Google makes unprecedented announcement on mobile changes

Recently Google made an unprecedented announcement regarding changes to its mobile search algorithm. It’s not the fact that Google is making an algorithm change that is unprecedented, it’s the fact they gave us a specific date in which these changes will go into effect.

That date is April 21.

The change will effect Google’s mobile organic SERP (Search Engine Results Page) algorithm and will focus more on the “mobile friendliness” as a ranking signal. Currently, mobile rankings of websites are strongly connected to the ranking strength of sites as they appear on desktops. Generally, if a site has strong rankings on a desktop, the rankings generally carry over to searches on a mobile device. That is all about to change.

Google has always suggested that it places an emphasis on the mobile-friendliness of a site. However, with this announcement, Google is not holding back regarding its expectations and demands. Those sites that are already mobile-friendly will benefit tremendously when these changes roll out.

For those who have sites which aren’t mobile-friendly, it’s time to talk to your web developer. If your site is not mobile-friendly, chances are you will not be found when someone is searching for your industry or the services you offer on their mobile devices.

Mike (Winey of Mike & Winey) is the host of It’s Business Time w/ Mike Weinstein heard on Saturday afternoons from 2 to 3 p.m. on KTAR News 92.3. You can follow Mike on Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn.