If you’re a client of mine, we’ve probably had this discussion at some point.  We’ve all seen the sites that give us some cool graphic and tell us to “Click To Get Started” or something similar – like having to open a door before visiting a site.

My personal objection to this is the senseless barrier to entry that it creates.  If you’re trying to get a client, potential client, or reader to come to your site then why would you make it more difficult for them to accomplish that goal?  Our website design should reflect our goals for the user – make it as easy as possible for them to do what they/we want to do.

CSS-Tricks.com has come out with a new tutorial for one time only landing page using cookies that would alleviate some of the problem – but use it sparingly.  If your designer is trying to sell you the benefits of the splash page and you actually want return visitors then I would suggest this method.  Also, if you’re going to use a splash page, make sure it is in line with your sales model and not just a random display of your designers “artsy side”.