Google updated its algorithms in April to favor websites that look and perform better on mobile devices, making them appear higher on search results. This news has many non-mobile-friendly website owners fearing that their search rankings will plummet. While the change is understandably concerning, Google may actually be doing many small businesses a favor by finally forcing them to implement a mobile website.
Let’s face it, most people use mobile devices today to search the Web. Google announced in May that in 10 countries, including the U.S. and Japan, more searches take place on smartphones than on computers. And according to We Are Social’s new “Digital, Social and Mobile in 2015 report,” mobile’s share of global Web traffic leapt 39 percent since Jan. 2014, with one-third of allwebpages served to mobile phones. If this data isn’t convincing enough, all any business owner needs to do is ask themselves how they usually search the Web for information. For most, a mobile device is likely in the equation. Those who already have mobile sites don’t need convincing because they are likely already experiencing the benefits.
Small businesses that either don’t have a mobile-friendly site, or don’t have a website at all, are essentially already invisible when it comes to being found by customers who are primarily using mobile devices to search for goods and services, especially locally. The good news is that it has never been easier to get online with a mobile friendly website, or to transition an existing website to a mobile friendly site.
Anyone can register domain names and set up a mobile friendly website within minutes using tools available through registrars and other hosting services. Likewise these providers can help turn a standard website into a mobile friendly site. These tools range in cost depending on a user’s need and budget.
As online commerce continues to grow, and as people continue to turn to the Internet when looking for information, the time is now for small businesses to make sure their websites have the best user experience – and that means implementing a mobile website. Google has just provided the incentive many small businesses need to make this a top priority.
