With Google’s recent announcement that searches will now prioritize Mobile Ready websites, it got me to wondering about potential clients that we never landed before. Many businesses that we’ve contacted over the past few years have been happy with their web presence, even if their sites weren’t usable on mobile devices. What did Google say on the subject recently?
“Starting April 21, we will be expanding our use of mobile-friendliness as a ranking signal. This change will affect mobile searches in all languages worldwide and will have a significant impact in our search results. Consequently, users will find it easier to get relevant, high quality search results that are optimized for their devices.” From Google’s Webmaster Central Blog
Bottom line, a lot of businesses out there that depend on the Internet to help drive their customer base didn’t believe that the shift to mobile devices would over shadow standard web browsing on larger screens. Today we know, the majority of web searches are switching from laptops and desktops to smart phones and tablets.
It’s time to get mobile ready folks. And for us, it’s time to re-contact all of those folks who have been sitting on the sidelines!
A simple sample illustration of “Not Mobile Ready.”
As we are now basing out of Prescott Arizona once more, but still providing services nationwide, I decided to do a simple search on RV Parks in Prescott Arizona to illustrate the fact that many smaller business sites have not moved to a mobile platform. Searching for mobile friendly listings in the Prescott area, I found only one. Point of Rocks RV Park. That’s a site we recently renovated and mobilized.
As for the other RV Parks in the Prescott area? The Fairgrounds, Orchard Ranch, Willow Lake, Pine Lawn Ranch, & Cactus Mobile Ranch are all not mobile friendly sites. So, 5 out of 6 park sites are not mobile friendly, and only one is mobile friendly. I’m thinking the folks at Point of Rocks will really appreciate their new mobile site even more in a few short weeks!
Understanding what Google is doing here is pretty simple. People are now searching the Internet on Mobile devices. Websites that display properly on those devices are going to get some priority. After all, nobody likes pulling up a non-mobile ready website on their iPhone. You just can’t read it at all! Bleh!
Stop acting surprised
iPhones were first introduced in June of 2007. So mobile web browsing has been around for almost 8 years now. And in Internet time, 8 years is an eternity. It’s taken a long time to recognize this is the way computing is going, and for Google to now let us know that they will prioritize mobile friendly sites starting April 21st, you’d better believe this is a serious change that’s here to stay.
Simply put, mobile is the way things are going. And if you don’t mobilize your web presence? You will lose ground, lose interest, and lose potential clients. Antiquated just doesn’t work any more.
RLC Design can help!
RLC Design has been in the mobile business since the 90’s. Initially I was involved in deploying digital networks across the nation. I knew about text messaging before you ever heard of it. I was one of the people testing new mobile tech before it ever hit the shelves.
RLC Design has continued in mobile tech work for 2 decades now. Shifting from deploying the systems to helping end users get the most out of mobile tech. And you can be certain, not only can we help you mobilize your site, we’ll help you get found and reach your client base as well.