As many of you may already know, mobile-first indexing is an ongoing effort by Google that has been in the works for several years.
But, what exactly does mobile-first indexing mean?
Let’s take a look at exactly how Google indexing currently works, and what you need to do in your website design and development before launching your website
What is Mobile-first Indexing?
Well, it’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Put simply, it basically means that the mobile version of your website will become the starting point for what Google decides to incorporate within their index. On top of that, it’s also the baseline for how they determine Google rankings for SEO search engine optimisation.
Google decided to call it ‘’mobile-first’’ due to the fact that it’s not only a mobile index. For instance, if your site has both a desktop and a mobile page, and your mobile page isn’t user friendly but your desktop is incredible, you will still have a chance to be included in the index.
However, since you don’t have a mobile-friendly user experience, it could negatively impact your google rankings.
On the other hand, if you were to have a site that provides your users with a great mobile experience, you’ll have a better chance of receiving a google ranking boost, even for searchers who are using a desktop.
What Will Happen to Desktop Only Websites?
Taking into account that all non-mobile web design indexes will be dropped from the search indexes, you need to act now. If you haven’t already implemented, or at least planned to implement a solid mobile site; then this significant change could have major negative effects on your business and its website.
Not only will you have to deal with the fact that your website traffic will drop immensely, but your SEO search engine optimisation marketing techniques will be pretty useless since they will no longer allow you to show up in Google rankings. Sure, your site will still be accessible by typing in its direct URL; however, it will essentially disappear from search engines.
What Should I Do Now?
Well, first things first, stop panicking. Yes, it is due in March 2021, however, like any updates that Google decides to implement, they test and roll out very gradually. If Google considers your website to be ‘’ready’’ enough for mobile-first indexing, then congratulations! You are the chosen one.
Google regularly releases guidance on this topic which states that if your website is just as responsive or otherwise identical in its desktop and mobile versions, then you’re already off to a great start! You might not have to do anything differently, as long as you’re happy with your current Google rankings of course.
With that being said, even if you do have an incredibly responsive site that meets all the requirements, you still need to make sure that your mobile page speed and load times are prioritized, and that any images (plus any other dynamic elements) are optimized with the goal of creating a fantastic user mobile experience.
You should also keep in mind that when it comes to mobile-first indexing, any content that is collapsed or hidden within tabs due to limitations of space will not be treated differently than visible content.
Stay In the Loop
If you’re interested in finding out more about mobile-first indexing, click here and create a solid plan based on best practices from the Gods at Google themselves.
Remember, if you do this right, you’re able to use this update to your advantage and continue to thrive in SEO search engine optimisation, for the absolute best Google rankings.
