I’ll keep this pretty brief. Today Google’s search engine algorythym is being updated to give better rankings to sites that are “mobile-friendly”. What this means in finite detail is up for heavy debate, but your best bet is to stick your site domain into this tool (provided by Google themselves) and say HOORAY! if you’re good to go, or “Oh S*&%” if you’re not.
Basically, Google is acknowledging that your website simply doesn’t matter as much if you haven’t made mobile search a priority. The best way to make mobile search a priority is to make sure your entire site is viewable and navigable on a mobile device.
Seriously, if you haven’t done this by today, I don’t know how to help you. Here’s why:
- Responsive design was first introduced in 2004. That’s 11 years folks. In web years that’s like 77 years. You can’t be 3 generations behind on the web and expect to have decent search engine rankings.
- Smart phones, the kind that let you do a million things on the web (and also make phone calls occasionally) came full force to the consumer market with the advent of the first iPhone in 2007. That’s 8 years folks. People have been viewing your website (badly!) with a 3.5″ wide screen for 8 years. (ASIDE: This is fun reading on the evolution of the Smart Phone)
- If you’re site is running on WordPress, you basically can’t find any free themes on the Repo that AREN’T responsive anymore (unless you look REALLY hard).
OK. I’ll make some exceptions for online banking sites ( or for LingsCars.com… that’s just awesome), but that’s why online banking sites just make mobile apps instead.
So, I’m sorry. I really try to be generally helpful all the time. But if you find yourself being really scared for your website today, I really don’t know how to help you anymore. You’ve had 3 generations in web time to catch up.
May Google pity your static site’s soul.
Attack of the Mobilegeddon Memes
Are You Ready For The Google Mobile Friendly Update? #Mobilegeddon [Image via @sengineland] pic.twitter.com/XsGRrqFBwU
— Larry Kim (@larrykim) April 21, 2015
#Mobilegeddon is upon us! If you haven’t embraced responsive design, here’s why you should: http://t.co/zLqyyipXhd pic.twitter.com/gpGhhvIi3k
— NewPossibilitiesGrp (@NPGroup) April 21, 2015
Well #Mobilegeddon is nearly here. Remember to keep pets indoors and stock up on water. pic.twitter.com/nVmogfdHrQ
— Phoenix Evolve (@PhoenixEvolve) April 21, 2015
#Mobilegeddon is here! Are you ready? #ehandel pic.twitter.com/cZJViLXtqe
— Sïmon Saneback (@saneback) April 21, 2015
How prepared are you for #Mobilegeddon? Does your website render on mobile devices? https://t.co/eXxkPFItLX #digital pic.twitter.com/vynzc5AU8g
— Decibel Digital (@DecibelDigital) April 13, 2015
Worldwide Reaction to #Mobilegeddon http://t.co/kNPkh7CTr8 (This graphic wins the day!) pic.twitter.com/OyECB5I8aI
— Nicole Bullock (@cuteculturechic) April 21, 2015
