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Google Algorithm Update

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Yesterday Google released more information regarding the search algorithm update they have been discussing for the past couple months pertaining to mobile search traffic.  As part of this release there are two key changes. 

1)  The most critical update will be introduced on April 21st using mobile-friendliness as a ranking factor when displaying results on mobile phones.  This follows the recent trend that places increasing importance on usability for mobile devices.  As of May 2014 for the first time Mobile device usage exceeded traditional desktop/laptops.

 Mobile traffic stats:

  • Global mobile data traffic grew 69% in 2014.
  • 70% of time spent on social networks is done on mobile platforms(up 55% in one year)
  • Facebook drives 24% of all mobile traffic
  • 35% of all organic search traffic is conducted through Android, iPhones, or a tablet.
  • 60% of all online traffic is now on mobile. This number in large part by mobile apps such as Pandora, Facebook, and Twitter.

 

 

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With mobile traffic growing at such an aggressive rate there is a sense of urgency to ensure your website can maintain its rankings.  If you are unsure whether Google views your website as mobile friendly visit this tool they are providing which will scan and report issues it finds:

https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly/

If you do not have a mobile friendly website contact your website provider or a trusted web developer to inquire about getting mobile optimized.

2)  The other update that Google has announced, which goes into place immediately, is incorporating active apps to help dictate search results.  From Google’s announcement:

“Starting today, we will begin to use information from indexed apps as a factor in ranking for signed-in users who

have the app installed. As a result, we may now surface content from indexed apps more prominently in search”.

The full effects of this change remain to be seen but are again solidifying their shift to mobile usability and pertinent content.

Contact the Burlington Bytes team for any questions or help on becoming mobile friendly, (802) 448-4001 or [email protected].

Jason DiVece

Jason DiVece

Jason moved to Burlington, VT in 2003 to attend Champlain College where he received his BS in Graphic Design. Not quite the coast of Maine, but Lake Champlain is pretty sweet! He first met Peter Jewett while fulfilling an internship requirement at Pete’s fledgling eBay store, and the two later worked together as SEO Analysts for Dealer.com.

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