Google recently announced on one of their blogs that an update coming in the next couple of months will elevate the relevance of mobile-friendly websites in search results. This change represents a significant shift in how Google ranks websites, particularly for searches performed on mobile devices.
What This Update Means For Your Website
This algorithm update (sometimes referred to as “Mobilegeddon” in SEO circles) means that websites optimized for mobile devices will likely see improved rankings in mobile search results, while non-mobile-friendly sites may experience decreased visibility.
The change reflects the growing importance of mobile browsing, with many industries now seeing more than 50% of their traffic coming from mobile devices. Google is adapting its ranking factors to better serve users who are increasingly using smartphones and tablets to access the web.
How to Check If Your Site Is Mobile-Friendly
Google has provided a simple tool to check if your website meets their mobile-friendly criteria:
Google Mobile-Friendly Test Tool
Using this tool is straightforward:
- Enter your website URL
- Wait for the analysis to complete (usually takes less than a minute)
- Review the results
Understanding the Results
If your website passes the test, Google will confirm that your site is mobile-friendly with a message indicating you’re “awesome!” This positive result suggests your site should maintain or potentially improve its position in mobile search results after the update.
If your site fails the test, Google will provide specific reasons why, which might include:
- Text too small to read
- Links too close together
- Mobile viewport not set
- Content wider than screen
- Use of incompatible plugins (like Flash)
What to Do If Your Site Isn’t Mobile-Friendly
If your website doesn’t pass Google’s mobile-friendly test, consider these options:
- Implement Responsive Design: This approach allows your website to adapt to different screen sizes and is Google’s recommended solution.
- Create a Mobile Version: Develop a separate mobile version of your site (often on an m.yourdomain.com subdomain).
- Use a Mobile-Ready Theme: If your site runs on a CMS like WordPress, consider switching to a mobile-optimized theme.
- Consult with a Web Developer: Professional assistance may be necessary for more complex websites.
The Urgency Factor
Given that Google has publicly announced this update in advance, it’s clear they want webmasters to take action. Historically, pre-announced Google updates have often had significant impacts on search rankings.
With mobile traffic continuing to grow year over year, ensuring your site is mobile-friendly isn’t just about maintaining search rankings—it’s about providing a better user experience for an increasingly mobile audience.
Conclusion
As Google continues to emphasize mobile usability as a ranking factor, having a mobile-friendly website is becoming less of an option and more of a necessity. Taking the time to check your site’s mobile compatibility and making necessary improvements could help you stay ahead of competitors who haven’t yet adapted to the mobile-first web.
Check your site today using Google’s mobile-friendly test tool, and if necessary, make plans to update your website before the algorithm change takes effect.