At the end of last month, Google announced that they would be changing the way they index websites with their new mobile-first method. Mobile-first indexing means that Google will begin focusing on the mobile version of a website’s content for search indexing and ranking.
Previously, both indexing and ranking were done primarily through the content on a website’s desktop version. While desktop searches are still primarily used for most in-depth browsing and more extensive research, between 75 and 80 percent of all searches are now done through mobile devices by people looking for a quick and easy answer while on the go.
It is important to emphasize that Google will not be creating separate indexes based on whether someone is using a mobile or desktop device. Anyone who is searching, whether on a desktop or a mobile device, will now be given results based on this mobile-first method.
Do I Need to Worry?
Plastic Surgery Studios has been aware of this impending change for quite some time. As such, we have already optimized all of our client’s websites to benefit from this adjustment. Here are a few of the big steps we have taken to ensure that the efficacy of your site continues to grow through this development:
- All of our sites are streamlined to efficiently respond to the device of the person visiting your website (known as responsive design). Whether a visitor requests the site from a 3-inch smartphone or a 32-inch desktop screen, your content automatically adjusts to ensure the best user experience.
- Since your website adjusts to the user’s search method—instead of changing completely—users on a desktop or mobile device are given the same content.
- Our sites are optimized for usability, which means that navigating the design of your website is intuitive and user-friendly for anyone who visits.
All of these changes are congruent with Google’s best practices for mobile sites to ensure that you are getting the most traffic and best results from our services. Lack of a mobile-friendly experience could potentially have a negative impact on a website’s search rankings, which puts your responsive site one step ahead of the competition.
When Will This Process Begin?
The process of indexing sites based on their mobile experience has already begun for a handful of domains. Google has stated that, as of right now, they are only moving over sites that are ready for the change.
In any case, as one of our clients, there is no need to worry about the efficacy of your site. We will continue to monitor the landscape of search indexing and continue to optimize your site for this and other future changes.
Feel free to contact your project coordinator for any additional information regarding this update. If you are not yet a client of Plastic Surgery Studios but would like to get ahead of these changes, give us a call at (888) 525-6360 to get started today.
