To Flash, or Not to Flash

When considering whether or not to incorporate Flash into your website, you must also consider the target market you are trying to reach.

For instance, a website which serves as a depository for articles and information catering to lawyers would probably not be a good candidate for a Flash "makeover". However, if you are a rock band, you may want to consider it.

Those are two very opposite ends of the spectrum, but exemplify how you should consider your audience.

In our business, we always suggest "hybrid" Flash sites over full Flash sites when we are not dealing with an entertainment industry client. By using limited and specific Flash, it can take your website from "average" to fantastic.

Corporate, retail, industrial, informational and many other types of websites can actually benefit from a little bit of Flash if it is created professionally and used properly (especially in combination with "static" design).

Flash is quite a complex program, and with every version that is released, there is more to learn. When you do decide to incorporate Flash into your site, make sure your designer is skilled with the program. Using older versions of Flash, not optimizing graphics/audio/video and poorly written actionscript (the language of Flash) can be a detriment.

Current statistics show that over 90% of internet users have the ability to view Flash. It could benefit your online presence and give your site a higher-end look.

Like the web itself, Flash is a technology that is constantly evolving and there are designers that are pushing the envelop to create amazing, interactive user experiences with it.

And remember Flash isn't just for fading in and out photos or moving text around. Below are just a few of the other ways to use Flash on your website:

1. Flash "tour" - would your business benefit from an interactive "tour" of your facilities? Or a "tour" of how your product works?

2. Audio player - you can stream audio and offer user controls such as stop, fast forward, and track selection.

3. Games - Flash can be used to program interactive and educational games.

So consider your audience, and choose a designer/company with a high level of Flash experience and your website is sure to benefit.

Sherry Holub received her degren in design from UCLA in 1995. She is now the Lead Designer and Manger at Southern California firm, JV Media Design. http://www.jvmediadesign.com

---

A Website Checklist

If you've just finished building your new website (or revamping... Read More

Website Design: 10 Smart Tips To Improve Your Ad Copy

Your website design may be affecting your sales in ways... Read More

The Contrast And Similarities Between A Web Designer And Web Programmer

The concept of web designing based on the nature and... Read More

How To Set Up A Professional Website On Your Own Using Web Templates

To create professional websites is not an easy task by... Read More

Web Copywriting: The Psychology Of Scarcity, Less Is More If You Want Faster Sales

Countdown to Armageddon - at least you'd think so judging... Read More

How To Use Unsafe Web Colors With Minimum And Safety And Maximum And Profit

Do you want to use unsafe web colors without offending... Read More

Web Marketing: Design Mistakes That Drive Customers Away In Droves

They may look cutting edge, but if you want a... Read More

Website Checklist

10 Basic Things Your Website Should Have ...__ all short... Read More

Database Driven Website

The solution lies in creating a 'Database driven website', through... Read More

Can Your Visitors Contact You From Your Website

Argh, where's the contact button?! Believe it or not, some... Read More

6 Reasons Why Using Flash is a BIG Mistake

Most web designers and web design companies will try to... Read More

Tips For An Effective Website

A successful website is something that everyone venturing into the... Read More

Top Six Ways To Make Your Visitors To Hate YOU!

We will take a look at why your visitors may... Read More

Plugging the Dreaded World Wide Web Black Hole is Just the First Step

You have created your custom error page so now all... Read More

How to Create a Great Landing Page for Your Website

The landing page or entry page of your visitors is... Read More

Stop Sabotaging Your Sales

Do your web pages, sales letters or personal presentations include... Read More

Designing Your Websites Directory Structure

Any kid, and their grandmother too, can make a webpage.... Read More

Why Use Professional Web Site Designers For Your Next Web Development Project?

Probably you know someone who has created a web site... Read More

Building Your First Web Site?

Before doing anything on the technical side, you need some... Read More

Seven Habits of Highly Effective Webmasters

A highly effective website will always reflect its highly effective... Read More

Freelancers Bite Back!

The Internet has seen an explosion in so called 'lance'... Read More

Using Your Personal Website To Clinch That Job!

With an increasing number of employment portals emerging, it is... Read More

Website Advertising: 10 Dynamic Tactics To Super-Charge Your Sales

Here are 10 dynamic website advertising tactics to super-charge your... Read More

Creating A Quality Web Site Design!

In this article, I will attempt to cover the basics... Read More

The Next Marketing Tool: Deisgn

Design sells. It's something that all of us know, but... Read More

Choosing A Color Scheme

When you begin the design of your Web site, one... Read More

Web Design: Should You Hire Someone or Do It Yourself?

So you need a website. You are not sure if... Read More

Testament To Testimonials

We have all seen websites showcasing their testimonials either spread... Read More

Shameless Flashers - Using Flash Tools To Create Spectacular Websites

Flash is a powerful technology that can help you create... Read More

How to use Emotional Content to Increase Visitor Response

Did you know that many folks make "buying decisions" when... Read More

What I Look For In a Website

As my occupation is that of a proofreader, one of... Read More

File Types For Icons Explained

An application is not ready for use unless you have... Read More

Website Maintenance: What Does it Take to Manage Your Website?

Every action has a beginning phase where you launch your... Read More