Flash Web Site Designs for Cosmetic Dentists

A few years ago flash was all the rage. Every client I spoke to wanted a flash web site because it looked cool. There were two problems with this. First, flash can take a long time to load. This is less of a problem now because most web site design firms now build flash movies very efficiently minimizing load time. The second problem still exists - the search engines can't read the content within the flash movies.

Google and other search engines are developing new technology to allow them to read the content within flash movies. It's still not there yet, which means, you have to use flash carefully.
We have never been big believers in flash web sites for cosmetic dentists. First, we believe their web sites should be about communicating information, not about pretty pictures. If you are an ad agency or somebody in an industry that sells glitz and beauty, flash makes more sense. In general terms dental websites should not do this.

That doesn't mean there is not place for flash in a dental website. We often incorporate flash into portions of our dental website designs and still keep the sites content rich. Examples of this include Dr. Sue Wendling in Portland, Dr. Charley Varipapa's Center for Esthetic Dentistry in Virginia, and Nature's Design Dental Spa in Vancouver, B.C.

All of these dental websites do well on the search engines even though they use flash technology. The key with each is that they don't sacrifice delivering good information.

Dan Goldstein
Page 1 Solutions

Dental Website Marketing

Dental website marketing starts obviously with a website. There are thousands of website design companies out there, but how do you choose a website marketing company? Start with their philosophy of website design. Do they focus on making an online work of art, or are they more sales oriented, striking a balance between aesthetics and functionality? You really need the latter.

A website marketing firm should approach website design with the following in mind:

1) Function from a marketing perspective - Your website must use intelligent marketing strategies to move visitors through the buying cycle and ultimately prompt the visitor to contact you.
2) Search Engine Optimization - Your website is useless if it is built in a way that will thwart search engine optimization. If no one can find your website on the search engines, you're dead in the water.
3) Aesthetics - Professional design is a must. Your website's image must reflect the image of your dental office: high-end, professional, focused on great results.

Ask to see examples of their dental website design work. If they can't provide you with numerous examples of dental websites, then move along to the next firm on your list.

Remember, dentists need more than just a website, so look for a website design firm that also focuses on search engine optimization. In fact, look for a search engine optimization company that also offers award winning website design.