Both myself and most web developers will tell you to skip the flash. Of course flash has its place, but embedding flash into your website is asking for trouble. Flash isn’t supported by a lot of devices. You can create many of the same products with free web applications and technologies. Try JavaScript, HTML 5, CSS 3, or others.
Why Not?
Apple refuses to allow Adobe to create a Flash plug-in for its devices because Adobe has had problems making said plug-ins secure and high performing. Apple even removed the Flash plug-in from Macbook Air. Sites with Flash often take longer to load and we all know how impatient web surfers are. I once read that you only have six seconds before they click away. And with Google Instant, speed is crucial. When major search engines can bring up thousands of sites in an instant, who will wait for yours?
When is Flash Okay?
Well, it isn’t easy to otherwise embed a video into a website. A Flash plug-in is often the only way to play video on every browser (without headaches). And where would we be without sites like YouTube? Many game developers have become Silicon Valley sensations for creating addicting Flash games.
What’s the Future?
Adobe ceased development of mobile Flash in November. HTML 5 is the new route. Some predict that the desktop versions of Flash are not far behind. CSS and JavaScript are poised to take over.
Your Website?
It’s about that time when I do an annual update to my website. (I mean, really overhaul it.) I recommend a facelift at least once a year for most businesses. If you’re looking at your site, ask if your Flash animation is necessary or if it’s just some attention seeker? If your site really would benefit from a demo or video of some sort, that’s fine. Just make it the user’s choice. Add a button to your homepage that routes the viewer to the video.
Need your website reviewed? This is the perfect time. Let me use my SEO knowledge, marketing techniques, and eye for spelling and grammar to get your site ready for 2012. Email me now for a website review ($39). Terra@FletcherFreelance.com
AHHH for the days that every site I designed had the Obligatory flash intro !!
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