Google: We're Experimenting With Mobile-Friendly Ranking Factors

Nov 19, 2014 - 8:59 am 14 by
Filed Under Google Updates

mobile seo iconA single line added to Google's announcement about their mobile-friendly labels rolling out to mobile searchers said that Google is experimenting with using mobile-friendly criteria in their ranking algorithms.

Google wrote:

We are also experimenting with using the mobile-friendly criteria as a ranking signal.

What does that mean? Only Google knows for sure. But we do know Google already has a mobile ranking demotion for the mobile search results. Google may currently demote a site that is not mobile friendly or is misconfigured when it comes to being mobile friendly.

This new experiment, I'd assume, is more about looking at the user experience around your mobile site. Stuff I said was coming in early October.

Google has come out with a new mobile friendly test application that will clearly show you what UX features they are looking at around your site. Plus their mobile usability report within Google Webmaster Tools. Look at those two tools and score well on them, that is what, in my opinion, this ranking experiment is all about. If you pass, you probably get promoted. If you fail, you probably don't rank as high.

Which Factors Would Be Included In This New Google Mobile Ranking Signal

The factors around this likely include some, all or more then what I list here:

  • Flash not supported
  • A defined viewing area (or viewport) that adjusts to the device’s screen size.
  • Content that flows in the viewport, so that users don’t have to scroll horizontally or pinch the screen in order to see the entire page.
  • Fonts that scale for easier reading on small screens.
  • Links are too close together
  • Easy-to-touch elements (e.g., buttons) that are well-spaced from other touch elements.
  • Visual design and motion driven by mobile-friendly technology.

Will it be released? I honestly think so. How soon? I have no idea.

Forum discussion at Google+ and WebmasterWorld.

Image credit to BigStockPhoto for mobile seo icon

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Follow

Search Video Recaps

 
Google Core Update Rumbling, Manual Actions FAQs, Core Web Vitals Updates, AI, Bing, Ads & More - YouTube
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Google Updates

Google Urges Patience As The March 2024 Core Update Continues To Rollout

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:51 am
Google

Official: Google Replaces Perspective Filter With Forums Filter

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:41 am
Google Maps

Google Business Profiles Now Offers Additional Review After Appeal Is Denied

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:31 am
Google Maps

EU Searchers Complaining About Google Maps Features Changes Related To DMA

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:21 am
Google

Google Showing Fewer Sitelinks Within Search

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:11 am
Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: March 15, 2024

Mar 15, 2024 - 4:00 pm
Previous Story: Google: Your Site Didn't Recover From Penguin Maybe Because...