Real scoop on Flash intro pages

[pdrew]

As one of those self-employed people who do their own SEO, as well as having just enough knowledge to be dangerous, I have a question about Flash intro pages.

I just read an article in WebProNews that states:

'First, don't use Flash. You know those sites that have that introductory page where it says "Click to skip?" Well, the search engine crawler never gets beyond that page and therefore doesn't index your web site.'

Is this true? I've seen and heard that code/text can be placed before the Flash intro, so the SEs can see it and index the site. Can this be done? Any clarification would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Faglork]

Originally Posted by pdrew

I just read an article in WebProNews that states:

'First, don't use Flash. You know those sites that have that introductory page where it says "Click to skip?" Well, the search engine crawler never gets beyond that page and therefore doesn't index your web site.'

This is refering to a link *within* the flash code. If you place a link in the HTML code, the spider can of course follow it.

On a general note, flash intros are one of the biggest nuisances of the web.

faglork

[ADAM Web Design]

As usual, faglork is right.

You can get your site crawled if you include an HTML link outside of your Flash intro.

Mind you, it will be a bitch for SEO purposes since you don't have a lot of room for plain text and since you can't link back to your home page (i.e. the intro) effectively.

[pdrew]

Thank you, gentlemen, for the explanation.

I'll stick with what I have and counsel others I know who are considering a Flash intro not to use one.

Thanks, again!

[writergrrrl48]

On a general note, flash intros are one of the biggest nuisances of the web.

Hear, hear! Supreme time wasters and a big "who cares?" when you're trying to get to the meat of a site.

I think the only people who like those intros are Flash designers (gotta justify those classes) and the site owners who hired them.

[ADAM Web Design]

writergrrrl48: those people are called MacroWhores. :)

Seriously...I'm of two minds on this issue, but leaning a lot more toward writergrrrl's opinion.

The only time they're useful is when they're built for an emotional response, which most people tend to miss completely; they're so busy putting in special effects and whizzes and pops and colours that they forget that a Flash movie is still a movie, and that there's an ultimate purpose to it.

A well-designed Flash intro, in conjunction with a half-decent marketing campaign, can trigger an impact. Just don't expect full SEO benefits, unless you can somehow work text in around it.

[JuniorOnline]

every time i come across one, I SKIPT IT!
dont have the time to admire someone elses work :P

[pdrew]

Writergrrrl and JuniorOnline, I agree with you guys on skipping Flash sites. Get me into the site, so I can do whatever I've gone there to do.

ADAM does make a good point about engaging emotions, but, to me, a Flash presentation is warranted in relatively few categories, e.g. entertainment, computer graphics, advertising agencies--any product or service that is sold with emotion or is very visually oriented. Accountancies, locksmiths, and dry cleaning establishments just don't need a dazzling Flash intro to entice people into a site. Give me the facts, m'am, just the facts.

So, that's the choice: a fancy-schmancy intro that no one will see because no one can find it, or foregoing the intro and working to get ranked well enough to be found.

Got it! Thanks, folks!

[ADAM Web Design]

Agreed, Peter. I guess I should have stated that earlier. I certainly don't make a habit out of using Flash intros for most purposes. But you covered it, so it's your thought, and you get credit.

And speaking of credit...

Junior, do I get royalty credit every time you rent out one of those Adam Phones? ;)

[JuniorOnline]

Hi Adam

if you get a BlackBerry from us - you will indeed ;)


Tania