Google has spoken, and the message is loud and clear – the online goliath is gearing up to apply mobile-first indexing to all websites within the next 6 to 12 months. Mobile-first hit the scene back in November of 2016, and by the end of 2018, half of all Google’s search results were generated by this mobile-first approach. Google is obviously moving forward with dispatch, and this could have important implications for your business’s website.
Mobile-first indexing isn’t as complicated as it may sound – it’s simply a Google-y way of saying that it will be indexing and ranking your site from the perspective of a mobile browser. This means that your website needs to be mobile-ready if you want to compete (and you do want to compete).
In order to keep this effort moving forward as smoothly as possible, Google is issuing notices that let website owners know that change is afoot and that reference any issues detected. As more and more users move their online searches to their mobile devices, Google intends to keep up by improving user experience. The Google notification then lists any errors or issues found that might prevent the site from performing optimally.
In this proactive move, Google is putting us all on notice that change is on the way. Change, however, is business as usual when it comes to online marketing, and staying at the head of the pack should remain your goal.
As with most new waves in tech, website proprietors have questions. Regarding the mobile-first indexing rollout, we’ve gleaned the following:
Google also shares best practices for mobile-first indexing, and while these don’t provide much in the way of new information, they do amount to great practices when it comes to good housekeeping. For example:
Google also provides best practices for your separate URLs, and the highlights include:
The idea is to work with this rolling change and to grow your rank in the process. Failing to prepare accordingly can lead to a rank drop that isn’t going to do you any favors. By focusing on making the necessary changes now, you can help ensure that you retain your vibrant market share throughout this Google transition – and beyond.
Google has been steadily moving toward mobile-first indexing, and they provide a handy dandy changelog to prove it. These changes rolled out as follows:
Mobile-first indexing is coming to your site – it’s not a matter of “if” but “when.” When it comes to your online offerings, change is inevitable, but the digital marketing specialists at The Web Guys have got you covered. The internet never sleeps, but when your online house is in order, you don’t need to worry about it. We’re here to help put you through your paces and ensure that your conversion to mobile-first indexing is as smooth as silk. We’re here to help, so please contact us online or give us a call at 317-805-4933 today!
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