Why Mobile-Friendly Websites Are Important
Intuitively we have known for some time that mobile-friendly websites were a factor in Google’s search algorithm. While they have confirmed it is a ranking element, it was never known how much of an important factor it was, until now. As of April 21st, 2015, Google is doing an algorithm change that will significantly affect websites and how they relate to mobile usability.
Google released a major announcement in February stating, “We will be expanding our use of mobile-friendliness as a ranking signal. This change will affect mobile searches in all languages worldwide and will have a significant impact in our search results.”
Impact of Mobilegeddon
Appropriately named Mobilegeddon, at the end of April, any website not optimized for mobile will suffer. Google’s reasoning behind emphasizing the importance of mobile is simple: “Users will find it easier to get relevant, high-quality search results that are optimized for their devices.” More than ever now, mobile matters.
Google makes algorithm updates all the time, but if you recall Panda or Penguin, not all are to be disregarded. This update you definitely do not want to ignore. With over 60% of Google searches happening on mobile devices, it is a wonder it has taken them this long.
While the language of this announcement may seem a bit vague, it does clearly indicate that this change will, without a doubt, affect all mobile search results. On the Google Developers website, Google calls mobile optimization “a critical part of website management.” It also dedicates an entire in-depth section of the site to help webmasters build smartphone-optimized websites. In the simplest of terms, if your website is not mobile-friendly, then you will probably drop in rankings for search. This begs the question, how can you determine mobile-friendly websites verse non-mobile?
Are You Mobile-Friendly?
Clients with websites created by Color Fire don’t have to worry. We automatically design mobile responsive websites. Our websites don’t just look good on mobile but are optimized for it too.
If we didn’t make it, you need to have us audit it for you. The quickest way to tell is to check on a mobile device. Does the website fit your screen? Is it easy to get to the navigation and move around the website? Can you click on the phone number and other links easily? If you still aren’t sure, check on Google’s testing tool.
As of April 21st, websites not optimized for mobile will have wished they had prepared. Contact us today to have your website audited. You don’t want to be stuck out in the non-mobile world on April 21st. Fewer people will see your website, traffic will decrease, it will affect people finding you when they are out and about, or in need of your services on the fly. 70% of mobile searches lead to online action within an hour, and 80% of Internet users own a smartphone. With those numbers, you can’t afford to not act.
What Should You Do?
Don’t hesitate a second more, because Google isn’t allowing companies more time. Color Fire specializes in creating mobile-friendly websites and provide your customers with the highest quality user experience, on all devices.
If you have any questions regarding Google’s recent announcement and how it affects your website contact Color Fire. Our team of qualified webmasters, SEO, and digital marketing specialists can assist you in evaluating your website. We can also help you formulate the best strategy for adhering to the latest Google algorithm updates. You can trust Color Fire to help encourage organic searches and landings to your website, which can help boost your worldwide rankings.
