Years ago, a website without Flash was considered archaic, but things change. Though it is visually interesting to incorporate moving imagery and text onto your website, it has many drawbacks that can actually work against your site.
1) No Search Engine Communication: Search engines index websites by reading and categorizing text. Flash bypasses the text functionality, giving search engines nothing to index. This hurts your website’s ability to rank high in search results.
2) Mac Compatibility: Flash does not work on all operating systems. Most Apple products will not display Flash programming, preventing your message from reaching a broad audience.
3) Slow Load Time: Most website visitors want to get their information quickly. They do not want to wait for a page to load and may click off a web page, instead of waiting for it to load.
4) Inconsistent on Mobile and Tablets: Flash functionality shows differently when viewed on mobile phones and tablet computers. The message can display inconsistently or not at all depending upon the viewing device, making your website appear unprofessional and hard to understand.
If you are looking to add that visual edge to your website, but don’t want the negatives associated with Flash, there are alternatives available. Websites are now incorporating HTML 5 and Javascript for movement and pizazz. And if you are thinking of incorporating these into your site, speak to a OSO representative who can help you decide which visual program is best to convey your online message.
If you enjoyed this blog, you might also enjoy reading, “Why Can’t I Use Papyrus on my Website?”
