This algorithm change will only affect searches made on mobile devices. Web pages that have been adapted for mobile will be “boosted” by the search engine. Pages that haven’t been adapted, on the other hand, will rank lower as a result.
Earlier in the year, Google had already paved the way by introducing a visual label to indicate sites with mobile platforms (mobile-friendly).
What is Google’s goal?
Google’s goal is to give its users a better browsing experience. People who use the search engine on a mobile device will enjoy more pleasant, smoother access. Designed specifically for the device used, this access will help improve search results, speed up downloads and make navigation easier.
Why is Google imposing this new rule?
Google currently holds 81% of the smartphone software market with Android, which represents about one billion active devices in 2015. Worldwide, Google’s search engine holds a 90.3% market share, making it the undisputed leader in the field. It is therefore very much in Google’s interest to introduce this new standard.
With this new rollout, Google will be able to offer new advertising services and refine some existing ones. Searches could then be optimized for “non-mobile-friendly” sites, with their profitability increased through Google AdWords.
Is your clinic’s website not mobile-friendly?
Here are the possible consequences if you don’t add a mobile version.
The data compiled by CEFRIO speak for themselves. According to its 2014 study, in Quebec alone, more than 70% of adults aged 18 to 44 use their smartphone to access the internet.
As for tablets, adults aged 25 to 54 (44.8%) stand out, with a higher proportion of users going online.[1]
The company Market Domination Media agrees, with figures to back it up: “88% of consumers who search for a type of local business on their mobile device call or visit the business directly within 24 hours of their search.”
Losing a prime search engine position to your competitor could mean a significant loss of new clients and lower revenue for your healthcare business!
How can you tell whether your website has a mobile version?
Google has thought of everything! It has put a tool online that detects mobile versions. To find out whether your site is available in a mobile version, just use the link right here:
