How Google's Mobile-First Index Will Affect Search Engine Optimization​

Google recently announced that it will begin a rollout of mobile-first indexing. This could affect the way the search engine ranks your website. So should you alter your website design to accommodate this change? Read on for more.

The Definition of Mobile-First Indexing

​You probably know that Google has an index and ranking system that determines where a website shows up in online searches. Obviously, you want your site to have as high a ranking as possible so that it appears on the first page of Google results.

In the past, when Google indexed and ranked a website, it would first look at the desktop version. As a result, companies would emphasize search engine optimization on their desktop sites but use fewer SEO techniques on their mobile sites.
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Now, Google is starting to use the mobile versions of websites for ranking and indexing. According to Google’s own blog, there will not be a separate index for mobile sites. Instead, Google will slowly replace the desktop websites in its index with the mobile versions. Check the Search Console to see if yours has already been transitioned. 

How To Respond to Mobile-First Indexing

Owners of responsive websites or sites that have identical mobile and desktop versions should not be affected by this change to mobile-first indexing. However, if you do have a separate mobile website, you may want to consider the following in order to improve its SEO ranking:

• Add the mobile website to Google's Search Console tool. This will help you monitor what is driving traffic to it.
• Adjust your meta descriptions and titles so that the desktop and mobile versions are equivalent. While this metadata does not have to be identical, you should try to include the same keywords and similar information.
• Perhaps most importantly, your mobile website should have the pictures, videos and text that appear on the desktop version. Whatever format you use for this content, it should be both indexable and crawlable. 

Contact Fitz Designz for Help With SEO, Web Design and More

​If you are worried about the effect mobile-first indexing will have on your company's website, contact Fitz Designz. Our web design experts can help you adjust your mobile site so it ranks highly on Google. You can go to our website or call us today for a free quote. Be sure to also check us out on Facebook and LinkedIn and subscribe to our blog.