You probably know by now that Google is on the top of the world as the largest mobile platform provider, mobile search provider, and recently - the largest mobile app store. If that doesn’t give them the say when it comes to the future of mobile phones, we don’t know what will.
The catch phrase here is: ARE YOU READY TO ADAPT?
GOOGLE SEARCH ALGORITHM WILL NOW FAVOR MOBILE-FRIENDLY SITES
So what does it mean to be a mobile-friendly site? Simply run your website through Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test page and you’ll find out on the spot.
However, the tool is not faultless as Google made it a point to display a disclaimer feedback on the results page for potential issues on the results. Nonetheless, for an online mobile-friendly assessment tool, the test is still nothing short of amazing.
Alternatively, you can just use your mobile phone and check to see if your website has a “mobile friendly” label on the left side before the summary. If you found one, then congratulations! You will receive extra cookie points from Google.
If you are using Google Webmaster Tools, then you should also try running your site with Google’s Mobile Usability Report where you can see important recommendations that will improve mobile use.
Here’s where it all goes down.
Starting April 21, we will be expanding our use of mobile-friendliness as a ranking signal.
This is exactly what Google said. If you’re reading this right now for the first time, then be wary as the changes will take place in a few days’ time.
THERE WILL BE A “SIGNIFICANT” CHANGE
You probably have a clue right now as to how much this update will affect the internet sphere, but to give you a bigger shoe to fill, consider this statement from Google:
This change will affect mobile searches in all languages worldwide and will have a significant impact on our search results.
When Google says it's significant, you can bet your Grandma that it actually is. The update will irreversibly change the way every conscious web user uses the internet. Google considers mobile so significant that they are willing to change entire algorithm patterns for it, so we should watch out for changes in the way that mobile search function works.
For obvious reasons, the change will render non-optimized pages crippled with low page rank and potential desktop rankings. Any page that isn't mobile responsive will cease to rank on the top page. Total chaos for those unprepared, if you ask me.
THE ALGORITH CHANGE RANKS EACH PAGE INDIVIDUALLY
The algorithm change will analyze mobile compatibility on a page-by-page basis, rather than a website-wide basis. So what does this mean to all of us? If your site has some optimized pages, and some non-optimized ones, then Google will analyze them separately and promote the page that is optimized.
If your website is responsive (adapts to any screen) and well-designed, then it shouldn’t really be an issue. It is understandable that a website will have some optimized pages and others that aren’t.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY
If you suddenly find yourself scrambling just to get your website to be mobile-friendly and are unable to decide between a responsive design and a dedicated mobile - hey, you don’t have to do it on your own! Simply visit a web development company like 9DotStrategies who specializes in web design and development (among other things) and we’ll transform your website into a mobile friendly one in no time.
CUSTOMIZATION
Developing a separate mobile website lets you optimize it for mobile users. Mobile sites have lesser content, a different navigation system, and other unique mobile-only options. The work is started by the web designer and followed through by the web developer and programmer for implementation.
However, it’s not cost effective to design for different resolutions so creating a responsive website instead can be better in handling any resolution with changes in CSS files. Any platform, whether computer or mobile device will display the website in the best possible way.
THE BOTTOM LINE
It’s the new age! If you’re website is to compete with others out there, then you need to have it redesigned either as a mobile-friendly interface or redeveloped altogether as responsive website. Your pick! But make it fast! It’s only a couple of days before the change begins.
Visit www.9dotstrategies.com today and you can glide through the Mobilegeddon unscathed and at the top.
