Google Mobilegeddon: What’s Happening Two Months Later?
After the hype of ‘mobilegeddon’ back in April, we thought it was high time to look at its progress. With Google changing the algorithm that applies to mobile internet searches, great changes came. In fact, it would seem that this alteration is one of the biggest things to happen in the SEO world in months. Considering how quickly the sector moves, it’s no surprise that Google decided to alter the algorithm. After all, more people use their smartphones to browse the net than ever. This phenomenon means that every site must be mobile-friendly.
Stats and changes
Since the change happened, there has been a couple of noticeable differences. In the first week of the new algorithm’s reign, there were some rather erratic changes in the way people used Google. This change was due to people attempting to alter their ranking, according to the new Google rules.
According to a study by Search Engine Land, there was a 2% difference in the ranking of mobile-optimised sites and normal ones. Of course, this statistic doesn’t seem all that impressive until you take note of how quickly it has happened. In a matter of weeks, the way the ranking system works has changed forever. Over time, that percentage will rise, meaning that every company out there will need to pay attention to the new algorithm.
What is the algorithm?
Of course, even SEO gurus find it difficult to understand this latest algorithm. After all, Google officials keep their cards close to their chest when it comes to anything like this issue. We do know that the algorithm means that mobile-friendly, i.e. responsive sites, will rank higher. That is to say that the search engine will prioritise sites that work well on a mobile platform. Many companies already have responsive sites, but that leaves thousands that still need to catch up.
Video: Google mobilegeddon explained
What can your business do?
So, what can your business do to make sure that you are ahead of the game? Well, you should first check to see whether your site measures up or not. Use a test tool to check whether your site is ‘mobile-friendly’. If it is not, you need to figure out what changes you need to make. The difference between mobile ranking and desktop ranking has never been larger than it is now. In theory, your page could rank in a top spot on a desktop search, but be invisible on a mobile one.
You can find the mobile-friendly test tool here: https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly/
Changes you can make include, of course, creating a responsive website or even designing a separate mobile site. We do recommend though that your website only has one version and is fully responsive for various devices. You should also pay attention to the legibility of your type, as this differs from the mobile to the desktop platform. Finally, you ought to change the way in which you use imagery, according to the appropriate platform.
Is there more to come?
While, over the last two months, the changes have been slow, there is still more to come. Google have stated that the algorithm change is complete, but that’s not to say that it won’t take a large effect over the next few months. It is crucial to pay attention to these changes and ensure that your company site suits all relevant platforms. If you don’t optimise your site, you could well find that Google penalises you.
Update:
If you wish to learn more about search engine optimisation, please visit our blog post What is SEO – Search Engine Optimisation?
