I'm not sure an arbitrary gradient would add much value either, at least without another image or graphic (e.g. https://www.mapbox.com/).
A splash image doesn't add much either, I agree, unless you layer other pieces on it so it looks more sophisticated and sets a mood (e.g. https://www.onelogin.com/).
But yes, just a simple splash image with centered tagline text and CTA buttons is very cliche at this point. My mind is too warped by being a developer to know whether average consumers care or not, but most techies will assume it's a weekend prototype, not a serious project.
A splash image doesn't add much either, I agree, unless you layer other pieces on it so it looks more sophisticated and sets a mood (e.g. https://www.onelogin.com/).
But yes, just a simple splash image with centered tagline text and CTA buttons is very cliche at this point. My mind is too warped by being a developer to know whether average consumers care or not, but most techies will assume it's a weekend prototype, not a serious project.