Google’s thrown down the gauntlet: A mobile-first index is coming within months, Gary Illyes (think Matt Cutts 2.0) revealed at Pubcon Vegas 2016. Buckle up, webmasters, because mobile’s officially taking the lead.
This means Google will prioritize its mobile index, keeping it fresher and faster than its desktop counterpart.
We’re glad we snagged a front-row seat for this SEO game-changer!
While he didn’t offer a specific date, the update is confirmed to arrive within the next few months.
They emphasized that a desktop index will still exist, but Google will prioritize the mobile index for ranking and indexing purposes.
What The Google Index Split Means For You
Excitement is brewing as Google continues its mobile-first push, following major initiatives like Mobilegeddon and AMP. With a significant update on the horizon, here’s how you can get ready:
- Mobile-friendliness is your priority: Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Testing tool to double-check if your website shines on smartphones.
- AMP it up? Consider adding Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) to your arsenal for faster loading times and a smooth mobile experience.
- Stay in the loop: Sign up for the Great Guest Posts mailing list to receive updates and insights as we uncover more about this pivotal Google shift.
While his talk tweets hinted at the coming shift, they left more questions than answers:
Why Google’s Mobile-First Index is a Game-Changer
Freshness Takes the Crown
In a monumental shift, Google has declared mobile their primary index, acknowledging the undeniable dominance of mobile search. This means mobile content will always be fresh, receiving updates more frequently than its desktop counterpart. While Google hasn’t divulged the exact desktop refresh rate, it’s clear mobile takes center stage.
Mobile devices now rule!
Google’s not playing around anymore. Years after prioritizing mobile-friendly results, they’re making mobile the MAIN index. This is a paradigm shift: content not optimized for mobile might not even be seen. Unlike the 2015 update that penalizes non-mobile sites, this “Mobilegeddon 2.0” is a whole new ball game. Get ready, because if your site isn’t mobile-friendly, it’s invisible in Google’s eyes.
Responsive design might be over
Most mobile-friendly websites utilize responsive design, while larger sites like news portals often lean towards mobile-specific design. But what’s the key difference between the two?
Responsive design empowers your website to adapt fluidly across different screen sizes, ensuring optimal viewing for any device.”
Mobile design delivers a tailored experience for visitors, dynamically adapting the template based on their screen resolution or device.
The gap between mobile-first and responsive design is wider than you might think. A well-crafted mobile site can leave even the most responsive website in the dust, both in looks and how it performs. And if I were to gaze into my crystal ball, I’d say mobile-first design is poised to become the new standard.
Search Engine Marketing is in for a BIG change
Most web pages and ads are currently desktop-focused, with mobile as an afterthought. This poses significant SEO challenges. As mobile design evolves, we might see not only different layouts but also tailored content for each index, leveraging their unique algorithms.
Final Thought
The SEO landscape is constantly changing, and this shift to mobile-first indexing is arguably the most significant search change in years. My site’s responsive, but I’m already exploring a complete mobile redesign. This move feels crucial for long-term SEO success.
Author: Christopher Smith
SEO and linkbuilding expert. More than 7 years of work in the field of website search engine optimization, specialist in backlink promotion. Head of linkbuilding products at GREAT Guest Posts, a global linkbuilding platform. He regularly participates in SEO conferences and also hosts webinars dedicated to website optimization, working with various marketing tools, strategies and trends of backlink promotion.
