How Google's Mobile-Friendly Algorithm Will Impact Your Website

Google has announced that a new update to their search algorithm will have a significant impact on mobile search results. After April 21, 2015, websites that are “mobile-friendly” will be given priority in mobile search rankings, making it easier for people to find high quality search results that are optimized for their smartphones and tablets. This is part of Google’s ongoing mission to create the best possible search experience for users.

Consequently, websites that aren’t mobile-friendly will rank lower in mobile search results.

We know your website’s SEO and search visibility is extremely important, so we’re here to help you figure out how this new update will affect you, and how to prepare for it.

(If you'd like us to take a look at your SEO, you can sign up for a free SEO audit!)

Why this update is a big deal:

At first glance, this update may not seem like such a big deal. After all, the new algorithm only impacts Google mobile searches, not desktop searches. 

But consider the fact that about 50% of all Google searches are performed on a mobile device. That's significant. And it signifies that a mobile-friendly website is no longer a luxury—it has become a necessity.

So, how do you make sure your website is mobile-friendly?

The Solution: Responsive Design

Hands down, the best way to ensure a mobile-friendly website is with a responsive design.

A responsive design will adjust to fit any screen size, whether it’s a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. When building a responsive design, website developers will consider how elements like menus, buttons and images can be scaled down and rearranged to create the best possible experience for mobile users.

If your website has a responsive design, you are primed and ready for the new Google update!

One of our customers that has a responsive website is the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. You can see how the layout changes to adapt to smaller screen sizes.

Option B is a secondary mobile site, although we don’t recommend this. While a mobile website is optimized for tablets and smartphones, and might pass the test for Google’s new mobile algorithm, it also presents the issue of duplicate content. Check out our post on the pros and cons of a mobile website vs a responsive design to learn more.

Not sure if your website is mobile-friendly? Check out Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.

Ready to go responsive?

If you don’t have a responsive design, I strongly urge you to consider updating your website. Not only will your website perform better in mobile searches, but it will also provide a better user experience for your mobile visitors.

Get in touch with one of our Web Strategists today to learn how you can update your website to a responsive design.

Let's chat!

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