There are different technologies for adding moving images to a website, and Flash is the most well-known of them all. Learning how to create good forms and Flash animations can be difficult, so those that are well-versed in it sometimes feel compelled to use it frequently.

However, as is the case with all types of technology, moving images have their drawbacks. If you are planning to include moving images on your site, you should know both sides of the debate. This knowledge, combined with knowing what your customers want, should help you decide whether or not you need to include animation on your site.

Flash, along with other animation technologies, is gaining ground with the general public and the web design industry. There are some points that can only be conveyed effectively with moving images, and some site developers regard animation as an integral part of their design philosophy. Learning how to include moving images can be tricky, but thankfully there are a lot of resources both in print and online.

The main drawback of using Flash is that some visitors are immediately discouraged from visiting sites that have an abundance of it. While search engine support for Flash is better than it used to be, it can be hard to get a Flash-rich site high in the SERPs.

Deciding whether or not to include moving images on your site can either help or harm your effort. If you are building a site that's suited to animation, not using it can drive potential visitors away. However, inundating your site with animation can affect its usability and accessibility.

Moving images are powerful tools, but like every other tool in your arsenal, they can't solve every problem. Some are best fixed with images, and some aren't. Knowing when to include moving images can definitely increase your customer base and number of page views.