Starting on April 21st, 2015, Google will be changing their search engine algorithm to include mobile. This is one of the biggest updates that Google has rolled out in awhile. Google will be expanding their use of mobile-friendliness as a ranking signal in their search engines. This change will affect mobile searches in all languages worldwide and will have a significant impact in search results. Users will now be able to easily find relevant data depending on the device that they are using. Now is the time to make sure that your website is responsive and able to be viewed via mobile.

If your website is not mobile friendly, you may appear lower in search engine ranking or may not appear at all when a user is searching the web on their mobile phones or tablets. Google will rank those websites who are mobile-friendly ahead of yours to give the user a better experience with their device. Google is also changing their algorithm to include more relevant app content in search engine results. Google will be indexing apps as a factor in ranking for signed-in users who have the app installed. As a result of this, Google will now surface content from indexed apps more prominently in search results.

Why is this update important?

Googles new update is important because 60% of all traffic going to Google is through mobile devices. Mobile has quickly become the leading way users conduct their online searches.  If your website is not responsive, you are risking falling in the rankings and having other companies rank higher than you.  According to Design Modo, 50% of people who use their smartphones and tablets are researching what to buy and where to buy it and 78% of consumers who search for a local business on their smartphone end up making a purchase. Mobile is definitely becoming an industry leader for browsing and now is the time to make sure your website is compatible/responsive for online mobile browsing.

Not sure if your website is mobile-friendly? Google offers a free tool that will analyze your site and tell you if it is mobile-friendly or not.
Mobile-Friendly Test

Need help getting your website mobile-friendly?
Give us a call at 978-538-9055 or send us an email at info@gravoc.com

References

http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2015/02/finding-more-mobile-friendly-search.html

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