Google’s newest algorithm change and what that means for you.
Did you know that 80% of small business websites are not optimized for the mobile device?
This is the first time I have ever written about a Google algorithim change. This is because I believe this one is of particular importance. If you’ve read anything of mine before or been in one of my classes, you know that I’m constantly banging the drum of “mobile, mobile, mobile”. A few years ago, I would ask clients what their mobile traffic was and whether or not they thought they needed a site optimized for mobile devices. I no longer ask this question. It is no longer “optional”. Having a mobile optimized site is relevant and necessary.
And Google’s algorithim proves this.
Beginning April 21st, Google will roll out a new algorithim that add mobile-friendliness as a ranking signal. As of now, it is a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. I assume that to mean that sites that are not optimized for the mobile device will not be shown in searches made on a mobile device. Now add that to the fact that about half of searches occur on a mobile device, as well as the fact that mobile searches are much more likely to lead to conversion, and we are talking a significant loss in conversions/traffic. (Read about this more in detail here.)
Google will also be attempting to index mobile app data (when you are signed in to that app) and show mobile app data in search results. I’m interested to see what the practical application of this will be. This will effect less of you, but does indicate a shift in how indexing works and what the future of SEO looks like. (Read more about that here.)
So what does this mean for you and your website?
Well first thing you should do is check whether or not your website is considered mobile friendly. You can ask Google that using their Mobile Friendly Test. This free tool will analyis your website and give you a ranking.
If you are part of that majority, we can help! Give us a call and meet up with one of our experts to discuss how we can make your website up to Google’s standards. Our free project consultations will help you figure out the next steps to ranking well and outpacing your competition.
