How does Google view Flash?

Flash how it affects your PR

Your web designer loves Flash but Google may think otherwise. This is an age-old battle between what looks pretty and what is good for Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The Search engines are run by sophisticated software and spider bots that crawl (look over) web sites, they care very little about artistic beauty. They are all about business and Google is no exception.


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Firstly let’s clear the air with a couple of explanations.

So what is the point of having Flash?

Aesthetically it will make your site look exciting and pleasing to the eye. However in effect it will slow your site down and take attention away from important content, this is not very practical for a business site. Flash entry pages are your worst nightmare they will cost you traffic big time. Visitors getting here will just not be bothered to go further and will leave.  You cannot afford to run an art show, everything must be geared to your visitors and closing the sales.



Even the Googlebots have trouble with flash and here’s the reason why.

So a simple header might be the answer. It will let the Googlebots read your site easily and will not slow up your site. You can still make your site look good and definitely look professional. If it is a little plain this is not really going to affect you or your visitors. Let’s face it, you are projecting a business image and visitors are looking for information not fancy graphics. Flash really is not much use to your pupose or what your visitors are looking for.

So next time your web designer mentions Flash you might tactfully say to him that this really is not necessary you just want a user-friendly professional business site. Be specific after all it is your money on the line.