When it comes to search engines Google is the undisputed leader of the pack. They are always ahead of the game when it comes to ranking algorithms or more simply put, what they consider when it comes to placing web pages in search results. They are known for adapting their ranking algorithms to reflect the current trends and needs of the Internet. This year has been no different, in a bid to keep up with the ever-growing market of smart phones and tablets, Google has unveiled news that they will now be taking into consideration how Mobile-Friendly your site is. This important announcement was made on February 26th, however the new ranking signal will go into effect on April 21st this year.
Who will this effect?
If you have web pages indexed by Google and intend on ranking highly, this will affect you. It is important to take these changes into consideration so that you can hold your ranking, or possibly even increase your ranking. In their announcement, Google even went as far as to say the new Mobile-Friendly factor will have a “significant” effect on search results. With this in mind, it is imperative to work along with these changes.
What can you do?
Fortunately, Google hasn’t left us in the dark with how web owners can keep updated with this change. They have provided a “Get Started” guide to their Mobile-Friendly algorithm and outline the benefits of Mobile SEO. More information is available at the following link:
https://developers.google.com/webmasters/mobile-sites/get-started/
As noted in the Get Started guide, Google is allowing for web owners to check their site for compatibility at the following link:
https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly/
For instance, as seen in the picture below, here at Slavtech SEO Services we have analyzed our website for Mobile-Friendly compatibility. As you can see we passed by using a Mobile-Friendly responsive WordPress theme for our web pages.
Most responsive WordPress themes are Mobile-Friendly, however there are a few that do not fit the criteria. Therefore, it is wise for all web owners to run the check as a precaution. It is also important to note that for those who want a more comprehensive report on their webpage, there is a more detailed test accessible through your Google Webmaster Tools account.
What should I take away from this announcement?
The most important information you can take away from this announcement is that you need to either:
- A) Use a Mobile-Friendly responsive WordPress theme. Or,
- B) Use a Mobile Site Builder, for example Duda Mobile.
Google have given us the exact information needed to work in with their Mobile-Friendly changes. By acting according to these requirements and within a reasonable amount of time, your website can maintain its current rankings or increase as other non-Mobile-Friendly sites are left behind. The trick is to act now, which will mean that you not only comply with the Google standard, but your website will stay up to date with the current technology that web browsers are using.