That's a valid point and its something that has a direct connection to CRM, so much that companies like (a href="http://www.netsuite.com")NetSuite(/a) are offering Site Building functionalities as a part of their Ecommerce modules.
Yes, I agree with you totally. Websites should be kept as simple as possible but still keeping a professional look. Many web designers use Flash but they don't tell the website owner that it takes a frustratingly long time to load and search engines don't see this as valuable content. Search engine spiders in fact can't see it at all. A little flash won't hurt but I'd keep it down to 10% of content/visuals of website.
A website should be designed to get the visitor to the 'contact us' page. If a web designer or SEO specialist can't do that, he/she has failed in their job..
I think your comment is correct. Howver it depends on the type of business. If the web site is for a graphic design or web design company it would pay to have decent graphics. In my experience when it comes to advertise your company that offers basic goods keep it extremely simple and quick. People still like to connect with a person and will phone you.
Have you noticed how the most popular site possibly in the world, Google, lacks almost all graphics.
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