It is here, Google’s new algorithm change that got initiated on April 21. With this recent change by Google, businesses of all sizes are now forced to make changes. To remain relevant in Google’s mobile search and reach the desired target audience, websites must be mobile-friendly (Responsive Design).
There are many websites that are still not mobile-friendly. Those websites that are not developed with Responsive Design technology (HTML5 and CSS3) will start becoming less relevant in Google search. They will rank poorly or not all, which can be devastating for a business.
To assist companies and website owners, here is a mobile-friendly website design guide. These resources and tips will help transition to the mobile age.
Mobile-Friendly Website Design Guide
Determine whether a website is mobile-friendly.
This is the first step. Every website owner and business must determine whether a website is mobile-friendly or not. There is a simple tool by Google that should be used for this test. Enter the URL (home page such as yourdomain.com) and let Google do the check. It takes only a couple seconds to complete. Google’s mobile-friendly test tool.
Choose a mobile-friendly application to power the website.
Content Management Systems (CMS) and those types of application software power Websites. Not all are the same; many vary drastically in quality, features, and Responsive Design. Choosing a mobile-friendly application such as WordPress is key to online success, after Google’s latest algorithm change.
Create and publish optimized quality content frequently.
Google’s mobile-friendliness is one of over 200 signals; the search engine giant uses to determine the best search results. Websites that want to rank high in Google search must optimize for as many of those signals as possible. High quality content created that is extremely relevant, unique, and of quality is critical to Google. Frequent unique and quality content published on company blogs and websites produces results, when properly optimized.
Measure efforts and improve through adjustments.
After the launch of a Responsive Design website (mobile-friendly), content should be frequently uploaded that is relevant and unique. The website should be furthermore marketed via social channels and Search Engine Optimization for best results. What is left is to measure efforts and improve through adjustments. The progress should be consistently measure to allow for conversion optimization. Tools such as Google’s Page Speed Insights are key tools for improvement of websites.
For companies and businesses that are not sure how to go about all of this, working with experts is a great option. Professional agencies and experts know what is needed and how to go about it. A business that wants to ensure proper setup and results should work through professional services that will yield those results. Experts often offer a free consultation and companies should take advantage of them.
