For years, Google has been gently advocating the creation of mobile- friendly websites and content to enhance the user experience.
Now, the Big G is putting the hammer down.
Starting April 21, websites that aren’t mobile-friendly will see their ranking drop in Google search results. It’s the day that Google is expected to implement a major new algorithm update — and that is making some unprepared people nervous.
Back in February, Google announced that “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.”
And the clock started ticking.
Search Engine Watch warned that webmasters needed to get on board quickly, and coined the term “Mobilegeddon” to emphasize the importance of the coming change.
But what does this change really mean? Will it rock the world of webmasters and SEO as some predict?
We have to ask: Just how many websites are still ignoring a marketplace where more and more people are going online via mobile devices? And, with the rise in use of mobile devices, why wouldn’t you have a mobile-friendly website?
The few algorithm specifics we have learned from Google come from a Q & A with Big G’s Gary Illyes at a conference on March 4.
Not sure if your website is mobile-friendly?
Check out Google’s simple test to determine where you stand. And, get on board.