How often do you look at your own website? Can you access it on a mobile device? If not, you may be in trouble according to digital specialist, The Consultancy, which warns that a planned Google update will have a ‘significant impact’ on websites which make mobile browsing difficult.
According to The Consultancy, the changes are set to take place on April 21 and will improve search rankings for websites that create a ‘mobile-friendly’ experience but penalise those who don’t.
As a result, The Consultancy is advising companies to check if their website is responsive, and if not seek help.
Richie Thornton, director of The Consultancy, said:
“This is a massive shift in Google’s ranking process and will affect companies’ appearance in mobile search results if they don’t conform.
“Although Google is notoriously secretive about its algorithm and ranking page factors, we do know that Google likes websites to have one URL across all platforms.
“This means your website should be accessible with a desktop, smartphone and tablet using one web address.
“On top of this, if users are trying to visit a page only available on a desktop, rather than show a ‘Mobile-only 404’ page users should be re-directed to the desktop page on their device.
“App interstitials which are the pop-ups on web pages asking you to download an app will also be frowned upon for disrupting the mobile user’s experience.”
In addition to this, the search engine has also identified a list of common mistakes on mobile browsing that should be rectified. This could be anything from updating a file or removing blocks on files, to having to implement a fully responsive mobile design.
Richie added:
“Companies need to be aware of these changes or they could be losing out to their competition.
“UK internet users spend an average of 1.9 hours per day online using a handheld device, so to be missing from mobile search results could have a big impact. Anyone worried that their website does not comply can get in contact with us.”
The Consultancy has worked in the window and door industry for more than 10 years and specialises in online options specifically for the sector. Contact The Consultancy on (01429) 239 689 or visit www.theconsultancy.co.uk
