Flash and Search Engines Still a No Go

The last several weeks have found me explaining, over and over again, even though Google announced is can now index Flash, why I still poo-poo Flash sites when it comes to wanting to gain relevant rankings.

I love Flash! Believe me — it’s amazing! And, what some Flash designers can do confirms to me that their brains fire on different cylinders than mine. I’ve dabbled in Flash and Swish enough to have a very high regard and respect for Flash developers. It’s not easy, a skill set in of itself and worth every penny to have a pro create the impressive movies that produce nothing less than awe.

Yep, movies. Flash is created literally frame by frame. That is why it is so expensive to develop or even modify the professional Flash templates I offer. The planning of a Flashed site or features has got to be in place — it’s not a “I’ll know if I like it when I see it…” scenario that so many Web site owners attempt with their static Web site development process. That approach just won’t cut it with Flash. Same with Flash navigation or features — got to plan it out step by step. So besides the time/cost expense with Flash, there is still the SEO issue with having a Flashed site.

So, Google comes out and states they can now index Flash (but is still trying to “understand” Flash) — this statement should not be viewed as all inclusive. SEO for Flash still has a long way to go before a Flashed site can be SEO’d as any other. If you are serious about site rankings, for now, you should not be tempted to jump on the Flash bandwagon because you “heard Google now indexes Flash sites.”

Let’s face it — for marketing purposes, unless you are a multimedia ad agency, artist, photographer or the like and/or have name recognition where folks will assume your URL and find you; Flash has yet to be a cost effective reliable site approach if you want to get found in the SERPs (Search Engine Result Pages).

Check out the commentary from folks who understand the reality of this recent development even more than I:

Is it Time to Block Flash for SEO Purposes?

Flash is hot; but for now you still have to cool your jets if you want the best chance for attaining relevant rankings.

At your service,
Judith