Is Your Website Ready for Google's Mobile-First Index

More websites are being added to the Google mobile-first index. Most importantly, what does this mean for your site's SEO? Get the latest right here.

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Did you know mobile devices have finally surpassed desktops in terms of website traffic? That means more Google searches are being conducted on mobile devices than desktops, and more websites are being visited from the palms of our hands.

When a solid trend like this emerges, everything changes. Within the year, mobile advertising is set to represent over 70% of digital ad spending.

At present, Google will offer you a higher ranking (in terms of SEO) if your website is mobile optimized. Now, they're taking things up a notch with their Google mobile-first index.

Google's not just giving you a high five for having a mobile site; they're completely basing their ranking of your site on your mobile presence.

What Is the Google Mobile-First Index?

Well, to answer that question, we have to revisit SEO for a moment. When you publish a website, you want it to appear in search engines. Otherwise, how will the world find you?

So, in order to get traffic to your site, you need to follow search engine optimization (SEO) strategies. You'll hear some common bits of advice on this topic.

One definite SEO truth is that your site must be mobile optimized. What exactly does that mean?

Basically, your website needs to look as sleek and professional on a smartphone as it does on a computer. The site needs to load just as fast. It also needs to be equally appealing, and everything that can be accessed on a computer needs to be visible on a mobile site.

Soon, however, Google won't analyze your desktop version first. They're going to go straight to your mobile site and make SEO decisions about your business from that platform.

Moving forward, your mobile site will be more important than your desktop version. That's quite the change of venue.

How Can You Prepare for This Change?

To be ready for the Google mobile-first index, there are a couple things you should jump on right now.

Be Sure Your Mobile Site is Highly Responsive

Check to make sure you've optimized every image on your site, minimized your code, and have very few page redirects.

Also, you probably don't want to use Flash on your mobile site. You can't guarantee every smartphone will come equipped with it. Rather, consider using HTML5.

Check Your Titles and Meta Descriptions

In an age where everyone scrolls, you want to ensure your site is filled with catchy and relevant titles, and juicy meta descriptions.

Within each of these elements, be sure to include relevant keywords that people will be searching for.

Create All Content Equally

Whatever content is available on your desktop version must be available on your mobile site. Otherwise, Google will sniff this out and rank your site accordingly.

This brings us back to the first, most important point. While you're adding all this content to your mobile site, it must continue to function at a highly responsive speed.

Get Automated

While all this is going on, you still have your email marketing campaigns, social media presence, and day-to-day business to manage.

There's no reason not to engage in some form of marketing automation. This allows you to reach out to your customers without lifting a finger.

When you get automated, clients will receive personalized emails that you didn't have to sit down and write. Your social media posts will go out on a predetermined schedule. In short, life will get a whole lot easier.

Follow the Search Engine Guide

All your hard work means nothing if nobody's out there cruising your website. Come on over and browse our SEO tools. We'll get you set up with everything you need to rank higher on Google.

When you're ready, we'll even walk you through search engine marketing. The world of SEO is intricate and ever-changing. And it's our mission to help others rise to the top.