What You Need to Know About the Google Mobile Update

If you watch your analytics, more than likely you are aware that the majority of your traffic is from mobile devices (Although due to working from home this percentage dipped for most sites). Google of course knows this as well as you do and continuously updates its page ranking algorithms to account for user trends. Coming in May there will be a major update centered on the user experience for mobile users.

Here are the highlights:

• Google plans to update its algorithm in 2021 to include a factor called Page Experience.
• This includes existing Google Search signals such as mobile-friendliness, safe-browsing, HTTPS, and intrusive interstitial guidelines.
• It also includes metrics in Google’s Web Vitals to do with a site’s loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability.
• For site owners and others, understanding these signals and making the necessary changes should be a priority.
• Among the steps to take are optimizing for mobile, improving page speeds, CTAs, and alt text for images.

What does this mean for you and your business? Well if you are not optimized for a great user page experience you can expect your SERP (Search Engine Results Page) ranking to drop. A drop in your SERP ranking for keywords equals a drop in traffic. If you are a business that needs inbound leads (which business doesn't?) Then this will equal a drop in business opportunities.

For full details, check out the in-depth article from Search Engine Watch here.

If you want to have an idea of how your website is doing, run it through the HubSpot website grader to get an idea for improvements. It is quick and easy (just put in your URL) and spits out areas that you need to focus on improving. When you're done, send us the report we would be happy to work through it with you!