How To Direct Users to a Custom Opening/Splash Page

I have seen several members asking how they can have users be directed to an custom opening/splash page when a user types in the site url -- rather than directly to the main website hope page. Uses for this can range from a special/flashy custom splash page to a simple "under construction" page.

The following is a very simple 3-step solution to this issue . . .

STEP ONE:
Create your custom html page and name it "index.html"

STEP TWO:
Load the custom index.html file to your website’s root directory (usually something like "public_html" -- but wherever your site’s primary "index.php" and .htaccess files are located.

STEP THREE:
Open your .htaccess file and find the following lines (around line 24 or so) . . . .

Code:

############################################  

default index file      DirectoryIndex index.php  

<IfModule mod_php5.c> 

############################################

. . . . and change the code within your .htaccess file to this . . .

Code:

###########################################  

default index file      DirectoryIndex index.html  

<IfModule mod_php5.c>  

############################################

That should do the trick. Now, whenever someone types in your url, it should direct them to the custom index.html page you created.

SPECIAL NOTE:
If this page is meant to be a type of "under construction" or "coming soon" page where do not want anyone to be able to go any further, then there is nothing more you need to do. HOWEVER, if your custom index.html page is meant to be an opening/splash page where your users are meant to continue onto the main site, then be sure to code in a link to your main site within your custom design. Otherwise, your users will have no way to continue on to your site. (unless, of course, someone is very clever and figure out how to add "index/php" manually onto the end of your url -- doubtful most would know and/or want to bother, though).

More advanced designers/programmers can probably program in a "timer" that will automatically transition to the site’s main homepage after a designated period of time.

Also, I have seen several pre-designed custom "under construction" and/or "coming soon" pages on the internet -- some with special "countdown-to-launch" timers integrated within. I personally have not tried integrating any of these, but perhaps some of them might appeal to you. (A simple Google search for "custom under construction index.html page" or "custom coming soon index.html page" or "free under construction index.html page" should yield you a number of results).

Hope you found this quick tutorial and information useful . . . GOOD LUCK !!!.