Google’s Second Mobile Algorithm Update Could Change the Ranking System for Websites without Mobile Optimization
As of May 12, 2016, if your website isn’t optimized for mobile access, you could be experiencing major disadvantages in client acquisition and website traffic. The second version of Google’s mobile-friendly update has been fully rolled out and is designed to increase the effect of the mobile friendly ranking signal. According to Google, those sites that are already mobile-friendly, are not impacted by the update.
Google’s algorithm is a page-by-page signal. Therefore, it required a certain length of time for Google to assess each page and took some time to roll out completely.
In addition to mobile optimization for improved SERP rankings, having a mobile-optimized website will assist with paid search strategies also. Paid search ads will supply customers with a “Mobile Friendly” seal if the website is optimized, permitting consumers the opportunity to enjoy an enhanced user experience. Consumers are likely to click until they find websites that offer a user-friendly interface.
If you are a business owner, mobile optimization is a vital part of the productivity of your business. Why is this, you ask? Websites provide a visual experience for customers, it’s imperative that your site appears as professional and viewer friendly as possible. Without a mobile-friendly site, mobile device visitors can’t access your website.
There are additional advantages of optimizing your website for mobile devices.
1. Instant Access
Mobile devices are extremely portable and many people utilize them to surf websites at any time and from any place. If a website is mobile-optimized, consumers can easily access the site and gain a clear perspective on what the company offers.
2. Offline Integration
How much knowledge do you have about QR codes? These can assist you with integration of offline media. It is increasing in popularity by measures of making offline advertising for companies and businesses. As a result, it can be scanned and translated into information such as the url or email address of a website. Insertion of these codes into ads aides in directing traffic to websites. It provides instant communication with offline users around the globe.
3. Improved SEO
It was 2015 that Google announced its new algorithm favors mobile-responsive websites and the very next year, 2016, an update was performed. Google has a prepared mobile-friendly seal set up that prompts users as to whether or not a site is mobile compatible. As an end result, users typically will not click on a website link that appears in a Google search, but isn’t optimized for mobile devices. Keep in mind, more than 70% of web surfers are browsing from their mobile device.
4. Boosts Productivity
Mobile optimization does more than enhance user engagement, it also has a positive impact on the bottom line. Website visitors are more than 50% more likely to conduct business with an online retailer that has a mobile site. Potential or existing clients are less likely to conduct online business transactions via a site that isn’t optimized for mobile usage due to concerns of validity of the transaction or accuracy in the overall process.
Google’s Mobile Ranking System
The initial reaction to Google’s announcement of a mobile ranking system was consumed with mixed indicators of the unknown. Businesses that were properly optimized for mobile felt safe but wasn’t exactly sure what Google would utilize as standard system of ranking. While those businesses that weren’t optimized, were unclear as to which direction to take in order to gain the proper optimization of their site and not miss out on the opportunity to become ranked.
The launch of Google’s second Algorithm update is a strong indication that Google is beginning to focus strongly on the ranking of mobile sites, which puts those sites that aren’t optimized for mobile access at jeopardy of not being ranked at all in the near future.
If you are among the few businesses that have yet to optimize your website for mobile use, it’s simple to start the process.
The initiative required to develop a mobile-friendly website depends on a few factors, developer resources, business model and level of expertise. On an extremely basic implementation level, transforming an existing desktop site to mobile compatibility involves extracting current elements of content from the desktop site and organizing it to relate to a mobile-friendly design pattern.
Be advised! Google’s next mobile update is expected to include page speed. If you would like to learn more about mobile optimization for your website or would like assistance with making your website mobile friendly or to have quicker page load speed, contact Shannon McCraw at Virtual Surge. 443-840-8444