Google’s Latest Update 2015: How Responsive Websites Are More Important Than Ever

Every few years, Google just has to shake things up, but what does the newest change mean for you? In February, Google announced websites that work on mobile devices will get more attention than those set up strictly for desktop Internet. In other words, if your website is not mobile friendly, you will lose ranking.

Why did Google take this step?

The obvious answer is because mobile is in right now. In 2010, a study initiated by Morgan Stanley stated that 2015 was the year the mobile Internet would become more important than a desktop. Statistics are proving this theory to be correct. Apps in particular are dominating the scene.

All this adds up to more people using their mobile devices for searches, shopping, social media, banking and just general surfing. It is time for businesses to get on board the mobile train or fall to the side of the track

So, You Need is a Mobile Friendly Website?

Yes and no – what you want is a responsive website, not just a mobile one. What is the difference?

A mobile site is a separate website that caters just to mobile devices and their screen size limitations. When someone wants to see your website on their mobile device, they must go to a different web address. This creates some administrative problems. Any update or change you make to your website, you will have to do twice. It is two times the work.

A responsive website evaluates the user’s device and resizes to accommodate it. One visitor opens the page on a desktop system with a 21-inch monitor, and the website expands to fill the screen. A second viewer calls up your website from a full-sized iPad, and it expands to fill that screen. When a third surfer pulls up your business website on a smartphone with only a 4.7-inch display, the website changes to fit that screen, as well.

Responsive means one website will fit no matter what device the viewer is using to access the Internet. Businesses only have one website to manage, instead of trying to keep two in sync.

Want Google Love?

Then you want a responsive website. This is the direction Google recommends businesses go when designing websites. It is the most economical for their needs, as well. What you don’t want is a website that only works on the desktop Internet. With the most recent algorithm change, it will cost you.

Just as importantly, having a mobile friendly website improves customer engagement. That is the ultimate goal for businesses. Switching to a responsive program means you are making things easier for your customers and improving your page ranking in one move.

 

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