A lot of companies who are building sites get distracted by the bells and whistles of flash design on a website. While there are some very good uses for flash design in a website, it can create large issues with how the site is viewed in search engines. Though Google’s new algorithm can supposedly walk through flash to identify some of the content. We are not sure exactly how successful it is at identifying all of your content. Usually a site built in flash will not rank as well. Even without the search engines flash creates a problem. Most flash designed websites, are relatively low on content. It is content that you are trying to provide to your visitors, to engage them in a helpful way and get them to stay.
Great Resource For SEO Flash Tips
A great article by Johnathan Hochman mention the issues that are faced when attempting to search engine optimize a flash based web page. His article brings up the important fact while there are ways to alternatively display text to search engines while displaying flash to visitors, it can be misconstrued by them and your site could be penalized. So what should one do in this instance?
<h2>Proper Use Of Flash Content</h2>
Flash has a different level of prominence depending on what industry is employing it. It is essential for those in photography, film, and music to employ a simple effective solution for clients to view their work. Flash is an excellent solution for this endeavor. Most other industries do not have as much of a use for it on a large application basis. It can be the perfect sales tool if you have a build to suit type product, and you want them to be able to build there customized product on your website. It is also great for walk through diagrams of a product. Other than that, it is best to utilize flash conservatively.
3 Do Not Do Tips For Using Flash
Do not use flash as the navigation bar for every page (drop down menus!!!). If the user does not have a flash plugin they cannot navigate the site. It will also stop search search engine from navigating your site properly.
Do not use it as an animated logo on every page. Regardless of what you may think, the user does not need to see a shiny widget in the corner at all times. It distracts them from what you really want them to be doing.
Do not use flash as a static image with background sound. As a general rule, you do not want automated sounds playing on your website. It can scare someone who has their volume up, and can annoy others.
