Changes to Google Search Algorithm Could Hurt Your Business

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - April 2, 2015 - PRLog -- Small business and franchise owners must have mobile-friendly websites before April 21 or risk drop in traffic from search engine results, Kansas City-based SEO firm Turn The Page Online Marketing warns.

The recommendation comes after Google announced an impending change to its algorithm which will impact how websites rank.

While mobile usability has been one of Google’s ranking factors previously, it will be a stronger ranking signal in the new rollout, issued in response to a steady increase in mobile usage over the years. Websites that are mobile-friendly will be ranked over non-mobile-friendly websites. Notably, Zineb Ait Bahajji of Google’s Webmaster Trends team stated that the April 21 algorithm updates will be more impactful in terms of search engine results than Penguin or Panda, the two largest and impactful search algorithm changes to date.

Turn The Page Online Marketing CEO Rob Rance says "’Starting April 21, Google will be expanding the use of mobile-friendliness as a ranking signal. This change will affect mobile searches in all languages worldwide and will have a significant impact in Google search results.’ That's what Google announced on February 26th, 2015.  It is extremely rare for Google to be so clear with it's intentions.  It would be pure folly for any business to ignore such a clear warning of a negative impact on their business.”

As Google expands the degree to which it uses mobile-usability as a ranking factor, businesses cannot ignore the impact that mobile search has on converting searchers to customers.

A 2014 Local Search Study found that 78% of local-mobile searches converted to offline purchases; data from Google shows that 50% of mobile users visit stores after conducting a local search.

Turn The Page Online Marketing strongly suggests that businesses act quickly to prevent a drop-off in web traffic due to lack of mobile-friendliness. Not only is mobile responsive design crucial for search engine rankings, more importantly, it is key for ensuring a positive user experience, thus increasing conversions and results.

Mr. Rance from Turn The Page added “Mobile users surpassed desktop users worldwide in 2014.  61% of Americans are estimated to own a smartphone and around 50% of mobile searches end in a purchase (Rocket Post (http://rocketpost.com/blog/33-captivating-statistics-that...)). If you own a business and your online presence is not mobile be ready for the cash register to start looking lean.”

To ensure they are equipped for Google’s upcoming algorithm change business should verify if their website is built for mobile usage with Google’s own mobile-friendly Webmaster tool (https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly/). If the website is deemed not-mobile-friendly, owners must make efforts to adapt their websites before April 21.

Turn The Page Online Marketing specializes in responsive website design, including custom websites, website refreshes, and Ready-to-Go websites for businesses in need of expedited development timelines. For more service-related information or to learn more about responsive web design, visit http://turnthepage-onlinemarketing.com/ or call (816) 527-8371 today.