Mobile matters. This is not simply an opinion, it's a reality!
Google search results favor mobile friendly sites.
If your website is not mobile-friendly expect your search ranking to do down because Google is making a BIG change. Details in this podcast episode of Halftime Mike!
Subscribe: Halftime Mike on iTunes | Android users via RSS | Listen on Stitcher.
Here's a quick breakdown on what's occurring:
Google announced that on April 21, 2015 they are making a significant change to their algorithm. (For those newer to this, Google's "Algorithm" is their set of secret rules and ranking priorities that determines Google search result ranking for every website on the Internet.) Google wants to present the best, most relevant results to users who are searching for things on Google and they make updates each year to stay current and adjust to improve and stay ahead of those trying to "game" rankings.
[Tweet "Google Search UPDATE! April 21, 2015 Google to begin ranking mobile-friendly sites higher! via @Mike_Gingerich"]
Google outlined:
"Starting April 21, we will be expanding our use of mobile-friendliness as a ranking signal. This change will affect mobile searches in all languages worldwide and will have a significant impact in our search results."
Basically Google is outlining that use of mobile devices has increased so much that in order to provide the best results to those doing searches on Google, with "best" meaning most relevant material AND the view being most helpful to the user, that they are changing their algorithm to weight in favor of mobile-friendly sites. In short, being mobile friendly matters big-time these days and Google says so!
A second change is related to the indexing of Apps, another mobile-related trend. Google notes:
"We will begin to use information from indexed apps as a factor in ranking for signed-in users who have the app installed. As a result, we may now surface content from indexed apps more prominently in search."
Both shifts recognize the mobile dominant trend in web use. Apps and users searching the web on mobile device have become integrated Internet norms.
If you've been thinking your site should be mobile-friendly but haven't taken the plunge yet, IT'S TIME!
Yes, Google saying "significant" changes in search results means it will be just that. If you were counting on your current ranking for traffic and leads and are not mobile-friendly, prepare for a decline!
Businesses need to think responsive web design as the best solution. This is where a website is built to "respond" to the device the user is viewing the site on. It detects the type of device and displays the site view in the best way possible for the visitor in a mobile, tablet, or desktop format. It's one site that morphs into at least those three forms. Read more on "responsive web design."
The other type of mobile-friendly site is a unique mobile website. It's a second and unique version of a main website. Typically with this model a visitor comes to a site and if a mobile browser is detected, the site redirects to the mobile version. Often the mobile version is at a subdomain like m.yourdomain.com or mobile.yourdomain.com. The difference between this and a responsive site is that it is a totally different website on a subdomain and often does not include a tablet version.
If your website isn't mobile-friendly, it's going to be time for a new website or a mobile site add-on. Before this was simply a good idea based on reviewing your website traffic, but now with this change by Google it's becoming critically important.
Don't delay, make plans for your mobile site today! Need help? My team at Digital Hill can help. Contact me or submit a inquiry on www.DigitalHill.com to talk to our team about your options.
What do you think? Is this the right move by Google? Is your site ready?
Share them below!
I’m a Indiana Hoosier native where basketball is the top sport. Every team heads to the locker room at halftime to evaluate the first half and create a updated plan for the second half. That plan includes adjustments based on reviewing what worked and what didn't. The “halftime” is a key review point where the game stops, the team pulls away to huddle in the locker room away from the fans, and they come out prepared and ready to succeed in the second half.
That’s what this podcast is all about, taking the time to pull away for bit to evaluate, learn, and set some strategies for your business to succeed in the second half. Join me by subscribing and let me be your “business halftime” to help you find great success going forward!
Subscribe via iTunes: Halftime Mike on iTunes | Android users via RSS | Listen on Stitcher.
