As you have (hopefully) heard by now, Google announced a new
algorithm update which, beginning April 21, factors mobile compatibility
heavily into search results. In other words, websites that are optimized for
viewing on smartphones and tablets will now outrank similar non-mobile-friendly
websites, all things being equal.
What’s interesting about this change to Google strategy is
that, unlike past algorithm updates, it was announced and outlined well ahead
of time. Instead of dropping hints, Google’s engineers told us exactly what was
going to happen… and yet, there are countless businesses still trying to figure
out what happened to their search traffic.
What are the short- and long-term consequences of Google’s
new mobile-friendly preference? And more importantly, does it mean your
non-mobile-friendly website is now invisible to the world’s largest search
engine?
Let’s take a look at a few of the things you need to know:
Google Made This Change for a Good Reason
Although some business owners and marketers will undoubtedly
react as if Google is targeting them individually, the fact of the matter is
it’s just good business from the search engine’s point of view. With 64% of adults in the US owning smartphones, mobile web
users are now in the majority; they want search results that show cleanly and
correctly on smartphones and tablets. By updating its search algorithms, Google
is just giving its audience what it wants.
With that in mind, there isn’t any reason to think they’ll
backtrack on their new mobile-compatible stance. In fact, you should probably
prepare for just the opposite…
Expect More Focus on Mobile in the Future
Google states that 94% of people with smart phones use their phones for local search and 77% of local searches happen at home and work, even with a desktop computer available. That means that the standard, non-responsive websites are going to become increasingly rare as time goes on, and web users
are going to take mobile compatibility as a given.
Think about that for a moment, and you come to an
inescapable conclusion…
Websites That Aren’t Mobile-Friendly Are Falling Behind
Take the mobile-friendly test here and then give Kinetik IT a call. We'll make sure your website doesn't fall behind.
Statistics clearly state the case: nearly 100 million people use the mobile web daily, and smartphones are outselling PCs faster than ever. Transitioning to include your business site on the mobile web is a must.
So, how does your current website look on a mobile browser? If it’s not designed with optimized mobile settings, the aesthetic may not carry over well to a smaller, handheld device. Aside from a poor user experience, a sub-par mobile site can compromise the look, feel, and content of your company’s website, negating the time and money invested in developing thoughtful messaging and concise branding.
The simple fact is that, due to the limited amount of space and generally slower connection speeds, a mobile design needs to be both more simply designed and more task-based than the standard companion website. Here are a few reasons to consider this shift to a mobile-optimized site – sooner rather than later:
- Appearance: Your site’s design probably does not look as good as you think it does. Mobile web emulators abound online, offering an easy way to view your site across devices. Type in your URL for a glimpse at what potential customers see – does it offer the user experience you’d like customers to have? If not, it’s time to develop a mobile site.
- Lagging behind: Chances are, your competitors already have a mobile site. Even if they were not early adopters, the biggest companies in every industry have a mobile site, and it’s a sure bet that your competitors are in that mix.
- Increased traffic: Mobile sites mean better SEO. Google is bent on ensuring searchers have the best possible experience, and while no one is saying exactly what that entails, it’s certain that mobile sites for mobile users factor in somewhere, so capturing those who are looking may mean you have to go mobile.
You need only look around – to see the multitudes using phones to read, shop, and research – to understand how necessary a mobile website is for today’s business. Kinetik IT has been offering Phoenix businesses web and I.T. solutions, including mobile sites, that will enhance profitability for years to come. To learn more about services and products, visit www.Kinetik-IT.com or follow Kinetik on Facebook, LinkedInor Twitter.