Photographer FAQ: Flash vs. CSS/XHTML (non-Flash)
August 28th, 2009 written by Renee Swigert Comments Off
Lately, I’ve been having a lot of photographers inquire about custom website design. Nearly all of them come to me with the same initial question: “Which option is better for my business? Flash websites or non-Flash websites?”
I’ve answered this question more times than I can count, so I thought it would be a great blog post to help educate others! :) Based on the information I’ve provided below, any photographer interested in a custom website will be able to determine which website option (Flash or non-Flash) will work best for their business.
The Honest Truth About Flash Websites
90% of the photographers who come to me have their heart set on a custom designed Flash website. Flash websites are typically the only websites photographers are familiar with. Somewhere along the line it became almost standard that a photography website should be created using Flash. What photographers don’t know, is that Flash can harm a business more than help it—especially for those who are trying to make a name for themselves or just starting out.
Great For Animation. Bad For SEO and Marketing.
No one can deny how great some Flash websites look. The moving parts, music, and bells and whistles really help set a mood. Using Flash to create a slide show or gallery of images is acceptable (both evoke emotion wonderfully). However, creating a website entirely in Flash is not a wise move. Unfortunately, people don’t know that Flash websites are extremely bad for SEO (how your clients find you through online searches using Google, Yahoo, etc.) Basically, if you are a photographer and want people to find you through Yahoo and/or Google searches, creating an all Flash website will work against that goal. Search engines LOVE the copy you write on your website. For example, if you’re a New York wedding photographer and you’ve typed that out clearly on your Flash website, search engines will not see it. Why? The short story is because search engines can’t read the copy inside a Flash website. If search engines can’t see your copy, then they can’t get the word out about how amazing of a photographer you are. Of course there is always an exception to the rule, but Flash websites generally have a lower Google rank than non-Flash (CSS/XHTML) websites. This is why blogs have become so popular. There are lots and lots of words for search engines to read in blogs, and blogs are NOT made in Flash. See the connection? This is also why “blogsites” are becoming more popular in the photography community. Combining a blog and a website is what us design folks have been doing for years (this website combines the two), but the photography community is just now realizing how important SEO and CSS/XHTML can be for business!
Long Loading Times. Hard To Use For Most Age Groups.
Flash websites can have long load times which can frustrate visitors. Sadly, the average online user will only wait 5-10 seconds for a website to load before leaving the site entirely. Flash websites can also have very unconventional and complicated navigation systems, and when that happens, people get lost or confused. Flash websites do not allow users to bookmark specific pages either. This makes it tough for people to bookmark galleries they love or refer a friend to a specific part of your site. Make is easy for your clients (and potential clients) to find what they need or refer people (aka more business!) to your photography website. An easy to use website is an already happy client!
Expensive.
Animation and moving parts makes Flash websites rather expensive. Be prepared to pay $6,000 and beyond for a custom Flash website—a heavy price tag for those used to paying only a few hundred for a templated Flash site.
The Skinny on CSS/XHTML (non-Flash) Websites
Most of you may think you don’t know what a CSS/XHTML website is, but you do! The website you are on now, while reading this blog, was built using CSS/XHTML. If you use a WordPress blog for your photography business, it was built using CSS/XHTML too!
Great For SEO and Marketing.
Unlike Flash websites, CSS/XHTML websites are fantastic for SEO. Everything you write in your CSS/XHTML website, search engines will be able to see and display in Yahoo and/or Google search results. The more copy and keywords you use, the greater chance you have for potential clients to find you in an online search! Let’s face it, marketing is expensive, why not let your website do all the work?
Easy to Use and Understand For Any Age Group.
Another great thing about CSS/XHTML is that it’s easy for any age group to use. Most of my photography clients have demographics between 25-55 years of age. A 25 year old would probably function easily on a Flash and CSS/XHTML website, but a 50 year old would probably struggle on an animated site. The great thing about a CSS/XHTML website is that any age group can use it easily.
Your Website and Blog Will Look The Same.
Flash websites and blogs differ greatly in terms of layout and design. CSS/XHTML websites can match your blog layout identically and vice-versa. So when your clients are cruising from your website to your blog, it will look like one seamless design!
Affordable.
CSS/XHTML websites start anywhere from $1,500 – $2,000 and grow from there. Many do not exceed the $4,000 – $5,000 range. This is a much more affordable price tag for most photographers.
Moral of The Story
Whether you choose a Flash website for its bells and whistles or a CSS/XHTML for client growth, investing in a custom photography website is very important for those who want to seperate themselves from the competition. Custom websites allow you to have a design all your own that will showcase your personality and highlight your style resulting in a better overall connection with your clients!
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