You may have heard mention of mobile-first indexing. Google has been promising its introduction for a little while now, and 2017 seems set to be the year when this will happen. It’s hardly surprising that Google is taking this major step in recognizing the importance of mobile optimization; more people access the Internet using a mobile device than using a desktop.
It’s possible to get expert help with optimizing your website for mobile, to increase your customer base and ensure that you are ready for mobile first indexing. You just need to find a reputable service to provide you with effective SEO packages. The experts can put their experience to use for you, so that you are sure to be completely prepared when the introduction happens. But, what if you want some information about mobile first indexing before you start to make any decisions? Let’s take a look at what mobile first indexing is and how you can prepare for it.
What does mobile first indexing involve?
Now that mobile Internet access has surpassed that of desktop, Google has recognized the need to take mobile optimization into account. This has led to the announcement of mobile first indexing. Once this form of indexing is introduced your mobile website will be the first port of call when Google assesses your search engine ranking. It’s the usability and speed of your mobile site that will be more important. Of course, this only applies if you have a mobile website presence, but you cannot really afford not to. If you are not accessible via mobile then you are losing out on a significant potential audience for your brand. If you have not already done so you need to put time, effort and financial resources into making sure your mobile web presence is fully optimized. Let’s take a look at some useful tips about how you can make this happen.
Tips for optimizing your mobile website for mobile -first indexing
Hopefully, you can see why it’s so important to concentrate on optimizing your mobile web presence; now more than ever. If you have already taken actions to develop your mobile website there may not be much left to do but it’s still worth reviewing your web presence and making sure it’s fully optimized. Here are a few of the important points you may still need to consider.
- Are you making use of responsive web design? You do not have to but it’s recommended by Google and it’s an excellent tool when it comes to making mobile optimization easier. This does not mean that using responsive web design automatically means your web presence is optimized for mobile, but it’s a good foundation.
- Is the configuration of your mobile website the same as for your desktop site?
- Is the load time of your mobile site less than three seconds? This is the amount of time within which most people expect to be able to access a site using a mobile device. If your load time is long then you are going to lose out on potential custom and you stand the chance of being penalized in search engine rankings.
- Is your mobile site accessible to Googlebot?
- Is your mobile site verified in search console?
- Are you using technology such as HTML rather than Flash? Flash does not work on many mobile devices so people may not be able to see your web content if you use Flash technology on your website. Obviously, you do not want this to happen. Using Flash is also likely to reflect badly once mobile first indexing is with us. After all, Google has already displayed a dislike of the use of Flash online.
It’s essential that you pay attention to all of these aspects if you want to make sure that your mobile web presence is optimized. If you are currently developing a mobile website do not rush it; it’s better to take your time and get it right. If Google first indexing is introduced before your mobile site is ready there will still be a facility to index your desktop site so you do not need to worry.
