Comments on: Flash and SEO: Getting the Balance Right!

By: SEO Sheffield

SEO Sheffield — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 10:06:06 +0000

I avoid Flash like the plague. Not only is it difficult for search engines to index the content. But with Google planning to(or perhaps already)take into consideration page loading speeds, Flash falls even further down the ranks in terms of designing with SEO in mind.

As a few people have already said, Flash is rarely necessary, if you have a talented designer. You can make a ‘flashy’ website with clever graphics and innovative design techniques. No need for Flash.

By: Linda Sevier

Linda Sevier — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:02:02 +0000

Very nice post. One of the most objective I have read. I am an Internet Marketer and web developer. I recommend that my clients use Flash sparingly, embedding Flash elements in an HTML page rather than creating full Flash pages. I avoid Flash navigation at all costs. As you pointed out, accessibility is important so include a text alternative Flash contnet for search engines, the visually impaired and mobile devices such as iphones.

From an Internet Marketing perspective the problem I have with Flash is that the web site owner is not able to edit it or add new content easily or quickly. So, even if search engines were able to read it, the site tends not to be as successful because adding good quality content on a regular basis is a critical component of Inbound Marketing. An artistically beautiful site that no one finds in the SERPs isn’t a good business too, IMHO. If, on the other hand, you are using your website to communicate only with current customers go for it. However, if you want your site to be a lead generation tool, go with less glitz and work on fantastic content that the search engines can index.

By: Brent Friar

Brent Friar — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:00:32 +0000

IMO a full Flash site is rarely ever necessary. Many effects can be achieved with ajax to give sites the motion site owners desire without having to compromise on the SEO.

Yes, Google has made advances in indexing Flash, but it is far from perfect and I can say with pretty good certainty that all things being equal, an HTML based site will rank higher in organic searches than a Flash based site. That’s an awful big compromise if you are serious about driving traffic.

Lastly, a full Flash site completely excludes all mobile users at this time. Is excluding the fastest growing market segment a good idea? Up to you, but it seems like another huge compromise.

Flash is great for enhancing a site with bits of multimedia and animation used if places where it doesn’t affect the more important goal of driving traffic to your site.

It doesn’t matter how amazing your Flash site is if it’s on page 36.

By: Recruitment SEO

Recruitment SEO — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:22:31 +0000

Good article – I was part way through writing a similar article for my own site but I think I’ll just point to this post now!! The one thing that repeatedly comes across to me is that the reasons that people often ‘want’ flash (I said ‘often’ !) is that they want a design bringing to life with a little bit of movement or animation. I’m so glad that ajax carousels etc. have now come of age and can be used for simple slideshows with fade effects nicely – this seems to be the solution for a lot of the people who were after flash in the first place. It’s not the flash itself – it’s just something that ‘moves’ for a good deal of clients.

By: Petri Koski

Petri Koski — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:14:31 +0000

Unless you’re working on a contemporary campaign site or similar, an all Flash site isn’t really any option from a SEO perspective. Though the mix of HTML and Flash is certainly an option. Essentially Flash content is there to enhance and complement the HTML, not to replace it.
Read more on Google indexing Flash: http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2009/06/flash-indexing-with-external-resource.html

By: SeoNext

SeoNext — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:14:24 +0000

I think it is very difficult to make a balance between SEO & Flash.Thanks for sharing this informative post with us.Thanks for the post.

By: Infopia Marketing Services — Infopia Email Marketing Experts

Infopia Marketing Services — Infopia Email Marketing Experts — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:27:16 +0000

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By: Roberta Balder

Roberta Balder — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:54:17 +0000

I am currently developing a website for a niche retail boutique where the balance of flash and seo is critical. My client understands it, the designer understands it, and yet its not an easy mix. The industry standard is flash: fashion is a visual art, after all. But, if you are using the web as part of your marketing strategy, keywords mean everything. Thanks for the post and your objectivity.