Google will not index non-mobile sites
Another major change is coming to the world of SEO, and it’s being authored by Google. From July 5, 2024, if your website is not accessible on mobile devices, Google will not index it. This means that such a site may disappear from search results altogether. What steps should you take to prepare? Is your site ready for this change? Let’s take a closer look.
Google and indexing the smartphone version of the site
Google has been focusing on mobile users for quite some time now. Back in 2016, the Mobile-First Indexing initiative was introduced, meaning that Google indexes and evaluates sites based primarily on their mobile version. Although this process was supposed to end in October 2020, the actual transition to full mobile indexing for all sites will not take place until July 5, 2024. As Google’s John Mueller explained, after July 5, 2024, Googlebot will only index sites using Googlebot Smartphone. For most sites, this will not be a change, as they are already indexed this way. However, for those that still rely on the desktop version, it will be time to adjust to the new reality. Therefore, if your site does not work on mobile devices, Google will simply stop indexing it. This means it won’t appear in search results, which will drastically affect organic traffic and online visibility. Sites that are not optimized for mobile devices can also lose out on SEO rankings.
How to check if your website is adapted for mobile devices?
The change is in response to changing user habits. More and more people are accessing the Internet using smartphones and tablets. Google, in an effort to provide the best possible search results, prioritizes sites that are accessible and functional on mobile devices. You can verify your site’s performance for these devices through tools:
- Google Search Console – This tool allows you to see how Google indexes your site. Use the URL Inspection Tool to see how your site is rendering on mobile devices.
- Mobile-Friendly Test – Google provides a tool to check if your website is mobile-friendly. The Mobile-Friendly test will check how your site works on phones and tablets.
- Google Analytics – Find out how much traffic comes from mobile devices. If the majority of users are using the mobile version, neglecting this part of the site can lead to a drop in traffic.
You are also welcome to contact us to verify the correct operation of your site on mobile devices.
How to prepare a site for mobile indexing?
1. page optimization
Ensure that your website is responsive, meaning that it automatically adjusts to the size of the user’s screen. You can achieve this by using:
- Flexible layouts (flexbox, grid) – These allow page elements to automatically adapt to different screen sizes.
- Resizable images – Use images that automatically adjust their size to fit different screen resolutions.
- Mobile-friendly navigation elements – Menus and buttons should be easy to use on touch screens.
2. optimized loading speed
Page loading speed is crucial, especially on mobile devices, where internet speeds can be slower. To optimize speed:
- Reduce file sizes – Use tools to compress images and CSS/JS files.
- Use AMP technology – Accelerated Mobile Pages speed up page loading on mobile devices.
- Use browser cache – Save data in the browser to speed up page reloading.
3. testing and monitoring
Regularly test your site for performance and functionality on mobile devices. You can do this:
- Using different devices and browsers – Make sure the website works properly on different phones, tablets and browsers.
- Analyzing Google Search Console reports – Monitor whether Googlebot Smartphone indexes your site without problems.
Summary
Google’s changes to its mobile site indexing policy are another step toward a better user experience. Whether you’re a small business owner, blogger or managing a large website, mobile accessibility should be one of your priorities. Make sure your site is ready for July 5, 2024 to avoid drops in search rankings and loss of organic traffic.
