Google is constantly working to keep its search engine updated and reflects the needs of its users. Today, users rely on mobile devices for most of their online activities, so it’s only natural that Google spends more time catering for those users.

Google has released a number of updates aimed at making the Internet a friendlier place for mobile users, but it is now rolling out a “mobile first” version of its index that could significantly change the game for search engine optimizers and webmasters.

Mobile first in a nutshell

What is the index of the first cell?

Google collects information on each web page in a massive directory known as an index, which it then uses to formulate and display search results for various queries. Until recently, Google mostly viewed web pages through the eyes of the desktop user, viewing mobile pages as important but secondary to those desktop pages. Google now treats the mobile versions of each page as the primary page for the index, with the desktop versions being secondary.

The mobile first index has already rolled out to some users, but like most major search engine updates, it is being rolled out gradually. While no firm dates have been given, experts suspect the deployment could take place within the next few months.

Google’s position on mobile friendliness

What does Google consider mobile? A simple definition is any web page that views “correctly” on a mobile device. For the most part, Google just cares that people will be able to download all parts of the content on your page, read the text without having to zoom or scroll, and interact with any buttons now.

If you are concerned about the mobile friendliness of your site, you can use Google’s Mobile friendly test here to determine if any of your pages are missing. Although Google is mostly concerned all sites adhere to the” bare minimum ” of mobile friendliness, it is often worth the extra effort to make your site particularly attractive or targeted at mobile users.

Keep in mind that the mobile index does not affect what Google considers mobile friendly, and your site will not be rewarded or penalized in a ranking based on your mobile friendliness. In fact, Google has stated specifically that the change should not affect search rankings in any major order.

Instead, the impact of mobile first indexing will come into play if your mobile and desktop sites are significantly different. For example, if the mobile version of your site’s page has significantly less content than the desktop version, the mobile version will now be treated as the primary version, which can have a significant impact on your visitors ‘ impressions of your brand and site. Mobile first is also important as it reaffirms Google’s commitment to appealing to mobile users.

The broader trend

Google has proven that its vision for the future of mobile is more than just making all sites mobile compatible. In addition to changing how sites are ranked based on their use of mobile features, Google is constantly rolling out new features that favor mobile exclusive functionality. Some include accelerated mobile pages (AMP), which allow users to access content almost instantly when protocols are enabled, and a streaming app that allows users to view content in apps they haven’t even downloaded to their mobile Devices.

It’s clear that Google is building a bold new future for mobile content and mobile users, and the mobile index is another harbinger of these changes in the future.

Recommendations

Fortunately, the mobile first index is not so bold or so disruptive that it will change your SEO strategy in large part if you have already followed best practices for SEO. Instead, I recommend the following measures, precautions, and considerations, most of which are minor:

The mobile first index may not affect your site directly, but it’s important to understand its implications as well as what it means for the search engine giant’s direction and priorities. Keep prioritizing mobile users, and you’ll stay on Google’s side.

Google has released a number of updates aimed at making the Internet a friendlier place for mobile users, but it is now rolling out a “mobile first” version of its index that could significantly change the game for search engine optimizers and webmasters.

Mobile first in a nutshell

What is the index of the first cell?

Google collects information on each web page in a massive directory known as an index, which it then uses to formulate and display search results for various queries. Until recently, Google mostly viewed web pages through the eyes of the desktop user, viewing mobile pages as important but secondary to those desktop pages. Google now treats the mobile versions of each page as the primary page for the index, with the desktop versions being secondary.

The mobile first index has already rolled out to some users, but like most major search engine updates, it is being rolled out gradually. While no firm dates have been given, experts suspect the deployment could take place within the next few months.

This isn’t the first time Google has released an update designed to meet the growing needs of the mobile user population. Mobilegeddon and its follow-up were released in 2015 and 2016, respectively, to encourage the Internet to become a more “mobile friendly” place, and even before that, Google has worked hard to reward sites that offer mobile compatibility.

What does Google consider mobile? A simple definition is any web page that views “correctly” on a mobile device. For the most part, Google just cares that people will be able to download all parts of the content on your page, read the text without having to zoom or scroll, and interact with any buttons now.

If you are concerned about the mobile friendliness of your site, you can use Google’s Mobile friendly test here to determine if any of your pages are missing. Although Google is mostly concerned all sites adhere to the” bare minimum ” of mobile friendliness, it is often worth the extra effort to make your site particularly attractive or targeted at mobile users.

The effect of mobile-first

Keep in mind that the mobile index does not affect what Google considers mobile friendly, and your site will not be rewarded or penalized in a ranking based on your mobile friendliness. In fact, Google has stated specifically that the change should not affect search rankings in any major order.

Instead, the impact of mobile first indexing will come into play if your mobile and desktop sites are significantly different. For example, if the mobile version of your site’s page has significantly less content than the desktop version, the mobile version will now be treated as the primary version, which can have a significant impact on your visitors ‘ impressions of your brand and site. Mobile first is also important as it reaffirms Google’s commitment to appealing to mobile users.

The broader trend

Google has proven that its vision for the future of mobile is more than just making all sites mobile compatible. In addition to changing how sites are ranked based on their use of mobile features, Google is constantly rolling out new features that favor mobile exclusive functionality. Some include accelerated mobile pages (AMP), which allow users to access content almost instantly when protocols are enabled, and a streaming app that allows users to view content in apps they haven’t even downloaded to their mobile Devices.

It’s clear that Google is building a bold new future for mobile content and mobile users, and the mobile index is another harbinger of these changes in the future.

Recommendations

Fortunately, the mobile first index is not so bold or so disruptive that it will change your SEO strategy in large part if you have already followed best practices for SEO. Instead, I recommend the following measures, precautions, and considerations, most of which are minor:

The mobile first index may not affect your site directly, but it’s important to understand its implications as well as what it means for the search engine giant’s direction and priorities. Keep prioritizing mobile users, and you’ll stay on Google’s side.