How Important is it to Have a Mobile-Friendly Website for Your Local Business?

Last April 21, 2015, Google started expanding their ranking signals on how mobile-friendly websites are. How prepared is your local business website for the Google Mobile-Friendliness update? Is it important to have a mobile-friendly website?

According to the Google Webmaster Central Blog posted on February 26, 2015, there are two tests and a guide that you can check out for all webmasters:

Guide to mobile-friendly sites: https://developers.google.com/webmasters/mobile-sites/get-started/?utm_source=wmc-blog&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=mobile-friendly

Mobile friendly test: https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly/?utm_source=wmc-blog&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=mobile-friendly

Mobile Usability Report: https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-usability?utm_source=wmc-blog&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=mobile-friendly

For local businesses without a mobile-friendly website, it’s time for a serious update. Here’s why: Mobile users make up 83.58% of all Google visitors. That’s a huge chunk of potential customers browsing on their smartphones and tablets. But here’s real the kicker: 58.67% of all website traffic worldwide comes from mobile phones. That’s not just a trend; it’s the new norm.

When someone searches for a local business on Google, they expect a smooth experience, whether they’re on a desktop or a mobile device. If your website isn’t optimized for mobile, you’re missing out on a ton of potential customers.

But it’s not just about missing out on customers; it’s also about staying ahead of the game. Google is always tweaking its search engine to deliver the best results and user experience possible. And guess what? They prioritize mobile-friendly websites in their rankings.

So, if you want your local business to thrive in today’s digital landscape, it’s time to get mobile-friendly. It’s not just about keeping up; it’s about staying ahead and giving your customers the experience they expect and deserve.

5 Points to keep in mind when turning mobile-friendly

1. Ensure your website boasts an intuitive user interface, effortlessly guiding visitors through its pages. After all, no one wants to grapple with a maze of links and buttons. Keep mobile users in mind; they’re on the move and need a seamless experience.
2. Don’t overlook Google’s watchful eye. Your site might as well be invisible if it’s not indexed. Ensure it’s mobile-friendly and easily accessible to Google’s crawlers.
3. Make search functionality a priority. When users are hunting for something specific, they’ll head straight for the search bar. Position it prominently on your homepage for maximum visibility.
4. Opt for concise content on mobile platforms. Users want information served up quickly and succinctly. Whether it’s responsive design or a dedicated mobile version, ensure your site loads lightning-fast.

If you are a local business owner that is unsure on how to check if your website is mobile friendly, please contact me at 416-888-8756. We will provide a complete website audit. You will see what needs to be done to your business website. So don’t get penalized by Google’s updates, call Local SEO Search now!