Ready for the mobile apocalypse? Here are 5 swift and grubby tactics to shield your rankings
In the digital landscape, mobile optimization has become a necessity, and Google's latest algorithm update is no exception. Scheduled to take effect on April 22, this update is geared towards improving mobile search experience, although it does not specifically announce a new mobile-specific ranking signal.
The update emphasises AI-enhanced search features, topical authority, and E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trust). While mobile-friendliness remains important, recent updates have shifted the focus towards content quality, authoritativeness, and AI-powered relevance.
According to Chris Lucas, vice president of marketing at Formstack, a mobile-optimized redesign results in a nearly 15% increase in unique clicks. To make the most of this update, it's crucial to ensure the most important content displays in the top few pixels of the mobile page.
In terms of user experience, a clear, easy-to-find, and easy-to-use call to action button is crucial for mobile optimization. Tweaking the button copy to better communicate the value proposition can also boost conversion rates. In fact, changing the color of the CTA button to an attention-grabbing hue or adding subtle animation can further boost conversion rates.
However, the average survey contains 22 fields, which can be daunting for mobile users. To address this, building a smart form that automatically shows or hides questions based on how users respond can help in mobile optimization. Using a horizontal layout for checkboxes and buttons can create an illusion the form is shorter, making it more user-friendly.
It's also worth noting that 57% of users would not recommend a business with a poorly designed mobile site. On the flip side, mobile users who find a business online have a conversion percentage nearly three times higher than desktop or laptop users. This underscores the importance of a seamless mobile user experience.
Interestingly, 70% of mobile searches lead to online action within an hour. This statistic, combined with the fact that the majority of Internet usage occurs on mobile devices, accounting for nearly 60% of total usage, highlights the potential for businesses to capitalise on mobile traffic.
In conclusion, while the April 22 update does not specifically change the mobile-friendly ranking factor, it reinforces the importance of content quality and AI-driven relevance, which also impacts mobile site rankings positively when combined with good mobile usability. Businesses should ensure their mobile sites are user-friendly, mobile-optimized, and provide high-quality, authoritative content to maintain or improve their rankings within Google's evolving search ecosystem.
[1] Source: Google Search Central Blog [2] Source: Search Engine Land [3] Source: Moz Blog
- In the realm of lifestyle and home-and-garden blogs, ensuring mobile optimization remains crucial as Google's latest update accentuates AI-enhanced search features and topical authority, emphasizing content quality, authoritativeness, and AI-powered relevance.
- data-and-cloud-computing professionals might find the April 22 update's focus on content quality and AI-driven relevance interesting, as these principles can also positively impact the rankings of their cloud-based resources when paired with good mobile usability.
