All website owners across the globe keep their eyes on increasing Google rankings as to where their website stands on the search engine and how to reach the top. At times, the process becomes challenging to implement as search engine companies keep changing the algorithms—search console changes from time to time. For example, in 2020, Google announced that the process to implement mobile-first indexing for all websites would be done by March 2021. 

Mobile-first indexing means that Google uses a smartphone user agent to crawl your website pages, and they make the content seen on mobile for indexing and ranking websites. It implies that Google will crawl your site from mobile browsers and use the mobile version for indexing and ranking. It also implies Google would drop desktop-only websites, and the m-dot versions of these sites might experience glitches. 

According to Google, its mobile-first indexing “trek”, which began 6.5 years back in 2016, is complete now. Since December 2018, half of the sites on Google’s search results have become more mobile-friendly. But what now? 

Google will decrease its crawling with legacy desktop Googlebot. 

The scenario seems a bit puzzling for the users. What’s now and what’s next? Let’s have a clearer view of the current scenario and its future.

Why has Google brought Mobile-First Indexing into effect?

Currently, most people browse through Google using mobile devices. Professionals worldwide are using their phones and tablets even in their workspaces. Google started a years-long process to ensure that indexing has become more friendly to mobile users. Since 2016, Google has been in the process of implementing changes to its algorithms while prioritizing the website’s mobile versions to rank web pages and understand structured data.  

Mobile-Friendly Websites Improve User Experience 

Gradually, mobile surpasses desktop in global internet usage. Mobile-first indexing directly impacts how your website ranks and how much organic traffic runs through your website. Mobile-first indexing helps you connect with more individuals actively searching for your business on a mobile device. As the algorithm is heading towards a mobile-friendly website, you may need to fix some issues to better the ranking. 

How Does It Impact Search Engine Optimization?

Mobile-first indexing has a significant impact on Search Engine Optimization. It changes how Google crawls, indexes and ranks (if) your website on the search engines. It implies that if your website is not optimized to offer a compelling mobile-friendly experience, it can adversely affect how it influences search results or even stop the site from appearing on search engines. Therefore, it’s essential to conduct a quick audit to check how mobile-friendly your site is.  

How Does Google Handle Desktop-Only Websites? 

According to Google, only a few websites do not function properly on mobile devices. For the time being, Google continues crawling the desktop versions of these sites. Moreover, Google reduces crawling the desktop pages to conserve resources.  

Added Changes to the Search Console

Simultaneously, Google is taking out the indexing crawler data from the Search Console. With the shift, the data will no longer be of any use since all the functional sites will be crawled via mobile devices. The decades-long transition to mobile-friendly indexing reflects the increasing number of mobile phone users accessing the internet across the globe.  

What Can You Do?

In the very first place, do not panic about the changes in mobile-first indexing. If you already have a well-responsive website design, you won’t need to implement any further changes. You must ensure the fast page speed and short loading times of your website. You need to optimize dynamic elements or images. In mobile-first indexing, both hidden contents and visible contents receive similar treatment. 

Take some time to check your website’s mobile version. Are the font sizes readable? Are the buttons large enough? Do they link to the right place? Are the image files right for mobile? Find answers to all these questions, and be sure to have a mobile-friendly website.

How to Create A Mobile-Friendly Website?

You can follow the tips and techniques to create a mobile-friendly website. 

• Use responsive design

• Optimize the page speed

• Monitor your site and check for errors

• Keep the contents mobile-friendly 

• Optimize your mobile’s search engine ranking

• Create fresh and original content 

• Include mobile-friendly navigation  
• Review mobile performance 

Final Reflections 

Google has made mobile-first indexing the new normal. Therefore, it is essential to check your website for any issues and make sure your website is rightly optimized for mobile and search engine optimization. Since individuals worldwide are getting more and more inclined towards more and more mobile browsing, focusing on the mobile-friendliness of your website will help you better the website rankings and avoid unnecessary risks. Partner with Exnovaton, boost your Google ranking and create a powerful search engine optimization strategy.