the top website that don't have splash pages, in fact I can't think of any sites I visit regularly that have splash pages.)

Also point out that search engine spiders do not like them, which means their website has a lower chance of getting found through searches on Google. This is because the home page of the website only has one link on it, to another page. The home page is generally the most important page on a website, so if it only has one link on, to one other page, all the other pages will get a slightly lower rank because they are not linked to from the home page, and are therefore less important.

[henry0]

PSilver has a good point
however just out of curiosity
what happens with site ranking from sites opening with a Flash/Splash page that again has only one link
(I do not do splash pages neither do I use Flash)
just wondering about ranking
There are out there quite large businesses opening their sites with Flash

Henry

[brdwlsh]

Also point out that search engine spiders do not like them

this is one of my concerns. it's a pretty small company but i took alot of time with the proper coding--h tags, keywords, etc.

really don't want to update all my links as well.

i found a script that will open a window as soon as the page loads. i was thinking of putting my 'image-ready' animation in there. the 'enter site' link will just be a 'close window' link behind the scenes. usually i try to avoid javascript. i figure anyone with javascript turned off probably doesn't want to see the splash page anyway.

i think i'll say that this is an SEO killer in writing before i go through with it--maybe that will change his mind.

[Rincewind]

There is a possible solution if you wish to avoid editing the links on all your other pages. Using a .htaccess file you can change the default directory page for the site. For example, putting this line into a .htaccess file in you public root:

DirectoryIndex splash.html index.html index.htm

Would tell the server to supply the splash.html page when no file name is specified in the url. If no splash.html is found then it will serve index.html and failling that try index.htm.

[mumbledawg]

Splash pages can do very well in the search engines if they are done right and remember not everyone is coming in through the front door anyway.
Don't know what you are using for HTML but you should be able to do a search and replace on the index file and change it to index2 or whatever. Explain to the client that links will need to be changed and it will cost extra.