Come April 21st, Google will be implementing an update to its search algorithm. An update that′s been given the nickname ′Mobilegeddon′, designed to make mobile-friendly websites appear more in the search results. While not having a mobile-optimized site isn′t going to kill all the traffic you're used to, it certainly wouldn't hurt to conduct some Mobilegeddon mobile optimization and be on Google's good side.

 

 

Previously, being mobile-friendly had already been a factor in the search result rankings, but never this pronounced. This is a bit understandable, though, given the growing usage rate of mobile devices for browsing the web. That trend should continue for the foreseeable future, so getting on the mobile-friendly bandwagon is in your best interests as a website owner or manager.

 

Fortunately for website owners or administrators, Google makes a number of helpful tools available online. For starters, there′s the tool that checks if your site is mobile-friendly as per Google′s standards. Google also lists a number of mobile SEO best practices that you can view over at this link.

 

Once you′ve reviewed the guidelines set by Google, then you need to assess how much work is needed to make your site mobile-friendly. It could already be mobile-friendly by default, say, like using certain themes in the WordPress content management system. Your site could also be really terrible from a mobile device perspective. You won′t know until you test your site properly.

 

Depending on what kind of information or content you want to present to your readership, you could decide between a separate mobile version of your website or opt for responsive web design that adapts to the kind of device used by the reader. There are pros and cons of going either approach, but Google will give your site the credit as long as the process is done right.

 

There are many fundamental things you can aim for when you set out to make that mobile-friendly site. Mobile users usually rely on mobile data connections, so this makes loading speed important. The faster the page loads on that smartphone or tablet, the better chance of your retaining that reader. In addition, your site *must* look good on mobile. Easy-to-read fonts, color combinations that work well on the screen, and a clean layout that presents information efficiently are just some of the things that go a long way towards providing your users with a great mobile experience.

 

If you really want to take your mobile optimization efforts up a notch, you may also want to make separately optimized versions of your site for tablets and for mobile phones. This is added work for something that might seem trivial, but consider that tablet users have a different way of using their devices compared to mobile device users.

 

You are not forced to do Mobilegeddon mobile optimization, but if you want to reach more people online, then you have a great opportunity to offer a better experience for people who view your site, while also helping your site rank better on Google search results. It′s a win-win for everyone!

 

Call us at 443.845.8242 or send us a message so that we can help you get your site mobile ready before the Google deadline.

 

This article was written by Reflective Matrix - the premier website design and SEO firm based in Baltimore Maryland.