Google’s New Mobile Indexing Rule: Is Your Website Ready? ??

Starting July 5, 2024, Google will no longer index websites that are not accessible via mobile devices. This significant update means that if your site doesn't load on mobile, it won't show up in Google search results. ??

We all thought Google’s mobile-first indexing initiative, which began back in 2016, was completed last October. However, Google’s John Mueller has clarified that the process won't be fully completed until after July 5, 2024. Mueller stated, "The small set of sites we’ve still been crawling with desktop Googlebot will be crawled with mobile Googlebot after July 5, 2024." Essentially, the largest part of the web is already being crawled this way, but this final step will make mobile indexing universal.

What Does This Mean for Your Website? ??

If your site isn't accessible on mobile devices, Google will no longer index it, meaning it won't rank in search results. This doesn't mean your site needs to be mobile-friendly, but it must load on mobile devices. Even a desktop-only template will suffice as long as it renders on mobile.

Google has been using the Googlebot Desktop crawler for specific tasks like product listings and Google for Jobs, so you might still see it in your server logs. However, this won’t affect the overall mobile-first indexing strategy.

Why You Should Care ??

For most website owners, this change won’t be an issue. But if you’re an SEO professional, it’s crucial to ensure your client's websites are mobile-accessible. If a site doesn’t load on your Android phone or iPhone, it won't be crawled or indexed by Google post-July 5.

Make sure to test the site’s accessibility using the Google Search Console URL Inspection tool to ensure it renders correctly on mobile devices. This final push for mobile-first indexing is Google's line in the sand – making mobile accessibility a non-negotiable part of your SEO strategy. ??

?? Stay ahead of the curve and ensure your site shines on mobile screens! ?? Don't let this change catch you off guard—take action now to boost your search rankings! #MobileFirst #SEOStrategy #GoogleIndex

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