On April 21st, Google will be making another change. It will now be ranking mobile-friendly websites higher than those which are not. In addition to mobile-friendly sites, Google will also be using information from indexed Apps that users have installed and are signed into.
So what is “mobile-friendly”? A more frequently used term for it is “responsive”.
A website is responsive if it renders the same way on your desktop, laptop, iPad or mobile phone regardless of screen size.
Is your website responsive? If you don’t know then you can go here to check. If you discover that your website is not responsive then it’s time to start making that transition.
If your site is designed on WordPress then you can change your current theme. There are many responsive themes now available to WordPress users. Be sure to choose a theme with layout and functionality that make sense for both your business and user needs.
If your site was not designed on WordPress it’s time to talk with your designer/developer and map out a plan.
Why is a responsive site so important to Google? People are using their mobile phones for more than just calls and texting, they’re using them to complete everyday transactions like paying bills, setting appointments, searching for information and making purchases. Google understands that a person’s phone is literally a life line keeps her connected and plugged in. A mobile device goes everywhere – a laptop no longer does.
When people refuse to stay engaged, whether it’s with a video, an article, or a website, Google takes note. And the sites people stay engaged with are the ones they can see and navigate easily on any size screen. If your site doesn’t render clearly on a mobile device, users will abandon it in favor of a site that does.
Don’t make the Google Gods unhappy. Make your website relevant. Make it responsive.
