Weblinx, Incorporated

Be Mobile-Friendly by April 21: Google’s Line in the Sand

Is your business website truly compatible with the hundreds of millions of mobile devices out there? It had better be, because Google is drawing a line in the sand when it comes to mobile functionality and search engine results.

Starting on April 21, the world’s largest search engine will be implementing a sweeping algorithm change that will likely dwarf the effects of the previously instituted Penguin and Panda updates. In other words, you can expect that a lot of search results are going to be heavily affected. And, as always, there are going to be some winners and losers as a result.

So how do you make sure your website falls into the right category? Let’s take a look at a couple of things you have to be aware of…

Starting April 21, Mobile-Friendly Websites Are Going to Enjoy a Stronger Search Position

Mobile web traffic is the new norm, and users accessing websites via traditional desktop and laptop computers is losing market share. With that in mind, it only makes sense for Google to prioritize mobile-friendly websites – it’s what their users want and need. Now, mobile compatibility is going to be a major factor in search engine positioning.

Change Will Come Quickly, but Not Instantly

Although Google’s new algorithm will be implemented on April 21, the company says it could take a few days for the rollout to be completed. And if history is any guide, further tweaks and adjustments will probably be made in the coming weeks. So, even though the event itself may happen quickly, expect that this is going to be part of a larger trend… and that we might see an even bigger focus on mobile-friendly websites in the future.

For Mobile Compatibility, a Simple “Yes” Or “No” Will Do

Although this may change in the future, it’s interesting to note that Google essentially considers each page on your website to be either “mobile-friendly” or “not mobile-friendly.” The degree of how mobile-friendly they might be doesn’t factor in.

It’s Never Been More Important to Incorporate Mobile Functionality

Although you’re going to undoubtedly hear lots of grumbling about this algorithm shift in the coming weeks – business owners and marketers always get upset when Google starts doing something differently – this could turn out to be a great change for searchers and marketers alike.

That’s because, by forcing their hands if they want to remain competitive in search engine optimization, Google is taking a step that could essentially cause a lot of companies to do something that’s in their own best interests anyway. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly in 2015, losing search engine traffic might be the least of your problems. The majority of your prospects or shoppers are probably using tablets and smartphones, and if they can’t access your site (or parts of it), they are likely to click away to a competitor in a matter of seconds.

Is Your Business Website Mobile-Friendly?

If you aren’t sure whether your website is truly mobile-friendly, or want to ensure that it meets Google’s guidelines, visit this page, where you can let Google test your website for mobile compatibility. In a matter of seconds, you’ll get a thumbs-up or thumbs-down, along with a handy preview.

And most importantly, if your web presence doesn’t have the mobile compatibility you need to stay competitive, act now before it’s too late! Your customers are demanding a mobile-friendly web presence, and now Google is, too. There’s never been a better time to make a change and ensure your website is as easy to find, and use, as it possibly could be.

Looking for a web design and digital marketing partner that understands the ins and outs of mobile compatibility? Contact Weblinx today at 630-551-0334 for a free consultation.

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