Google tells you which websites are "Mobile Friendly".

Google tells you which websites are “Mobile Friendly”.

From 21st April 2015, Google will be placing a lot more emphasis on whether a website is ‘mobile-friendly’ and rank websites accordingly. Google says this will have “a significant impact in our search results”.

As a result of the change, Google say it will make it easier for users to find relevant, high quality search results optimised for their devices.

“When it comes to search on mobile devices, users should get the most relevant and timely results, no matter if the information lives on mobile-friendly web pages or apps”.

In a Google Webmasters’ blog, dated Thursday, February 26, 2015, they also say the following:-

“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”.

Google has, in the past, specifically mentioned not using Flash software for websites, as well as ensuring text is readable without having to zoom in. Websites should have content that sizes to the screen so that users don’t have to scroll horizontally, or zoom, and links should be placed far enough apart so that a user can easily access each individual link.

For those who have sites that Google deems not to be ‘mobile-friendly’ e.g. sites built a while ago, one can guess that this is going to be a significant issue, especially as Google have come right out and said it will be.

There is a useful tool to test mobile-friendliness here.

 

 
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