According to Google consumers can now use smartphones, tablets, and computers to interact with business 24/7 from anywhere. However, 88% of users use their smartphone to conduct searches. Mobile searches are conducted throughout the day. Consumers believe majority of mobile searches happen “on the go.” According to an extensive study from Google and Nielsen, about 77% of mobile searches happen at home or work — even when there is a PC available.
Here’s a quote from Google – “At Google, we have observed that tablet and computer usage peaks in the evening hours at home. In contrast, mobile usage is spread more evenly throughout the day and across many more contexts – whether it’s occurring on-the-go, during working hours, or at home.”
Will Google Penalize Your Website for not being Mobile Friendly?
Google recommends optimal user experience. If your website is not mobile friendly, it is a frustrating experience for the mobile user. The mobile user will abandon the site. Considering 88% of searches are coming from the mobile devices, you are losing customers if you do not have a mobile friendly site. Having a mobile friendly site will also improve your SEO.
Mobile friendly Test for Websites
Google has the Mobile Friendly Test that allows you to see if your website is mobile friendly. What exactly is mobile friendly? Just because your website displays on your smart phone does not mean it is mobile friendly. Your website should adapt to the size of the device and you should be able to read the content and navigate through the website without scrolling and zooming.
Google recommends that if you have to prioritize between an app and a mobile site then the first step is to create a mobile-optimized website. Mobile-friendly sites should have simple navigation, quick-to-load images, eliminate the need for scrolling and should have large “touch targets” that take into account the lack of precision on a touch screen.
