OK, what do tasers and Flash animation have in common? Both were invented with the best intentions, and both serve an important purpose. But with both, irresponsible or aggressive use is harmful.
On three separate occasions last week I found myself in conference with clients who were determined to use Flash to their detriment.
1. One wanted a Flash “splash page” mini commercial that would run before a visitor could access any part of the site.
2. The other presented with a site made entirely of Flash and could not understand why her site had no search engine rankings.
3. The third, enamored by a twinkling firefly effect wanted moving lights behind his text.
There are some fantastic examples of Flash out there, like the animated procedure tutorials. A little Flash on your home page can also go a long way, as long as it does not impede your visitors.
Here’s what I encourage any physicians, especially cosmetic and plastic surgeons, to consider before adding Flash to their web sites:
1. Your visitors came to your site for a reason, and it was not to watch a commercial;
2. Search engines still struggle to see text inside of Flash movies, so Flash sites rank poorly; and
3. Flash is just as likely to distract as attract. Continuous movement on a page impedes reading.
So before you move to “stun” visitors with the bells and whistles, step away from the Flash and carefully consider your next move.
On three separate occasions last week I found myself in conference with clients who were determined to use Flash to their detriment.
1. One wanted a Flash “splash page” mini commercial that would run before a visitor could access any part of the site.
2. The other presented with a site made entirely of Flash and could not understand why her site had no search engine rankings.
3. The third, enamored by a twinkling firefly effect wanted moving lights behind his text.
There are some fantastic examples of Flash out there, like the animated procedure tutorials. A little Flash on your home page can also go a long way, as long as it does not impede your visitors.
Here’s what I encourage any physicians, especially cosmetic and plastic surgeons, to consider before adding Flash to their web sites:
1. Your visitors came to your site for a reason, and it was not to watch a commercial;
2. Search engines still struggle to see text inside of Flash movies, so Flash sites rank poorly; and
3. Flash is just as likely to distract as attract. Continuous movement on a page impedes reading.
So before you move to “stun” visitors with the bells and whistles, step away from the Flash and carefully consider your next move.
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