For years now, mobile usability has been a factor in Google's organic search algorithm. The web pages that are adequately optimized for mobile devices to the others that are not optimized, showing a similar result on desktop devices. Until now that ranking factor has been limited and ambiguous.
Other than a "mobile-friendly" tag associated with various sites in mobile search results hasn't been entirely clear. «what are the factors that Google considers when calculating mobile ranking or how many sites are currently affected». Because of this, many business owners have postponed or avoided optimizing their sites for mobile devices.
From April 21 everything will change «Mobilegeddon»
According to a recent announcement from Google's search quality group, the search giant is currently working on a major algorithm change that will revolutionize the way search results are displayed on mobile devices. Starting April 21 of this year, a new algorithm will gradually roll out to the entire world, affecting mobile searches in all languages in all corners of the globe.
Scope of the update
If you are aware that Google already considers “mobile friendly” as part of its organic search results on mobile, one might wonder why this April 21 deadline, dubbed “Mobilegeddon”
The trend towards mobile search: By some estimates, more than 60 percent of all Google searches are now done on mobile devices, so it makes sense that Google wants to capitalize on this traffic and ensure the best possible experience for its users.
This can have a big impact on how search results are displayed, as well as what type of results are displayed. While traditional search results show only websites, future search results could focus on apps and other mobile tools.
However search results are progressing and it is clear that the companies that show a better experience to mobile users will gain the most visibility from Google.
How to prepare?
If your site is already mobile-friendly, you won't have much to worry about. However, if you have not yet implemented a mobile strategy for your Internet presence; Now is the right time to do it. here are some recommendations:
- Check if your website is mobile friendly using this tool https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly/
- Make sure the mobile version of your site is up and functional.
- Responsive layouts are the most popular, but you can also have a separate hosted mobile version of your site.
- Google does not have a preference as long as the mobile users experience is not interrupted.
- Ensure Google's mobile bots can crawl your site.
- If Google can't see it, it may not even show up in search results.
- Review each page of your site on a mobile device to ensure navigability.
- Just because your home page is “mobile friendly” doesn't mean the rest of your site is too.
In summary:
The April 21 update is the largest mobile-related algorithmic change to date; But it will not be the last. If you do not have a mobile version of your website after April 21; your organic search visibility could be seriously affected.
But be warned: Google wants its mobile users to be happy. Are you prepared to do the job?
More information: http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2015/02/finding-more-mobile-friendly-search.html
Commentary
Comments
Leave a Comment