On 21 April 2015, Google implemented a “Mobile Update” that has a significant impact on search results on mobile devices. A mobile-optimized page is thus a prerequisite for successful website and search engine optimization (SEO).
If your website is not optimized for mobile devices (not “responsive”), you now have to expect fewer visits to your site via Google searches from smartphone users. As more and more people visit websites via mobile devices, this is a competitive disadvantage that should not be taken lightly.
Guidelines for mobile friendliness
The following aspects of the website are crucial for its mobile-friendliness:
- Software:
Does the website use software that is not usually installed on mobile devices (e.g. Adobe Flash)? - Text size:
Is the text readable in mobile view without having to zoom in? - Web page size:
Does the width of the webpage fit the screen or do you have to scroll left and right to see all the content? - Links:
Are links positioned at a sufficient distance from each other so that one does not unintentionally click on the wrong link on the touchscreen?
Checking the mobile-friendliness of a website
Here’s how to find out how mobile-friendly your website is:
1. Google search on a mobile device
Search for your own website on a mobile device (smartphone or tablet). Does the grey “For mobile devices” notice appear in the search results?
- YES: A first indication that your site is optimized for mobile devices.
- NO: An indication that your site is not optimized for mobile devices.
2. Quick Google test
Google provides a clear analysis tool with the optimization test for mobile devices. All you have to do is enter the URL of your website and within a few seconds you will receive an analysis of the most important parameters for mobile-friendliness.
3. detailed analysis: Google PageSpeed Insights
If you want to know even more, use PageSpeed Insights, which is also provided directly by Google.
Here, too, you only have to enter a URL and you will receive a detailed analysis – both for the mobile view and for the desktop view of your website. In addition to tips for improving the loading time, you will receive concrete suggestions for optimizing mobile-friendliness.