Google is reportedly about to change its search algorithms to prioritise websites that work well on mobile devices.
The new algorithms will be implemented this Tuesday, and will serve to favour those websites that Google deems to be “mobile friendly.”
The changes, as highlighted by phys.org, could cause a sizeable shift in the fortunes of a number of websites, leading to some search experts to dub the move “Mobile-geddon.”
Those websites that don’t fit Google’s mobile-focused parameters will be dropped down in the search rankings on mobile and tablet devices. Conversely, sites that make themselves easily viewable on such mobile devices could find themselves catapulted to the top of the rankings for the first time.
As this suggests, Google’s new algorithm won’t affect search requests on desktop and laptop computers. However, with more and more web browsing taking place on the go, it will have a major affect on where people spend their online time and money.
In order to get into Google’s good books under the new search algorithm parameters, websites will need to load quickly on mobile devices. They must also be readily viewable without having to scroll left and right. Key navigation and purchasing buttons, meanwhile, should be large and easy to press on small screens.
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In fairness to Google, it announced its intentions with this new algorithm two months ago, and provided both a step-by-step guide and a tool to help test whether a website complied with the new standards or not.
Of course, that won’t have been much help to the millions of small businesses that rely on Google, yet have neither the time nor money to implement these changes at such relatively short notice.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
