You may be vaguely aware of mobile first indexing but not be entirely sure what it entails. If you have a web presence for your business or organisation then you really need to be well-informed as it looks as though 2017 is going to be the year when this type of indexing is finally introduced by Google. It’s not surprising that this is happening now, given the huge number of people who use a mobile device when accessing the Internet.
The most important thing to remember about Google’s mobile first index is that it’s going to be used to help determine your search engine ranking. Your mobile web presence is becoming more useful to you then your traditional web presence. If you are not well prepared for mobile first indexing you risk damaging your search engine ranking. Let’s take a more in-depth look at mobile first indexing. We will also give you some tips on how you can optimise your mobile web presence in preparation.
What does mobile first indexing mean for you?
Now that Google has decided to recognise the fact that mobile web searching is now more widespread than accessing the web using a desktop computer, you need to make sure that you are ready for the change. Mobile first indexing means that Google will use the experience of your mobile web presence when determining your search engine ranking.
Of course, Google will only do this if you have a mobile web presence. The fact is that most businesses realise this is a necessity, given the large number of web users involved.
If you have not already completed the necessary work needed to optimise your mobile web presence you need to get started as soon as possible,
Top tips for mobile optimisation
We have looked at why you need to optimise your mobile web presence; but how do you go about doing so? Here are some tips you may find helpful.
- Use responsive web design to make life easier. If you use responsive web design you already have a good base from which to optimise your website for mobile use. You still need to do the rest of the work though. Concentrating on the mobile user experience first helps you to do this.
- Make sure the configuration of your mobile site matches that of your desktop site?
- Make sure that your site takes no longer than three seconds to load on a mobile device. If it does, users will not remain engaged with your site. You also risk being penalized once mobile first indexing is introduced.
- Ensure your mobile web presence is accessible to Googlebot.
- Make use of HTML5 as opposed to Flash. Flash technology is not accessible using many mobile devices. This means that not only do you risk losing potential visitors to your site, but your search engine ranking could also be adversely affected.
If you do not feel confident enough to complete the work yourself you should call a professional web design company, such as quikclicks.com.au. They can help you make sure that you are well prepared for the introduction of mobile first indexing.
