Mobilegedon is here, but many have yet to realize just how devastating this phenomenon may be to businesses across the globe. For those who have yet to hear, Google has once again updated their search engine algorithm, and this time they are targeting mobile websites. This latest change impacts how corporate websites will be ranked on the major search engines when one is accessing these search engines using their smartphone. Sites that are more mobile friendly will now receive higher rankings than those that aren't to ensure users are getting high-quality results every time, and sites in every language will be impacted.
Many individuals assume the majority of websites are now mobile friendly, as nearly 64 percent of adults in America own this type of phone, especially those who are younger and those with higher income or education levels. This figure has almost doubled since 2011 when only 35 percent of adults in the country owned a device of this type. As a result of companies may find they receive less traffic, even as the number of smartphone users continues to increase. How does one know if their website is currently mobile friendly?
Google understands many companies believe their site is currently mobile friendly when it actually is not. They have created an online test businesses may make use of to determine if their site qualifies for this designation. To do so, the site needs to contain text and a layout that doesn't require the user to scroll horizontally or zoom to find information. Links must also be easily accessed used a touch interface to qualify as mobile friendly. If the site doesn't meet these requirements, it may drop in the search engine rankings. Retailers are the ones most likely to be impacted by this algorithm change, but every company needs to conduct the online test.
The search engine provider wants to ensure companies know what to expect as Mobilegedon rolls out fully and all pages are indexed. Sites have a little bit of time to determine if their site receives the mobile friendly designation. Those sites with high-quality content won't see a rapid drop in the search engines right away, even if they aren't mobile friendly. The quality of the content still plays a major role in how a site is ranked, but care must be taken. As more sites earn the designation of mobile friendly, even those sites with high-quality content may find they drop drastically in the results.
In addition, businesses need to understand the algorithm change will only impact sites on mobile devices. Therefore, the focus needs to be placed on these sites. Desktop computer and tablet searches won't change as a result of this upgrade. Furthermore, webmasters need to recognize the difference between this and the mobile ranking algorithm that was released in 2013. The 2013 modification looked at core issues that affect mobile site accessibility, and the 2015 modification addresses mobile site usability.
Another thing webmasters need to understand is the mobile usability algorithm looks at each page of a site, meaning some pages on the site may receive this designation when others on the site do not. As a result, a website could still benefit from the changes being made, even if it isn't completely mobile friendly. The changes will be seen in real time, which sets this algorithm apart from others such as Penguin and Panda. Although the site itself may not receive the mobile friendly designation in the search engine results right away, Google is recognizing the changes in real time.
The fact that Google is updating search results in real time benefits webmasters. When changes are made, a site can move up in the search engines rapidly, often within 72 hours. For larger sites, it may take up to a month before the search engine provides them with the mobile friendly designation due to their size. For this reason, companies need to begin making changes right away, especially on the major pages of the site. Be aware, however, that each page is either mobile friendly or it isn't. Google doesn't allow for degrees of usability in this area.
The impact of this algorithm change won't be seen immediately, but companies need to take care. Experts state this upgrade will have more of an impact than either the Penguin or Panda updates. It is estimated that more than 11 percent of search engines results will be affected by Mobilegedon. One cannot say definitively how the search engine results will be impacted though, due, in part, to the fact Google users multiple factors when ranking a site. It's best to make the changes quickly to ensure one's ranking doesn't drop, as this could lead to a loss of business.
Whether you choose to work with DesignForest, or another provider for help with mobile marketing, make sure they understand mobilegedon and how it may affect your business. With smartphone usage increasing at rapid rates, companies cannot afford to be overlooked in the search engines. Rely on the professionals if you find you cannot keep up with Google algorithm changes. A failure to do so, whether it is for this update or any that are generated in the future, could lead to dismal results, and you just can't take that risk.
Written by Luke Jordon (Co-founder of DesignForest) and Terry Moncada (Founder of Moncada Marketing)