Mobile-first indexing was a game changer when it was announced nearly ten years ago. Today, mobile devices account for over half of all search engine queries. To keep up with consumer demand, Google started utilising mobile-first indexing, where it crawls and indexes the mobile version of a website ahead of the desktop version when determining rankings. Because of this shift, mobile optimisation should be included in any effective search engine optimisation (SEO) strategy moving forward.
If you’re looking to boost your business and ensure your website follows Google’s mobile-first indexing standards while providing your customers with a great experience on all devices, working with a search engine optimisation expert may be the right choice for you.
What is mobile-first indexing?
Google looks at the mobile version of a website before the desktop version when performing mobile-first indexing. Back when desktop computers were more popular than mobile phones, Google would crawl and index a website’s desktop version first. With an increasingly large number of people using mobile phones, Google decided to index websites based on mobile searches first.
Give your users a quality experience
The number one priority when creating a website, or updating an old one, should be creating a quality user experience for your customers. Users want websites that are responsive, quick to load, and easy to read on mobile devices. If a customer comes to your website and it’s hard to view your content on their phone, they will likely leave and go somewhere else. Ensuring customers have a good experience on your website will reduce bounce rates and send positive signals to Google.
Optimise your page speed
The speed of your website is another important feature when it comes to mobile-first indexing. Mobile phones typically access websites on the go, so having a page that doesn’t take long to load is important. There are a few ways you can decrease your page loading time. These include compressing your images, reducing unnecessary browser commands, leveraging browser caching, and decreasing server response time. When you work on increasing your website speed, you create a better experience for your users, and you’re able to rank higher on Google.
Include the same content on mobile pages
When optimising your website for mobile-first indexing, you want to avoid shuffling around important content. Many website owners hide content on the mobile version of their site that looks great on desktop. Google mostly crawls the mobile version of your site, so if you’re missing content on mobile, you’re not going to rank well for those keywords. Ensure that any content, headings, structured data, images, and internal links on the desktop version of your website are also available for users on mobile.
Implement strong technical SEO
Technical SEO is another major factor in mobile-first indexing. In order for Google to crawl and index your website properly, it needs to be able to access your mobile pages. Responsive web design has been the recommended method for years. With responsive web design, you’re not creating separate websites for mobile viewers. All of your content is accessible on both desktop and mobile versions of your site. Other important components that contribute to having strong technical SEO include structured data, proper canonical and meta tags, and a correct XML sitemap. By having these in place, you can make sure Google is able to properly crawl and index your website.
Local search
Smartphone users are constantly searching for local information. Whether they are looking for the closest store, trying to find a local business, or looking for a product near their area. When these users need this information quickly, having a mobile-friendly website can give your business an advantage when showing up in search. Make sure your business has accurate business information, local location pages, clickable phone numbers, and easy-to-use maps on your website. When users can quickly find this information about your business on mobile, they will have a better experience on your website and are more likely to reach out to your business.
Prepare for the future of search
Although mobile-first indexing has been around for a while, Google is constantly updating their algorithm and technology. Not only that, but technology and the way we use it are always changing. Voice search, shopping search, and AI-powered search are some of many examples that rely on quick, mobile-friendly websites. By preparing for mobile-first indexing now, your business will be more prepared for future updates down the road.
Website usability is important for both your customers and search engines. Making sure your website is properly optimised for mobile helps you rank better in search and creates a better user experience. Optimising for mobile also helps establish credibility with users across all digital platforms. Combining mobile optimisation with reputation management services in Melbourne allows you to create a well-rounded online strategy that will help you build trust with customers and sustain your online visibility for years to come.