When Google Webmaster blog recommends changes to your website, this is normally a big hint that recommendation will be included in future algorithm changes.  When they announce the actual date the “ranking signal” or algorithm will go into affect, you better believe they mean business.

Google announced last week they will be making mobile-friendly websites more visible in their mobile search results on April 21st.  This is their second official mobile-friendly search results blog post in the last few months.  This is no doubt because Google wants to give their mobile searchers websites they can view and navigated once their click on the results.

Last year it was confirmed mobile usage had surpassed traditional desktop usage.  ComScore released data in July of 2014 confirming mobile had more users than desktop.

Here are some mobile devise adoption and usage statistics:

  • 60% of Internet access is mobile
  • 90% of adults in the U.S. have a cell phone
  • Of that 90% of cell phone owners, 58% have a smartphone
  • 32% of adults in the U.S. own an e-reader
  • 42% of adults in the U.S. own a tablet computer

The data clearly shows the mobile phone, tablets, and e-readers are taking over web searches.  As a business, this is something you cannot ignore.  Just as the Internet took over the phone book years ago, you must make sure you’re positioned well to have a competitive advantage over your competitors who are just marketing to the desktop users.

Responsive Websites For Changing Technology

The best choice now are responsive websites.  Not only have mobile devices gained considerable usage share, smart TVs are up next.  A responsive website is adaptive and adjusts its proportions to the size of the screen on which it is viewed.  Your business’s website must now fit a hand-held smart phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, and any size television screen made.

The good news is that there are many options for these types of websites.  Whether you are on a shoestring budget, or have corporate funding, there is a solution for you.

  • Subscription Website

    You can create your own brochure website with companies like SquareSpace for a monthly/yearly fee.  These sites are great when you are starting a local business.  SquareSpace has made their websites responsive and SEO-friendly.  They have even given you access to allow companies like Webtyde Internet Marketing to optimize this website so you can begin your search engine marketing campaign immediately.  Just two years ago this was not optional.  The down side is that you don’t own the website or the designs.

  • CMS Template

    Many CMS systems, like WordPress or Joomla, have templates you can purchase that are mostly pre-designed and require minimal customization.  This allows you to have a blog, add functionality to your site, and expand it as needed.  This is the next step up to a robust responsive website presence.  You own all the code and designs that you create with this option, and it is expandable.  The down side is you need to make sure you have a good website developer that can customize the code properly to make sure it is SEO-friendly.

  • Custom CMS Design

    If you want a unique design that communicates your unique brand, you will want professional graphic designers to help create a custom design for your WordPress or Joomla responsive website.  This option is loaded with advanced SEO, professional copywriting,  and conversion-focused user experience with an aggressive search engine marketing campaign for local or national visibility.  The down side is this option is the most expensive.

Regardless what you choose, it must be done in the next month if it isn’t already.  Call us today and we will be happy to guide you through the decision making process.