Google Updates = Scare Campaigns
Posted by Jacob Ball
The recent updates to Google's search algorithms have prompted many web development business to send out scare campaign newsletters - but are they true?
As a web developer, I'm very aware of the recent updates to Google's search ranking algorithms that are designed to improve the MOBILE search ranking of websites that have been optimised for mobile viewing.
In a nutshell, if your website HAS been optimised for mobile viewing (often called Responsive Design), then you're more likely to rank more highly for a given search term than someone else who HASN'T optimised their website.
It will also add a small 'Mobile-friendly' text next to your search result.
It does NOT mean that you won't rank at all if you haven't optimised your website yet.
Be very careful of businesses contacting you or advertising that if you're not mobile-friendly, you'll drop out of the search results altogether.
It's simply untrue, and is using scare tactics to try and generate new business.
SO, SHOULD I UPGRADE AT ALL?
Yes, I believe nearly all business websites should be upgraded so that they're mobile-friendly.
This is simply because the percentage of actual customers viewing your website on a mobile device is increasing all the time. It's very important that their experience on your website is as user-friendly as possible - meaning they can find the content they want, and do the things they want to do, without having to jump through hoops.
My point is that your site can still rank very well on DESKTOP searches (and mobile as well), even if you haven't upgraded yet.
I know that upgrading your website can be a big cost, that needs to be considered carefully. At JKB, I can give you the RIGHT advice on whether you need to upgrade your site, by looking at your website analytics to see your visitor's mobile versus desktop usage.
For friendly advice (without the scare tactics), call me on 0401 670 254 today for a chat!