On April 21, Google implemented an algorithm change that could grant “mobile-friendly” pages a higher ranking on mobile search engine results than pages not optimized for mobile devices. In the months leading up to the algorithm update, marketers were concerned about the possible negative impact it could have on performance. Mobile searches comprise up to 35 percent of all search traffic, and a lower mobile rank could result in missed traffic and conversions. However, this change has not created the “Mobilegeddon” some feared. The following post reviews the impact the updated algorithm has had on mobile, and summarizes how marketers can prepare for future changes.
Impact of Google’s Mobile Algorithm Update
Google is now a few weeks into the full roll-out of its update. Here is how the update has impacted mobile rankings to date:
Preparing for Future Changes
While the algorithm update did not significantly alter mobile search result pages, optimizing pages for the smaller mobile screen is still important. Google and its competitors will continue to implement more changes to deliver the best possible experiences to mobile users. Microsoft for example just recently announced that it will implement a similar natural algorithm change rewarding mobile-friendly pages. Site owners and marketers should think “mobile-first” and abide by best practices to prepare for future changes:
Marketers can determine the mobile-friendliness of their sites by taking Google’s mobile-friendly test here. According to BrightEdge’s study, a score of 80 or above indicates a page is mobile-friendly.
Authors: Scott Walldren, SEO Director and Kenneth Hamner, Associate Media Director at 360i