Is your website ready for next Google update?
Why having a mobile-friendly website is a must-have
Google announced recently that it is updating its search algorithm to take into account whether a website is mobile-friendly or not, writes Director of Generate UK Mike Robinson.
If your business receives website traffic via mobile devices, then it is important that you understand how this announcement might have an impact on your traffic.
For those of us in the digital marketing industry, this is considered to be one of the biggest shake-ups of how search engines operate.
According to statistics, mobile visits overtook desktop hits for the first time in 2015. This data highlights the culture change that has taken place. Having a website for your mobile users is no longer an ‘add-on’, it is essential.
Google also recognised this and announced that from April 21, it will be using mobile-friendliness as a ranking signal. This means that if your website is not responsive you run the risk of significantly affecting your search presence.
How will a reduction of search traffic affect your business? Interestingly, websites that have recently achieved “mobile-friendly” status are not totally off the hook. As Google fine-tunes its algorithm in advance of the 21st, it is providing warning messages to businesses via Webmaster Tools.
If you don’t have Google Webmaster Tools, make it a priority to add it to your site. If you already know your website is not mobile friendly and mobile traffic is important to you, we suggest talking to your web team as soon as possible.
To help you navigate the changes Generate UK has created a useful guide to help you prepare your business ready for the next update.
To download the guide please visit our website: www.generateuk.co.uk/mobile-friendly-website-guide/ Mobile technology is dominating the way we live and behave so it makes sense for Google to cater for this shift.
If you want your business to succeed in this modern world a multi-screen strategy is a must.
Generate UK has an experienced digital team, having built responsive sites across sectors such as NHS, hospitality, IT, ecommerce and professional services.
If you would like to know more, or require some advice on how to fix any issues, please do not hesitate to contact Generate UK for a free consultation on (01635) 887711.
