Mobile First is a new form of indexing by Google which will base its rankings on the mobile version, instead of the desktop version as it was until today.
This new change will bring changes in the positioning for the different websites that do not have a responsive version, or for the mobile versions that do not show all the content that is in the desktop version.
In short, with Mobile First, Google is responding to the new trend of using smart phones and evaluating search results exclusively based on the information found in the mobile version of a website.
Mobile First Indexing: all you need to know
Google has implemented this new form of indexing, since currently more than half of the searches are made from mobile devices, so the new ranking will be more adapted to this type of device.
The Mobile First indexation will take place in March 2021. By this time, the Internter giant will have changed all its web pages from desktop to mobile indexing.
We should be aware that every new web page launched after July 2019 will automatically switch to mobile-first indexing. A well thought-out mobile-optimized website could generate a significant increase in organic visibility.
A 2019 study reveals that “only 13% of websites achieve the same position on all devices,” showing the importance of getting your site’s mobile experience and search engine compatibility right.
Changes that can be caused by Mobile First Index
Those web pages that do not have a responsive site or a mobile version, may disappear from Google’s indexes; since the search engine will choose to promote the websites with mobile versions.
Websites that have a less complete mobile version, or that show less content than the desktop version, may lose positions.
Websites with a completely responsive design do not have to worry, since Google will be able to perfectly index their content. They can even gain some position ahead of those that meet one of the first two cases.
Tips to keep in mind
Robot meta-tags in the mobile version
The same robot meta tags should be used in the mobile version as in the desktop version. If a different version is used on the mobile version (such as noindex or nofollow), Google may not index or follow links on the page when your site is enabled for mobile indexing first.
There is only one index
One of the most common misconceptions related to mobile indexing announced in 2016 was that Google handles two indexes, one mobile and one desktop.
But there is only one index, and mobile-first indexing is related to the Googlebot that crawls and indexes the web, not to the index of websites that Google manages.
The loading speed
Slow page speed can negatively affect the bounce rate, the time users spend on the website, and the conversion rate. If the loading times of such a website are improved, this can have a positive impact on a wide number of areas.
The same experience on both mobile and desktop devices
Google warns that a website must provide the same experience on the mobile and desktop, which is especially important when it comes to content.
There are more variables to consider than content, such as structured data, metadata, meta-robot tags, location of various ads, images and videos.
The website must be user-friendly
To be an SEO friendly website must have certain technical characteristics, related both to the ‘receiving code to which it is made, therefore, to the time when the design, it is important to consider some points, which are useful in getting the most benefits possible when it is online.