Predictions for Google's mobile indexing
A new year means change, right? On the back of an eventful 2014, Google rolled out some "not so life-changing" updates, but updates nonetheless. Some of these included:
- Ranking boost to secure websites using HTTPS
- Updates to local search algorithm
- ToolBar PageRank decommissioned
In the final quarter of 2014, a fresh update announcement involved a list of criteria Google considers to be a mobile-friendly site. The list which Google will be judging the mobile-friendliness of a site if it:
- Uses text that is readable without zooming
- Sizes content to the screen without the need for horizontal scroll or zooming
- Avoids uncommon software for mobile devices eg: Flash
- Places adequate space between links and buttons so the correct target is easily tapped
It is still not confirmed what Google’s intentions are, however some predictions from reputable SEO experts have surfaced as the new year kicks off. Jim Stewart, one of the country’s leading expects in search engine optimisation, has given a thorough insight into what he believes this means for desktop vs mobile ranking. With Google putting greater emphasis on mobile-friendly sites, this could mean 2015 is the year they finally stop indexing non-mobile sites in mobile search results altogether. The criteria outlined above may well possibly become a ranking signal in which non-mobile friendly websites will be buried in mobile search, if not entirely de-indexed!
See the full video below:
