Big changes are afoot at Google, as mobile sites will be indexed before desktop. This means mobile...
We are close to the full launch of the Google mobile first search index, which was announced last year. And there's been some other news recently, in relation to Google ranking factors, which we've rounded up here.
Google's Mobile First Search Index Launch & Information
We posted about this big change in the Google SERP rankings towards the back end of Autumn 2016. Google has already been testing a roll out of the change but, this week, TheSEMPost has reported that Gary Illyes, Google Webmaster Trend Analyst, announced in a talk that the full roll out is only months away.
"We're still working on a completely mobile first index, We're making moves towards a launch" by @methode #fos17
— Martijn Scheijbeler (@MartijnSch) February 16, 2017
Mobile First Index may take a few more months, says @methode on #fos17
— Ruud Kok (@ruudkok) February 16, 2017
This change means that sites will be ranked by their mobile site performance before their desktop site. This has come about due to the fact that the majority of Google searches now take place on mobile devices as opposed to desktops.
It means that as opposed to making a desktop site responsive to being viewed on a mobile device, it would make more sense to make a mobile first site:
How To Make Sure You're Ready
Check out the full post we put together showing you how to get ready for the fact Google will switch to a mobile first index. In brief, here's some of the mobile-basics for SEO that you need to be aware of:
- Trim load speed to cater for mobile network connections (4G and free wi-fi are "slow" to today's users).
- Assess page layout and content to make sure it's optimised for smaller mobile screen viewing. This will boost UX score and therefore ranking.
- Use CTAs which are logical for mobile devices: 'Call Now', 'Email Us', 'Share On Social' buttons.
- Remove interstitials and pop-ups because they are devalued on mobile.
- Check AMP performance. Gary Illyes (at Google) has previously highlighted that AMP will become more important this year.
Other Google News
Some Perspective On SEO Timescales:
Something which we have long since been promoting, but something which unscrupulous SEO agencies will try to get around, has been confirmed by Google, this week. Let's be clear:
SEO needs four months to a year for the improvements to bring lasting benefits to your business.
Whilst some agencies and companies will look to use quick and easy SEO wins, Google's mantra is to put the searcher's experience and the quality of the SERP first. Any sites which use spammy techniques or PPC fueled shortcuts are going to fall foul of penalties and ranking hits whenever Google updates the algorithms and SERP rules in the medium and long term.
The only way to guarantee long term SEO growth is to play the long-game and do what Google and users want: deliver quality content, answer people's queries, don't spam them, reduce your bounce rate, be trustworthy... and so on.
In short, put in the graft.
This Google video is where this confirmation came from:
Google's Carousel Doesn't Use The Same Algorithm As The Main SERP
Eagle eyed searches will have seen that searching for the "Best" or "Top" something or other will bring up a carousel of options at the top of the Google results page.
But if you're thinking about how to target this prime SERP real estate - Google has confirmed it doesn't work on the same algorithm as the main results.
We'll get there though and share any advice here on our blog.
And There's No Major Changes To The Penguin Algorithm In The Short Term
A bit of good news if you're concerned about your SEO workload, at the same conference where Gary Illyes talked about the switch to a mobile first index being only months away, it was shared that Google was NOT planning any "big changes" to Penguin in the short term.
Unsure what this means? Read more about Penguin here and see whether now's a good chance to get caught up and prepare for when the changes do come in the future.
And remember, no "big changes" doesn't mean there won't be plenty of other changes going on in the meantime. Google is always making tweaks and alterations to make sure only those with the best content and proper SEO habits are getting ranked in the top SERP spots.
FREE SEO Cheat Sheet - Get Sorted Today
If this has made you think again about your SEO tactics and execution, open this free cheat sheet and get your SEO house in order today. Press the button below.