By now it is no surprise that mobile friendly websites are no longer just an add-on option when building your website, but rather a necessity to how well your Custom WordPress Site ranks in the search engines. Google has been dropping hints for years on how important the mobile version of your site is. In fact, I wrote about it back in 2011 here. Back then, we would simply install a WordPress plugin and it would create a somewhat clean mobile version of your WordPress site.
Since then, Google is looking for more when it comes to the mobile version of your website. No longer will a plugin version of your website suffice. Google has made it clear that they are wanting a mobile responsive version of your site that can serve up the information to consumers in a clean and clear way based upon whatever device they are using. Responsive means that the text, graphics and other elements automatically resize and change size based on the screen size and resolution of the particular device to deliver the same experience to each visitor no matter whether they are visiting on a 27 inch iMac, an iPad mini, or on a mobile phone.
On April 21st, 2015 Google will take the importance of a mobile responsive website to the next level. Sites that do not appear mobile friendly to Google are in major trouble. The Algorithm is about to see a "signficant impact." Don't take my word, here's a quote from a post on Searchengineland:
This change will affect mobile searches in all languages worldwide and will have a significant impact in our search results."
Significant? I don't know about you, but when I hear that, I listen in closely and pay attention. It's not often you hear Google talk this way.
How to Prepare
So you might not be sure if your WordPress site is ready for this major algorithm change. Well, luckily Google has made an excellent guide and testing place to check. Here's a link to Google's mobile friendly test to see if your site is ready for the the change. Now, the system can be a little glitchy at times, so if you get a negative response back from it or do not trust the results, feel free to email me and I will gladly check your site for you to see if it is mobile friendly.
If you know that your WordPress site is not yet mobile friendly, there's still time to get your site fixed. Email me today and we can discuss getting your site mobile responsive ready so that when the significant impact changes come on April 21st, your custom WordPress site will not be affected. If you are reading this post after April 21st and are wondering what to do to get your website back in good graces with Google, do not think twice, contact me immediately and let's get started on your new redesign that will make the search engines happy again.
Originally Posted at: 210 Consulting- Social Media Advisors
Comments(2)