I remember the first time I realized that cell phones were going to have a huge impact on business. It was October 2016 and I read a tweet from Gary Vaynerchuk. Gary tweeted, “The mobile device is now the television and the television is now the radio.”

 

Reading this changed the direction of my company.
Today, more than 50 percent of website traffic originates from cell phones. As this number increases, it becomes even more critical for websites to not only perform efficiently but also ensure that they are compatible with cell phones.
By July 2019, Google will be updating its algorithms. Slow-loading mobile sites will suffer the consequences, resulting in a significant decrease in traffic. So, if your business relies on website traffic, it would serve you well to become familiar with what Google expects in regard to compatibility and performance on cell phones.
This move reflects the growing trend; signaling an increase in cell phones as the primary path to website commerce. So, it certainly makes sense that as the world’s largest search engine, Google, is adapting and the businesses that rely on their websites and website traffic must adapt as well.
For years, customers have used a business’ website as the measure of how trustworthy and professional that business is, alongside reviews and ratings. A modern, fast and compelling website builds trust in your brand and has the ability to convert visitors into customers. You’ve worked hard to build your brand, so it’s important to keep pace with Google.
Mobile access to websites has increased, leaving desktops behind as the path to online commerce. Your Google rankings are at risk – whether it’s through PPC or SEO initiatives. Today, almost 53 percent of website traffic starts with cell phones. Last year, it was approximately 50 percent. This dynamic will only increase in the coming years.
It’s in the best interest of all businesses to become familiar with what Google expects so that proper adjustments to websites can be made quickly and accurately.
The following are some of the website features that are important:

  1. Crawlability & Indexing
  2. Website Speed
  3. Domain Metrics
  4. Website Audit
  5. Website Usability

 

While technical in nature, these criteria are among the main features Google will be analyzing when it comes to website accessibility through cell phones. It’s in your best interest to consult with your website development/maintenance firm to make sure they’re aware of Google’s plans.

 

These terms are basically “GoogleSpeak”, which when translated to layman’s language really means that it’s important for website visitors to have a good user experience. This will result in ease of navigation, improved rankings, SEO, and ultimately increased conversion rates.

 

A good first step is to access your website through a cell phone. Does it download quickly? Are you able to navigate through the site quickly and efficiently? Today, your website better perform as well on the cell phone – or better —  as it does on a desktop.
Period.
The following are other pointers that can improve the performance of your website:

 

  1. Make regular updates to your website (Blogging is the easiest way to do this)
  2. Insert social media icons you are active on (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, etc.) on your site to facilitate the sharing of information
  3. Use Google Analytics, a free service that tracks website traffic
  4. Incorporate VIDEO on your website! 
  5. Use internal links to enhance navigation

 

We have created a complimentary service allowing businesses to audit their sites to find out where they are deficient.

 

The world of online marketing continues to change rapidly. Today, it requires websites to be more accessible through cell phones. In the near future, Google will have new requirements when it comes to marketing services and products.

 

This is the reality of working with Google. Keep in mind, the online world is Google’s sandbox, and we must play by their rules.

 

Your business depends on it.