Website Mobile Optimized? It Better Be
Google has begun penalizing websites that aren’t mobile optimized. They have tweaked the algorithm for mobile searches to favor sites that look good on smartphone screens, and penalize sites with content that is too wide for a phone screen and text and links that are too small.
While Google updates its algorithm frequently, some experts consider this to be the most significant change in years. Google actually warned website operators in February that the change was coming, and gave them tips on how to prepare.
The change is also important for Google. Searches from mobile devices now surpass searches on personal computers.
Google also wants more users to surf the Web on their phones. “As people increasingly search on their mobile devices, we want to make sure they can find content that’s not only relevant and timely, but also easy to read and interact with on smaller mobile screens,” a Google spokeswoman said.