There are 3 weeks and counting before Google casts non-mobile-friendly websites into the depths of search hell. While Google has not confirmed the exact ramifications of its latest algorithm update, they have stated that the change “will have a significant impact in our search results.” With a deadline of April 21 looming overhead, now is the time for your brand to upgrade to mobile-friendly website design. Seriously, do it.
This Search Engine Watch article goes into deeper detail, but here are the main things you need to know:
- Think you’re ready? Take this test. Google offers a mobile-friendly test where, by entering your page’s URL, you can find out if your site is in fact ready for the upcoming changes. Passed? Go pat yourself on the back. Not so much? You should probably keep reading.
- A mobile-friendly homepage won’t cut it. If you’ve avoided any SEO penalties thus far, you likely know that over-optimizing your website is a no-no. The same goes for optimizing your homepage…and nothing else. Google’s latest algorithm update affects websites at the page-level, and will detect those masking a non-mobile-friendly site with an optimized homepage alone.
- Responsive design is your best bet. While responsive design itself isn’t a ranking factor, it is the best strategy for optimizing both your search results and user experience. Making sure visitors to your site can view and interact with it in a way best suited to their device is a good step toward positive user experience and repeat customers.
As we close in on the April 21 deadline, remember that your website is often the first interaction consumers have with your brand, 48% of whom are finding it via mobile search. You simply can’t afford that loss in potential revenue, so make the necessary changes, and soon. The clock is ticking.
