What is Mobile First Index and how does it affect SEO?
For the current generation, the ongoing advancement of technology, particularly mobile devices, is significant. They allow us to connect to the rest of the globe from anywhere in the world. These compact devices provide us with a plethora of options, ranging from continual communication with friends and family to a variety of additional online activities such as working out with apps, studying through online courses, and, most crucially, shopping. Mobile devices have made online shopping even easier and more accessible than PCs. Mobile First Indexing is one of the Google updates that follows these trends while updating algorithms. What is it, and how does it effect search engine optimization? It’ll be revealed in the following article!
What is Mobile First Index?
Mobile First Indexing is a Googlebot-specific mechanism for indexing websites first on mobile devices. It signifies that the mobile version of the domain is prioritized for analysis and indexing. What effect does it have on positioning? Websites with a poorly constructed mobile version that is difficult to use will rank low in Google search results.
This does not, however, imply that Google bots just look at the mobile version. Mobile First Index uses it as the primary criterion for evaluating a website’s compliance with Google requirements. The desktop version is off to the side, although it is indexed as well.
Google recommended generating a distinct mobile version and adding the switchboard tag till the launch of Mobile First Indexing. The switchboard tag informed Googlebot that a similar page exists.
How does the Mobile First Index affect SEO?
In general, failure to adapt the mobile version to Google criteria will not result in a domain sanction, such as the complete or partial removal of indexing. Neglecting a website’s mobile version, on the other hand, may result in a reduction in search results and a poorer algorithmic rating.
What can be done to avoid this?
Adjusting the category descriptions so that they display accurately and do not cause problems is a good practice. Internal linking should also be included in your article. As a result, the Googlebot’s indexing of subpages will be simplified. It’s also important to pay attention to the mobile version’s loading speed, as this is one of the most important ranking elements. Use the Page Speed Insights browser tool to assess the speed of the mobile version. You will receive extensive information on the components of the website loading speed after entering the domain.
What if your website isn’t mobile-friendly?
The absence of a mobile version of the domain does not preclude the website from being indexed; nevertheless, without a well implemented mobile version, achieving high rankings in search results is impossible. Aside from that, it’s a good idea to take control of:
- The content on the desktop and mobile versions must be the same
- The robots.txt file must work properly for both desktop and mobile versions
- Canonical links must be identical on both versions.
It’s worth using the Google Mobile Optimization Test tool https://search.google.com/test/mobile-friendly to see if the domain fits the Mobile First Index requirements. When you get to the main page, you’ll see the test results.
Mobile First Index – summary
Due to Google’s criteria, website technology continues to evolve. The mobile version of your website is a fantastic convenience for your users, so don’t overlook it. The ease and comfort of using a properly optimized mobile version will undoubtedly appeal to potential clients. And, as a result, you will make it easier for us to acquire top search engine rankings.
