Speculation over Google’s plan regarding mobile search is over, following this recent announcement: “Starting April 21, we will be expanding our use of mobile-friendliness as a ranking signal. This change will affect mobile searches in all languages worldwide and will have a significant impact in our search results.”
Easy Fix or Mobilegeddon?
Aside from Google’s announcement, few details have been provided. According to Gary Illyes, webmaster trends analyst, the following criteria will be used for ranking and determination of “mobile-friendliness”:
• There is no ranking benefit associated with responsive design
• Googlebot must be allowed to crawl CSS & JavaScript to pass the “mobile-friendly” test
• Mobile friendliness is determined at the page level – not sitewide
• Tablets will not be affected by this update
• Google is currently working on a dedicated mobile index
So, what does this mean for you?
With the fast-approaching deadline of April 21, you should begin the transition to a mobile-friendly website now. Based upon their own criteria, Google will reward mobile-friendly websites with better rankings in mobile search. Conversely, websites that are not mobile-friendly could see a substantial decline in mobile rankings.
What Now?
First, you need to find out if your website is mobile-friendly. Use this mobile-friendly test tool to find out now:
Click Here for the MOBILE FRIENDLY TEST
If your website is mobile-friendly, you’re all set! However, if not, it’s time to make the transition. In light of this announcement, it is safe to assume that mobile-friendly websites will become a necessity for companies trying to remain relevant for mobile search. Can you withstand “mobilegeddon”? Make the transition to a mobile-friendly website before Google executes its new plan on April 21.