Google Won’t Index Sites That Do Not Work on Mobile Devices After July 5

pexels-olly-3756679

Google’s emphasis on mobile users continues to grow as the shift from desktops to smartphones becomes more pronounced. As a site owner or SEO professional, it’s crucial to note that starting July 5th, Google will no longer index websites that do not perform well on mobile devices. This move underscores the critical importance of mobile responsiveness in today’s digital landscape.

The Evolution of Google’s Mobile-First Indexing

Google’s mobile-first indexing initiative, launched in 2016, revolutionized SEO by prioritizing websites that perform well on smartphones. Given that most users now rely heavily on mobile devices, this shift made perfect sense. Recently, John Mueller from Google provided an update, noting that while most sites are already crawled by the “mobile Googlebot,” some are still indexed using the traditional desktop method.

This will change after July 5th. From this date, any site that does not meet mobile performance standards will not be indexed by Google, effectively rendering it invisible in search results.

Understanding Mobile-Friendliness vs. Mobile Accessibility

There’s often confusion between mobile-friendliness and mobile accessibility. While they sound similar, they have distinct implications for your site.

Mobile-friendly refers to providing an optimal user experience on mobile devices, with features like well-placed buttons and readable text sizes. Mobile accessibility, on the other hand, simply means that your website can load and be navigated on smartphones or tablets.

For example, a site that uses an old desktop template but still loads on a phone will continue to be indexed by Google. However, relying on this minimum standard is risky; users may leave quickly if the site isn’t optimized for mobile use, leading to a poor user experience.

Why Many Site Owners Can Breathe Easy

If you’ve kept up with digital trends, your site is likely already compliant with these new indexing rules. However, SEO experts may encounter clients whose sites are mysteriously absent from search results. Often, the issue is a lack of mobile accessibility. If this sounds familiar, it’s essential to diagnose whether the problem lies in poor mobile performance.

Staying Ahead of the Game with Mobile-First Indexing

Navigating SEO and mobile-first indexing can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Partnering with digital marketing experts can make a significant difference. At MedShark Digital, we specialize in crafting strategies to enhance your online presence and ensure your site excels in mobile responsiveness.

If keeping up with Google’s changes feels overwhelming, contact MedShark Digital. We can help ensure your site stays on Google’s radar and thrives in the ever-evolving digital landscape.