Go Google Mobile-Friendly Update or Die

The Monthly “Steal” by David Steele

The Monthly “Steal” is a bit of relevant technology information intertwined with personal thoughts, opinions and some real life experiences. It is written by David “Steele” and is free, hence a “steal” from a “Steele”.

Over the last couple of weeks, we have received numerous calls and emails asking if it’s true that if a website is not mobile-friendly by April 21 it will not show up on Google. Well, I can guess that these clients either received a call or an email from a web company offering to make their site compliant.  Usually people can see right through these sales calls, but this one is getting lots of attention from all angles.

So, what is the scoop? Yes, Google's mobile-friendly algorithm update is set to go live on April 21, 2015. Will your site stop showing up after April 21 if you’re not Google Mobile Friendly? The answer is “NO”, but this is where you need to separate terms from strategy.  Google has put extensive effort into mobile applications and, on February 26, 2015, announced its push for “Mobile-Friendly”.

“Starting April 21, 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. Consequently, users will find it easier to get relevant, high quality search results that are optimized for their devices.” Source: http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2015/02/finding-more-mobile-friendly-search.html

Google’s goal is to deliver the best search results. With the continual growth of mobile devices, the next chapter in Search Engine Optimization Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the practice of enhancing a website's content, structure, and technical elements to improve its visibility and ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs). Unlike paid advertising, SEO focuses on organic (unpaid) search results, aiming to attract more quality traffic to the site through search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. SEO encompasses a variety of strategies, including keyword research, on-page optimization (such as optimizing titles, meta descriptions, and content), link building, and improving site usability and speed. By aligning a website's content with search engine algorithms and user intent, SEO helps increase the site's relevance and authority in search engines' eyes. Effective SEO can lead to higher rankings, increased web traffic, and better user engagement, ultimately contributing to the site's overall success and reach. has opened up. Sites that support Mobile-Friendly will receive higher ranking on mobile device searches. So, if you Google “Intrada” after April 21, 2015 and we are not Mobile-Friendly, will we show up? YES, we will. But, if we are not Mobile-Friendly and another website that offers web development is Mobile-Friendly, they will rank higher and may show up first.

Here at Intrada, we are looking at Mobile-Friendly like any other optimization strategy.  Your target market and percentage of mobile users are key indicators as to how fast you should embrace Mobile-Friendly.

To get help with making a mobile-friendly site, Google has provided two tools:

1. Mobile-Friendly Test.
2. Your Webmaster A Webmaster is a professional responsible for maintaining, managing, and improving websites. The role of a Webmaster encompasses a broad range of tasks, including designing web pages, updating content, ensuring website functionality, and optimizing site performance. Webmasters must possess a solid understanding of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other web technologies to effectively handle the technical aspects of website management. Webmasters also play a crucial role in implementing and managing SEO (Search Engine Optimization) strategies to enhance a website's visibility on search engines. This involves keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and analyzing site traffic through tools like Google Analytics. Moreover, Webmasters are often tasked with ensuring site security by implementing measures to protect against cyber threats and regularly updating software to prevent vulnerabilities. In addition to technical expertise, Webmasters must have good project management and communication skills, as they frequently collaborate with content creators, designers, and marketing teams. Their ability to troubleshoot issues, manage hosting services, and enhance user experience makes them an indispensable asset for any organization looking to maintain a professional and functional online presence. Overall, the role of a Webmaster is dynamic and multifaceted, requiring a blend of technical prowess and strategic insight to manage and continually improve a website's performance and security. Tools account can provide a full list of mobile usability issues using the Mobile Usability Report.

If you have concerns about Mobile-Friendly or would like to discuss how your website can benefit from a strategic optimization approach, contact us today to setup a free consultation.

Resources:

• Finding more mobile-friendly search results – Google Posting – February 26, 2015
  http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2015/02/finding-more-mobile-friendly-search.html
• Google Mobile Check
  https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly/
• 9 Things You Need to Know About Google's Mobile-Friendly Update – Moz Posting - April 6th, 2015
  http://moz.com/ Blog A blog is a regularly updated website or web page, typically run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style. Blogs cover a wide array of topics?from personal diaries and entertainment news to professional insights and niche interests. The content on a blog usually consists of various posts or entries that appear in reverse chronological order, with the most recent post at the top. Blogs serve numerous purposes, depending on the nature and goals of the blogger. Personal blogs often function as online journals, allowing individuals to share their thoughts, experiences, and opinions. Professional or business blogs, on the other hand, can be used to establish thought leadership, engage with customers, and drive traffic to a company's website. Many bloggers leverage social media to promote their content, fostering a sense of community and interaction among readers. The interactive nature of blogs is one of their distinguishing features. Many blogs allow readers to leave comments, enabling a two-way discussion between the author and the audience. This interactivity can create a loyal readership and a strong sense of community. In addition to written content, blogs often incorporate multimedia elements such as images, videos, and links to other relevant websites or articles, enriching the reader's experience. Overall, blogs provide a versatile and dynamic platform for expressing ideas, sharing information, and connecting with a global audience. /9-things-about-googles-mobile-friendly-update

If you would be interested in learning more about Intrada, give me a call or email me today.