Do you have a mobile friendly website?

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Have you looked at your website on a mobile phone or tablet recently? If it’s been a while, it’s worth having a look!

Google has introduced a significant update to its search engine algorithm, which could have an impact on your rankings if you don’t have a mobile friendly website.

From now on, Google will prioritise websites that are easy to view on mobile phones and tablets. This isn’t a direct snub to non-mobile friendly sites, but naturally these sites will begin to drop down the rankings.

As with every algorithm update, Google’s aim is to improve user experience, making it as simple as possible for web users to find exactly what they are looking for, quickly and easily.

So what do you need to do?

1. USE THE MOBILE FRIENDLY TEST

First, check if your website is compatible with mobile phones and tablets by using Google’s tool – here.

2. FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDATIONS

Success? Ok, you’re probably ok for now, but read on for even more ways to make sure your users find your site as easy as possible to navigate!

Lots of red crosses? Then take heed of what Google recommends, make those changes immediately for a quick fix.

3. GO RESPONSIVE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Do you have a separate mobile website instead of a responsive design? You’re on borrowed time!

A responsive website has a flexible design that automatically resizes depending on the device it’s being viewed on – make your browser window smaller while reading this post to see what we mean!

Google’s next move could be to prioritise responsive websites over those with a separate mobile website, so it’s a good move to start planning your next website overhaul now.

4. REMOVE UNNECESSARY ELEMENTS

As a web user yourself, you know how frustrating it is when pop up banners and messages obscure your screen. If your website uses these devices, get rid!

If you really, really want to keep them, or they’re capturing a significant amount of data for you, make sure they’re compatible with mobile devices and they have a clear method of closing them down.

Also, ditch the Flash elements. They simply don’t work at all on some mobile devices, particularly iPhones and iPads, so you’re disregarding a significant part of your potential audience by using Flash.

5. KEEP USERS AT THE HEART OF EVERY PAGE

Don’t be afraid of Google’s algorithm updates or SEO. If you consistently keep your web users at the very heart of everything you do, you can’t go far wrong.

6. DON’T SIT BACK AND RELAX

Review your website regularly to ensure every page is as easy to use as possible. Use a mobile emulator like this one to ensure every page is accessible on smaller devices, and check again in future as technology changes and you need to maintain your competitive advantage.

If you need support to make your website mobile friendly, call us today on 01565 632 112.

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