The “mobile-friendly” algorithm update for Google, which will be released on April 21st, 2015, has created a major change in the way they run their website optimization strategies.
Google announced this update over a month ago and said that this will have a “significant impact” on mobile search results worldwide. From that date forward, and especially during the week it is implemented, the search engine will give preference to websites that offer a mobile experience. In contrast, those websites that do not meet this new specification of Google, will most likely suffer a reduction in their views through organic searches.
How do I know that my website is mobile-friendly?
Google has made this online tool that lets you know if your website is mobile-friendly or not. Just enter the URL of your website and in less than a minute you will know if you are prepared to deal with this update.
Should my website be responsive in order to be mobile-friendly?
Google recommends that websites be designed responsive in order to resolve a series of challenges that both search engines and digital marketing experts face. However, Google also recognizes that in some cases, a separate mobile site may be beneficial.
I have a responsive site but it failed the Google test.
Normally, responsive websites fail because the robots.txt files are locked and Google uses them to interpret whether the website is mobile-friendly or not. For example, if your responsive site is based on certain CSS and JavaScript files to appear correctly for your mobile-users and your site hides those files from Googlebot, then the Google algorithm cannot be construed as mobile-friendly. If you are not very technical, do not worry, for a web developer can unlock these files.
I have a mobile site, why has it failed?
Besides locked files mentioned above, a separate mobile site needs to go through another process to pass the Google test. There are several critical elements of optimization for a mobile site and this is the reason why Google recommends that websites are developed to be responsive.
So what I need to do to deal with this change?
Due to the time limit closing in, it may seem impossible to take the necessary measures to avoid the negative effects of this change. However, before you panic, start by testing your site with Google tools and analyze whether this will have little or no impact at all in the short term. Although the April 21st date is a milestone, life goes on. You must act quickly to counter the effects of this change.
If the solution is as simple as unlocking files, then you will be ready for that date. If problems are a little more complicated, consider the possibility of renovating your sight with a responsive design.
Written by Jorge Chávez for Mijo! Brands of Mexico.
