Image via WikipediaAlthough they claimed it was possible in the past Google has now stated they are indexing and crawling Flash content in a new and improved way.
We’ve improved our ability to index textual content in SWF files of all kinds. This includes Flash “gadgets” such as buttons or menus, self-contained Flash websites, and everything in between.
This is something that has been in the works for quite some time and will most likely make many entertainment web designers very happy. Although, I will say that in my experience Flash design and lack of SEO has not deterred major companies from building out Flash sites. There is\was an overall lack of information about the subject and by indexing this content Google has alleviated much of the discussion around the issue. They have needed a more official position on this issue for quite some time and now they have it. As always there is great discussion happening in the comments of the Google post.
July 2nd, 2008 at 7:18 am
I'm still not a fan of flash. Flash sites can't be viewed on iPhones or mobile devices, they take time to load, you need a special plugin…
Even *if* they claim to be SEO friendly, I still think that php and html sites will rank higher. I just am not a fan of flash as a platform for most websites and see them as “second tier” to other platforms. They are useful for showcasing, say a new real estate website or something full of pictures and graphics but I dont like them for small business websites.
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:13 am
I think flash pages will have their day. Now that they are crawlable I
expect to see a lot of innovation in this space. I agree with you on all
counts – but I feel like flash integration into a site will no longer be
frowned upon by programmers and designers.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:18 am
I'm still not a fan of flash. Flash sites can't be viewed on iPhones or mobile devices, they take time to load, you need a special plugin…
Even *if* they claim to be SEO friendly, I still think that php and html sites will rank higher. I just am not a fan of flash as a platform for most websites and see them as “second tier” to other platforms. They are useful for showcasing, say a new real estate website or something full of pictures and graphics but I dont like them for small business websites.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:13 am
I think flash pages will have their day. Now that they are crawlable I
expect to see a lot of innovation in this space. I agree with you on all
counts – but I feel like flash integration into a site will no longer be
frowned upon by programmers and designers.
July 5th, 2008 at 4:00 am
It is a profound pleasure to know Google is now indexing flash pages. So I guess that means I can go through now with my deam of building a flash website and have it indexed pretty well….:-)
http://www.ShawnDrewry.com
July 5th, 2008 at 6:00 am
It is a profound pleasure to know Google is now indexing flash pages. So I guess that means I can go through now with my deam of building a flash website and have it indexed pretty well….:-)
http://www.ShawnDrewry.com
November 28th, 2008 at 7:39 am
Everyone is talking about this improvement. But frankly speaking I haven't mentioned any changes.
November 28th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Noticed anything new?
November 28th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Everyone is talking about this improvement. But frankly speaking I haven't mentioned any changes.
November 28th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Noticed anything new?
November 28th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Everyone is talking about this improvement. But frankly speaking I haven't mentioned any changes.
November 28th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Noticed anything new?