In June of 2013, Google began penalizing sites that were not mobile-friendly. This was part of Google's efforts to create the ultimate user experience. Starting this week they are taking things a step further.
"By 2017, 90% of users will be accessing the internet through their phones." Click to Tweet.
Not only is Google penalizing these sites, they just announced they are giving a ranking boost to sites that have put forth the effort to make their sites mobile-friendly, aka responsive. This boost comes in correlation with a mobile-friendly label. When a search is done on Google, at the beginning of the result with have a label if Google has verified the site as mobile-friendly, or responsive. The label looks like this:
In order for a site to be considered mobile--friendly, it must have the following attributes:
- It does not use Flash or other software that is not common on mobile devices.
- Contains text that is readable without zooming
- Text is readable without scrolling horizontally
- Links are spaced far enough apart for easy tapping
It is projected that by 2017, 90% of users will be accessing the internet through their phones. There is no time like the present to get your site mobile-friendly and not only avoid any penalties, but receive a ranking boost as well. Contact us today for help making your site responsive.
UPDATE 2024
As the digital age continues to evolve, the importance of mobile-first design has become unequivocally clear. In 2024 over 60% of website traffic is now originating from mobile devices, and an astonishing 92.3% of internet users accessing the web via mobile phones, the imperative for mobile-friendly websites has never been greater. The landscape of internet usage is rapidly changing, as evidenced by the 4.32 billion active mobile internet users worldwide, with Africa leading the charge at a 69.13% proportion of internet traffic coming from mobile devices.
In this context, Google's approach to site ranking has also undergone a significant transformation. The tech giant, which once merely penalized sites lacking mobile responsiveness, now employs a more complex algorithm that simulates the mobile user experience to determine a site's rank. This shift underscores not only the continued relevance of mobile responsiveness from a user perspective but elevates its importance as a critical factor in search engine rankings.
Foremost Media remains at the forefront of this digital evolution. While it is paramount to have a mobile-friendly site to avoid penalties and capitalize on the vast mobile user base, today's competitive digital environment demands more. Our comprehensive strategies encompass not just mobile responsiveness but also high-quality content, robust SEO tactics, and an exceptional user experience designed to meet the sophisticated criteria of today's search algorithms.
Our expertise extends beyond creating responsive designs; we are dedicated to developing holistic online strategies that ensure your website not only meets but exceeds the expectations of both your users and search engines. As we move forward, embracing the mobile-first approach will be indispensable in achieving digital success, driving engagement, and securing top search engine rankings. Let Foremost Media guide you through this ever-evolving digital landscape to elevate your online presence and achieve unparalleled digital success.
For a tailored strategy that addresses the specific needs of your website and leverages the latest trends in mobile usage and SEO, contact Foremost Media today. Together, we can harness the power of mobile-first design to create a seamless, engaging online experience for your users and solidify your position at the top of search engine rankings.
Call to Action: Ready to make your site unbeatable on mobile? Let's Talk!