Search is changing, and Google is changing with it. More search traffic now originates from a mobile device than from a desktop computer. With this in mind, Google now uses the mobile version of your site as the definitive “copy” that determine search rankings.
This is referred to as “mobile-first indexing,” and understandably, it has created a lot of worry among business owners. What’s the truth on this confusing topic? Let’s look at some of the common misconceptions out there on the Web.
4 Top Myths About Mobile-First Indexing
1.MYTH: If You Don’t Have a Responsive Site, You’re Sunk
A responsive website is one that adapts to a user’s display, regardless of whether it happens to be a full-sized desktop monitor or a tiny smartphone screen. Having a single responsive site instead of separate mobile and desktop sites is developing into a best practice. However, you will not be penalized for not having a responsive site as long as you offer a good mobile experience.
2.MYTH: Your Rankings Will Tank Without AMP
AMP – Accelerated Mobile Pages – are designed to load very quickly on a mobile device. This can be positive, because it reduces load time, a known ranking factor. However, the use of AMP itself is not included in search ranking calculations. Instead of focusing on AMP, implement design approaches like image compression that speed up your site for all users.
3.MYTH: Links to Your Desktop Site No Longer Matter
The number of ranking factors has grown over the years, but one thing has remained consistent: Links from other authoritative websites back to your own have the most powerful effect on search rank. As of right now, the best approach is to continue with your existing link-building strategy. Update your existing content to make it more mobile-friendly and linkable, too.
4.MYTH: Expandable Menus and Hidden Content Negatively Impacts Search
Google formerly considered expandable content a poor decision choice that reflected low-priority content. This may have affected rankings for a small minority of pages in the desktop-first world. Now, however, expandable content is just one of many design approaches that recognizably make mobile users’ lives easier. Google has reversed its position on this.
Is your website Google mobile-first index ready? Request a consultation to find out.