New Search Index Will Be Launched In Months
Nearly 60% of all Google searches originate on a mobile device, and that number is expected to continue to 
increase quickly. Will the desktop computer go the way of the dinosaur? Probably not – most corporate offices still depend heavily on desktops. But Google Search is adapting by preparing to split its search function in two: one mobile, one desktop. And the mobile will be better.
Recently, Google announced it will be releasing a separate mobile index within a few months. The mobile search will become Google’s primary index, putting those on desktop behind the times. In other words, Google will be keeping the mobile search up-to-date while the desktop version may lag a few hours, days or more.
Of course, Google has not announced all the details, but several industry publications have outlined the expected changes. Questions about how mobile algorithms will prioritize mobile-ready content remain open, as do issues surrounding the scaled-down version that many companies use for their mobile sites. Will that help or hurt SEO?
Back in April, Google announced that websites that did not have a mobile version would be penalized in the search rankings. That now seems to be the first step of many leading to the mobile search index change.
Earlier this year, the company also launched Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) that are designed to load more quickly on a mobile device. You’ll know if the page is AMP’d up if you see a green lightning bold in the search results. Will those pages get a boost in ranking? Most likely.
Page Loading Speed Is Crucial
Page loading speed is critical on mobile devices. In fact, according to Kissmetrics, 40% of web users will bail out if it takes more than three seconds for a page to load. Three seconds. Advertising on AMP pages have to be simpler, attractive, and must be secure (use HTTPS). And, there is evidence, according to Google, that running ads on AMP pages will increase results. For example, the research noted Slate saw a 44% lift in monthly unique visitors and Gizmodo saw an 80% increase in traffic.
We will probably see more information about the new mobile search index on Google soon, but now is the best time to begin preparing. If you don’t have a mobile version of your website, don’t wait any longer. Give Deppe Communications a call, or Email us, and we’ll help you get started.