Of course, you can argue that Flash is still relevant, but HTML is simpler. I’m all about simpler.  So I set about creating a framework to display my images that could convey my brand without overwhelming the work.  The questions I asked myself, that I challenge you to ask about your website…

Is the website easy to navigate? Are all the buttons easily located?

The buttons on the new website are visible at all times, remain stationary through page changes, and have boring names.  Those boring button names like ‘FAQ’ and ‘Info’ and ‘Contact’ mean that website visitors will know what each one does.  ‘Blow it up!’ and ’411′ and ‘Buzz me!’ are cute, but not necessarily effective.

Does the website look the same on every computer?

The website will never look exactly the same for every viewer, but the elimination of image and website scaling (common in Flash templates) makes uniform user experience a distinct possibility.

Is all the website text relevant?

No fluff, just enough of your features and benefits being highlighted to distinguish your brand from others.  Potential clients know just enough to know if they want to know more.  (Need brushing up on features and benefits?  Marketing School is for you.)

Who needs a splash page?

I know the major industry web template providers have splash pages, but I don’t get the point.  Stuffing keywords on an HTML page because the rest of the Flash website is invisible to Google just isn’t a sound SEO strategy.

Have you hired a professional?

This is the most expensive website I’ve ever purchased, but it looks the least flashy.  Fabulous coding with search engine optimization hints provided by Naomi Dunford’s SEO School are hidden from view while my images take center stage.

Want your own HTML website?

Take a look at the super-sleep Kimtown HTML sites, or consider modifying your WordPress blog to be a blog-site using the Prophoto 3 theme. Save $10 with code BNDCMP717 — if it doesn’t work immediately, just email customer support at Prophoto.

What about the website?

Oh yah. View the new, super-simple site for Essential Imagery.

Want to read it on the blog? EFFECTIVE WEB DESIGN WITHOUT FLASH

Except…except you have blog envy.  You keep seeing the ProPhoto theme around, and you keep wishing you could giant images AND a sidebar AND custom flash galleries AND be able to pop all the images you’ve just processed into a post by hitting a single button.  Look no further, peeps.

ProPhoto 3, the latest evolution of the ProPhoto WordPress template, is packed with fabulous features I didn’t even know I wanted and soon couldn’t live without.  The templates look fabulous right out of the box, and it’s easier than ever to link your Twitter, Facebook, RSS feed, and bio page together in merry harmony.  (Click the ‘about’ link at the top of the blog to see how quickly and seamlessly your bio information loads.)

It’s also easier than ever to populate a blogsite with the option of featured galleries for those too lazy to click off your blog to view your work. (See my own blog, here, and click on galleries for an example.)

Likewise, those sweet little tabs that live on the left of this blog, even when you scroll down?  They’re called drawers, and they’re my favorite new feature.  On this blog, they pimp Facebook and sell the Projection & Sales Merit Badge.  On your blog, they could book a wedding or send you an e-mail or link to your favorite local businesses.

For those who are scared of customizing a WordPress theme (and yes, I’ve gotten e-mails admitting to the fear), I say: it’s easy.  Really.  Jared provides video tutorials for every major step in the process.  When I had a question, I e-mailed tech support and got an answer within a few hours.  If you’re really scared, you can purchase ‘Handheld Installation’ for $80 and have the icky technical portion of your blog-making taken care of lickety-split.

I’m not here to brag, though.  I’m here to share the WordPress-themed goodness with all of you lovely people.  So, use code

BNDCMP717

to score $10 off the latest ProPhoto theme ($199 new, $89 to upgrade from a prior ProPhoto theme).  This theme’s ease of use, vast tutorial knowledge base, quick support responses and innovative features make purchasing a no-brainer.

(If you’re ready to buy, click here, as the ‘buy now’ page is rather hard to find.)

Want to read it on the blog? HOW TO FAKE A CUSTOM BLOG