It’s Crucial to Have a Mobile-Friendly Site

It’s not something to be taken lightly.

Every industry across the world should be looking into this factor with eyes wide open to understand why it’s absolutely crucial to have a mobile-friendly website.

Not only is it becoming a higher and higher priority with Google, it’s also becoming a higher and higher priority for consumers–your clients and customers.

What is “mobile-friendly?”

Mobile-friendly websites refer to the websites in which change formatting somewhat for those viewing on a smaller screen, like a phone or tablet, can easily navigate without having to pinch to zoom in and out.

A desktop, tablet, and phone–same website, but easy to navigate for all depending on the device used. That’s mobile-friendly.

It’s a standard for making viewing the internet on a mobile device far easier and seamless.

Why the big pressure to mobile friendly?

Mobile-friendly became a ranking factor in Google’s (and Bing’s) SEO algorithm this past winter and spring. Businesses were giving a warning before the algorithm update took effect on April 21st. But we, as SEO experts, found out was that depending on the business industry, the need for mobile-responsive design may or may not be needed.

It was a shocker to us.

Until we figured it out.

For many businesses, the desktop (or laptop) computer still reigns supreme as the method of finding information about certain industries. Think of it like, you wouldn’t normally do research on a phone–you’d wait for a desktop for better control, speed, and ease through various webpages.

And then there are other industries in which most visitors to a website come in through a mobile device. Think like restaurants, cinemas, or email accounts.

Texas A&M uses a mobile-friendly website that is easy to navigate on a smartphone.

We decided, then, at that point that the need for mobile-responsive design was left in the hands of the consumer–where were they coming from?

However, the road is headed to one fate when it comes to mobile design. With the introduction of Apple Watches, mobile-friendly is still needed; in fact, even more so these days.

The Future of Mobile-Friendly in SEO

We as a society have grown more and more accustomed to having the world’s information in our back pocket–or more recently, on our wrists. This isn’t about to go away.

In fact, we will begin seeing more seamless ways of integrating technology into modern day society, onto the human body, and into the world without ever feeling like it doesn’t belong.

And Google is the forefront of this.

So, as Google, Apple, and other technology giants work to create the hardware, Google’s algorithm is working as well to keep SEO in just the right place to bring together the new technology with the mindset of future generations and their preferred methods of receiving information.

This doesn’t mean that we can’t predict the future. In fact, understanding the method to the madness that is behind the algorithm makes it far more easier to predict how it will change.

Mobile-friendly websites are here to stay. And the push to further optimize a webpage to fit into the standards consumers seek when viewing from a small device will increase every quarter.

Mobile responsive web design across all devices. Notice how it changes slightly with each screen.

The Takeaway

The mobile-friendly website ranking factor is only going to grow in importance within the algorithm. Though your business may not be seeing it right now, you will see an impact in visitors to your website if you allow your site to remain dated.

Take some time in the coming weeks to work with a developer in creating a website that can be viewed on any device for everyone. It’s an investment that could cost you… or benefit you greatly.

If you’re not sure if your website is mobile friendly, take this 30 second test from Google with tips on how to optimize your website for maximum customer engagement and for Google’s bots.

Now It’s Your Turn

Have you optimized your website for mobile devices? What prompted your business to make the move? Have you seen an increase in ranking or website traffic?

Let us know below in the comments!