Posted: April 15, 2015
With just a week left until the April 21 release of Google's latest update to its search results algorithm, some of the biggest companies across the web are scrambling to have their sites become more mobile-friendly. Why the rush? Failing to meet the standards set forth by Google’s algorithms can have a dramatic effect on your ranking in the search engine results pages (SERPs). And ignoring Google’s updates can send your page plummeting to the bottom of the list.
If you don’t think that’s a big deal, consider this: During the last major update released by Google, nearly 80% of the prime search result listings for eBay were eliminated from the first result page for Google. That contributed to a loss of nearly 5 percentage points for the growth of eBay’s gross merchandise volume.
Don’t get left behind by other local businesses and your competitors. Instead, make sure your website can withstand the newest algorithm update with a responsive website design.
A responsive design is one that can alter the appearance of your site to suit any device that is used to visit the site. Responsive designs smartly rearrange images, logos and even content so that your website is easy to maneuver on any device.
Now, some companies may tell you that you need a desktop-friendly website and a mobile-friendly website, but at Jumpem, we know that it’s better for your users to have one simple site. A responsive website design will allow your visitors to become comfortable with your site at any size, which means they’ll spend less time searching for menu links and more time browsing your content, services and products.
If you’ve followed any of Google’s previous updates to their search results algorithm, then you may be aware of how difficult it can be to recover once your website is penalized. If this is the first you’re hearing about updates, rankings and penalizations, then listen up. In the past, website owners have found that it can take months of hard work to recover from being kicked off the first page of Google.
A year ago, mobile device usage passed PCs as the most popular way to access the Internet. During the last year, many websites changed to accommodate the growing number of visitors and customers who browse, shop, bank and get directions via mobile device (including tablets). So it should come as no surprise that Google will soon reward websites that are compatible with mobile devices. This update is an expansion to a 2013 mobile ranking algorithm, and it’s the first time that Google has been so open with an update announcement. Rather than releasing the update in the quiet of the night, like so many updates that have come before, Google has warned website owners so that they can prepare for the update. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, it’s not too late. You have until April 21 to rethink your website design, and Jumpem is here to help. We offer mobile website designs as well as responsive designs — a responsive design will free you from worrying about the next mobile-related update.
When it comes to Google’s algorithm updates, you can always count on the search engine giant having users in mind. To prepare for future updates, keep your website user-friendly, and yes, mobile-friendly. As Internet usage trends change, you’ll want to rethink your Internet marketing and website design campaign. Call Jumpem at 800.293.5867