Search engines hate Flash websites
More and more lawyers around Dallas are upgrading their tired old web sites with fancy new Flash enabled sites. These new sites look great and frankly I really like the new looks. We think this is a big mistake. Why?
First, search engines hate Flash websites. For example, Google reads the text on a page, but Flash creates nice images that Google’s searchbots cannot read. Kevin O’Keefe has a great post about this issue titled "Flash and search engines do not mix for professional services websites."
Second, design companies are making a mint off these new sites and are building in recurring revenue to boot. Flash talent is expensive increasing the upfront cost of building a new site in Flash. The ongoing cost is high as any change the firm might need requires the involvement of the Flash designer. You will be locked into paying high fees forever.
Here are some examples of great looking sites that do not rank well due to their use of Flash: Milbank, Merlo Kanofsky, and Jones Vargas. Who else agrees with us? How about Business Week and Google Blogoscoped (an SEO powerhouse).
Technorati Tags: google, flash, seo
Tom Murphy used to host the ‘Flash Hall of Shame’ Don’t know what ever happened to it.
It’s funny how many PR agencies have sites that are mostly flash. You think they would know better, but they don’t.
Tom Murphy used to host the ‘Flash Hall of Shame’ Don’t know what ever happened to it.
It’s funny how many PR agencies have sites that are mostly flash. You think they would know better, but they don’t.
Why not develop the sites where there is html content that gets displayed for search engines, and then use something like mod_rewrite to redirect users to the correct part of flash when they try and visit the url. You would have to code some hooks into the flash presentation but then one could get the best of both worlds.
Why not develop the sites where there is html content that gets displayed for search engines, and then use something like mod_rewrite to redirect users to the correct part of flash when they try and visit the url. You would have to code some hooks into the flash presentation but then one could get the best of both worlds.
I recently got involved with Insomnia Entertainment (http://www.insomniaentertainment.com/), a film production company whose site is built entirely in Flash, and it’s a huge problem. The company name isn’t even included on search engine results. And, you’re right, these companies charge a bundle to make simple changes like adding a link to an area already established for links (go to the News section on the site). The company tells me that “The site might be slow to load and the search engines can’t find it, but the Flash makes it look great!” Such BS! What’s the point of having a great looking site if nobody can find you? This isn’t a bash on Flash technology, but I think the smart way to build a site is to use it sparingly. Add a little motion/creativity to the site, but the content remains in HTML format. I’d love to hear an opposing viewpoint, since I’m just getting exposed to the technology and I might be missing something.
I recently got involved with Insomnia Entertainment (http://www.insomniaentertainment.com/), a film production company whose site is built entirely in Flash, and it’s a huge problem. The company name isn’t even included on search engine results. And, you’re right, these companies charge a bundle to make simple changes like adding a link to an area already established for links (go to the News section on the site). The company tells me that “The site might be slow to load and the search engines can’t find it, but the Flash makes it look great!” Such BS! What’s the point of having a great looking site if nobody can find you? This isn’t a bash on Flash technology, but I think the smart way to build a site is to use it sparingly. Add a little motion/creativity to the site, but the content remains in HTML format. I’d love to hear an opposing viewpoint, since I’m just getting exposed to the technology and I might be missing something.