Google changed their algorithm to favor mobile-ready sites
More and more people are using technology on the go; from accessing email and favorites, to completing projects and doing research, mobile technology is more important now, than ever before. Google recently issued an update to its mobile search algorithm with a very clear message: start delivering mobile-friendly experiences, or risk losing your position in Google search.
Did websites take Google’s warning to heart? Moovweb analyzed the sites of the top AdWords spenders and found an 83 percent increase in mobile-friendliness between Q1 and Q2. However, they found that only 33 percent of those sites moved beyond just mobile-friendliness to offer fully optimized mobile experiences.
Google is reinforcing the premise that more and more people are shopping and working from mobile devices , so in order to deliver the best experience, you need to ensure your site is ready for the onslaught of mobile users. What is Google looking for in the new algorithm? There are tools available to help you test you site. Run your site through the Mobile-Friendly Test tool and run a Moovweb Mobile Report for even more details. However, this may not be enough. Some sites are reporting Google expects a complete mobile experience optimization.
Are small businesses at a disadvantage?
So what does it mean to have a site with mobile experience optimization (MEO)? Google’s criteria are pretty basic; you must have: text that’s readable without the need to zoom in, links placed far enough part to tap them without the chance of tapping the wrong one, and the absence of Flash. However, to be completely MEO, your site must also load quickly and allow users to instantly interact with your content. This may include optimizing your flow to shorten mobile checkout steps, or offering different interfaces to Android and iOS users, so that their experience is optimized.
This may seem like a bad break for small businesses, but as the head of SEO at uSwitch.com, Lucasz Zelezny, states, smaller businesses have the upper hand in applying the necessary changes to their sites. “Small businesses tend to be far more flexible with their tech teams able to apply changes far quicker and easier than larger enterprises due to a less complicated infrastructure, also making it easier to roll out new software and processes.”
Rather than panicking over Mobilegeddon, step back and reassess your mobile strategy, and look at what changes need to be made to get the most from your site, as well as the new algorithm Google instituted.
