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Why You Need A Responsive Site

Mobile-First Indexing

In November 2016, Google introduced “mobile-first indexing”, which means they will start favouring websites specifically designed for mobile devices. It’s still in beta and it wouldn’t be rolled out to the public for some time, reported by Search Engine Land. If you still haven’t updated your website to be responsive, the time is now. Under this new algorithm, responsive websites will rank better organically than non-responsive. Mobile, unsurprisingly, has finally overtaken desktop traffic.

Number of Global Users (Millions)
Source: https://medium.com/monitisemea/things-to-know-googles-mobile-first-indexing-e541fbcb70f7

My Website Isn’t Responsive, Now What?

Considering mobile-first indexing, what should you do now? To make it simple, it’s better to go with a responsive website. Deciding to go with a mobile website doubles the work for you and Google. Mobile and desktop websites are indexed separately which deliver different experiences. Some features that may be available on the desktop might not be offered on mobile. From Google’s perspective, this means there are two URLs for each page on your website. Going for separate desktop and mobile websites create confusion for returning users as well. If they happen to visit your website on mobile and bookmark it and revisit on desktop, the link will be different and it wouldn’t give the same user experience.

Updating Your Site Responsive vs Desktop & Mobile

Businesses that have opted for separate desktop & mobile websites double the workload. If the desktop website isn’t directly connected to the mobile website, updates have to be done in two places. Desktop websites built on WordPress have the option of using an easy to use a plugin called WPTouch which allows a desktop website to be easily converted to mobile without major compromises. The plugin mainly pulls headings, content, main colours and removes images. A beautifully designed desktop website will look plain with this approach but it’s a handy way to make your website responsive in a pinch.

User Experience is Key

Google specifically recommends responsive websites. Of course, they’ll still allow websites to have a desktop and mobile versions, but Google is future focused. Since technology is always improving, Google may one day prefer only responsive websites. The best way to set yourself up for the future is to thinking ahead and get your website responsive!

Need help with getting your website figured out? Contact the team at Adster Creative today for a website audit!