As of April 21st, Google will be gradually rolling out "mobilegeddon" worldwide. This means that Google will change the way it evaluates the mobile-friendliness of websites to be included as a ranking signal for search results. It is clear that the websites who cater to mobile users will earn the most visibility from Google.
The Algorithm
Google’s announcement consisted of two important changes with the end goal of helping users have access to more mobile-friendly content.
This first change is that Google will elevate mobile-friendliness in search rankings. As a result of this change, users will receive high quality, relevant search results optimized for their devices.
The second change is that Google will factor in data from indexed apps in ranking for signed in users who have the app installed. This allows Google to feed app information in search results.
Why It Matters To You
Mobile is no longer an accessory, but rather a necessity. More buyers than ever are shopping from mobile devices - and 67%of users say how easy it is to purchase from a mobile device and that it affects their purchasing decisions. Just imagine the growth over the next few years as buyers using mobile devices for shopping increases. Think about how many sales could be come from this amount of traffic to your site. Mobile users are going up, which is a clear sign that your site needs a mobile-friendly design.
Your buyers are more apt to buy on a site that works well for them regardless of how they are browsing, and allows them to switch viewing devices as their busy schedule allows. The majority of people move between devices while moving towards a purchase. A mobile-friendly design makes this process smoother for both the buyer and you.
What You Should Do About It: Practical Tips
Optimize page load time – You can check your page speed with Google PageSpeed Insights. Ensure quick mobile load times and that your site is active and functional, utilizing a separate mobile version or responsive design so that the users experience isn’t disrupted across devices. Create content that is optimized for mobile.
If your site has a separate mobile domain, make sure to redirect mobile users on each desktop URL to the appropriate mobile URL and that each link points to the correct page. Check each page of your site to ensure optimal mobile-friendliness. Ensure any JavaScript, CSS, and image files are accessible by Googlebot in your site’s botos.txt.
Without a mobile version of your site by April 21, your SEO will definitely take a hit. Be sure to implement these tips and check and see if you are up to date on Google’s mobile friendly criteria by running your site through Google’s mobile-friendly testing tool.
