Splash pages are the most basic tool in the internet marketer's toolbox. Splash pages load quickly, make a point clearly, and inspire the viewer to click on a link for more information.

Splash pages are unique, unlike the affiliate pages which most programs will give you to promote with.  If you are promoting on traffic exchanges, you can be sure that other surfers have seen your affiliate page many, many times. They have already formed their opinion of whatever is being promoted, and they don't treat that page as new information. Click. Next... so, build a splash page, and make people look again.

You will need two free tools to make and host your free splash pages. The first is TE Toolbox, and the second is StartXchange traffic exchange. These two programs are owned by the same person, and so your StartXchange photo will appear on your TE Toolbox splash pages, which will save you having to look for photo hosting.

So, go and join StartXchange now. When you are done, scroll down to the "Tools" tab and click on "Upload Photo". If you don't want to use a photo of yourself then pick an image or logo which you plan to use as your unique trademark.

Next, join TE Toolbox. This is a fantastic tool which will allow you to make and host splash pages, keeps stats, and much more.

Tip: You get a free upgrade at TE Toolbox when you upgrade at StartXchange.

Once you have logged in at TE Toolbox, click on "Splash Pages", and then click on "New" next to the words "Splash Page". You will be taken to the "Edit Splash Page" screen.

Enter the name of your splash page (for your own use).

For backgrounds and borders you can enter the names of the standard colours (red, black, etc.) or you can click on "HTML color code" and copy the code from a colour you like. It's best to leave this for last, once you know how the rest of your splash page will look.

Click on the "yes" radio button next to "StartXchange Widget". This is how your photo gets onto your splash page. (Make sure to enter your StartXchange username in "Account Settings".

Now you are at the Splash Editor, and it's time to think about what to write. What got you interested in the program or product, what do you think is great or unique about it, or how does it fill a need? That is what you should write about, in as few words as possible. Your splash page must make people want to find out more, so they will click on your link.

Now write whatever you like, and use the editor to change your font, colour and size. To create a clickable link, just highlight a word or words, then click on the "Insert Link" button. If you want to have two columns, use the table button to insert a table, and write or insert images inside the table. You can insert images which are hosted elsewhere, by supplying the link to the image.

To edit HTML directly, click on the "View Source" button at the bottom of the editor. This will enable you to add such things as banner codes. You will find some basic html code here.

Tip: To insert code in a table, type XXX where you want the code to go in the table, then replace the XXX with your code in the HTML. This way you'll get it in the right place.

Now save your work, and click on "Preview" just above the editor. If you like what you have, then click on "Add to Rotator" next to "Preview". Your page is now ready to be used in traffic exchanges and anywhere else on the internet, using either the rotator provided, or the direct link (which you can get by right-clicking on the little preview icon next to your splash page in the rotator).

So, enjoy making your splash pages, and promoting them! Come back and click on "Splash Pages" every once in a while to see how many views and clicks your splash pages have had. You can also see the stats sorted by traffic exchange under the "Tag Stats" tab.

Want to take the next step, and make a squeeze page? Click on the article below.

© Carol Walczak 2007-2009

How to make and host your splash page for free

"All Traffic Exchange Users That Want Results MUST Use A Splash Page!"

This Awesome Tool Lets You Build Your Own Great Looking Splash Pages With Just A Few Clicks

Splash Pages Have Been Proven To Increase Traffic Exchange Response By 500% And More!!!

Click Here To Make A Splash!