Sometimes flashing a bit of Flash can be a good thing (excuse the pun), but if your wanting to optimize your landing page with SEO and SEM, consider nixing a website with a lot of Flash elements.

Currently, there’s only one website that can read flash text and that’s Alltheweb.com. Google, Yahoo, MSN, and the other major search engines don’t read it (and will skip over it). This can be detrimental if your website only utilizes this type of web element. Some people may use just a little bit of Flash in an intro movie for their website, but consider the fact that many intro movies go unappreciated by ways of the “skip intro” button.

Also, take into consideration those with dial-up or very slow DSL internet connections. Rural America is still stuck with dial-up until a suitable alternative can be reached (there are bandwidth limits on satellite internet), so if you want to attract anyone to your website that potentially lives among those with dial-up access, consider using HTML format.

HTML websites are the best for optimization purposes because search engines can easily read it. It also loads quickly on the page and can be easily changed if you understand how to manipulate HTML language. While it may not be as “artfully, exquisite” as Flash, it definitely has a far better reach in regards to your audience.

Skip any kind of Flash if you can, search engines don’t like it and neither do most of the people visiting your website. If it’s not done properly, it can be hard to navigate and can irritate users who don’t have the patience for it to load.

If you must have a Flash website, consider developing an HTML version for visitors as well. You’ll gain favor with your visitors and provide an alternative version of your site in case the Flash doesn’t load properly on the person’s computer (Flash software has to be updated every so often). Remember that Flash can be good, but HTML is great.