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Understanding Flash
What it’s Good for and What it’s Not Good for
Flash is an exciting tool used to add animation to Web sites. It provides designers with a tremendous amount of freedom when it comes to creating a site, but does have significant drawbacks that you need to be aware of. When Flash is used properly, it can add that extra impact your site needs to stand out from the rest and compel visitors to dig deeper. However, when Flash is used improperly, it can hurt your ability to be successful online.
Flash is Good for…
Interactivity
Flash provides designers with a wide range of possibilities when it comes to making Web sites interactive. Using Flash to create a unique user experience is a great way to engage visitors with your site.
Cross-browser Compatibility
Flash is compatible with all the different Web browsers (e.g., Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, etc.). That means elements of your Web site that use Flash will appear correctly no matter what Web browser a visitor uses. Flash Player is all visitors will need to view your site correctly.
Creativity
Flash gives designers the ability to go beyond the limits of HTML to create dynamic and unique Web sites. Using Flash strategically on your site can really enhance the perception of your company online and allow you to creatively and persuasively communicate with the people who visit your Web site.
Flash is not Good For…
Visitors that don’t have Flash Player
If people who visit your site do not already have Flash Player on their computer, they will have to download the application before they can view your site properly. Keep in mind that some visitors may not download Flash Player just to view your site.
Search Engine Optimization
Search engines thrive on text; it’s what they use to properly index Web sites. When text is presented in Flash, it is considered an image. While you can optimize graphics and images for the search engines, it is more difficult to achieve the full value of your text if it is presented in Flash. Ultimately, you will not rank as high in the search engines, which means fewer people will be able to find your Web site.
Page Loading Time
Flash takes longer to load than regular text and images. Since most people using the Internet to find goods and services are in a hurry, you may turn potential customers away who are not willing to wait for your site to load.
Cell Phones
People who rely on their cell phones to surf the Web cannot access Web sites that are designed in Flash. If your site is designed in Flash, potential customers that are looking for you site on their cell phones will not be able to view it. As of October 2008, even the iPhone does not support Flash.
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The best way to use Flash is sparingly and strategically. By integrating Flash with HTML, you can enhance the overall look and feel of your Web site—pleasing both the search engines and your potential customers.
At SonicSEO.com, our Web designers and SEO experts are ready to answer any questions you may have about the best way to enhance your business on the Web. We stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in Web design and SEO to provide our clients with custom Web sites that are easily found and viewed online.
Call 888-437-3737 to learn how you can reach more potential clients on the Internet!