Thanks to the way that mobile technology has evolved in recent years, more people are using handheld devices to conduct searches than ever before. Smartphones and tablets bring unprecedented convenience to the lives of ordinary people, and they allow individuals to absorb information wherever they are.
That said, mobile technology has changed the way that search engines work. As such, it’s important for businesses to embrace these changes and adapt their SEO marketing strategies so that they align with the behaviors and preferences of mobile users.
What is Mobile SEO?
The term “mobile SEO” describes a type of search engine optimization, but instead of optimizing for desktop and laptop computers, special attention is paid to improve the viewing experience and site interactions on smart devices (phones and tablets, for example). Because so many users are viewing content via a portable smart device, business owners are now more interested than ever before in designing sites with stellar mobile SEO.
Over half of internet users choose to browse on portable devices, and while it may not seem like a significant difference between SEO types, the mobile-friendliness of a site is highly important for business owners who want to improve site interactions for all of their visitors.
What Separates Mobile SEO from Standard SEO?
To understand the difference between mobile SEO and standard SEO, business owners must first acknowledge the main difference between the two types of devices: size. What makes smartphones and tablets more portable than laptops and desktops are their compact sizes. A smaller size means a smaller screen, and with a smaller screen, content that is not optimized for mobile-viewing might appear bulky and disorganized on a small screen.
Additionally, browsing behaviors differ from one device to another. While desktop and laptop users tend to spend more time browsing through search results to find the information they’re interested in, mobile users are looking for fast, conveniently-placed information. This means that formats and page layouts for mobile users need to be organized in a way that offers the user all the information they need quick and easy.
Due to operating on a small device with smaller screens and controls, mobile users do not want to feel like they’re wasting their time having to constantly adjust their screens and renew searches to better narrow down the information they want to absorb. That said, mobile SEO marketing requires a more precise approach compared to standard SEO practices.
Mobile SEO Tips
Because mobile SEO works differently than standard SEO, mobile SEO marketing requires a different approach if business owners want to keep their pages properly optimized.
Mobile SEO Format
For one, content formats for mobile devices should be crawlable so that users can quickly scroll to the information they want.
Voice Search Optimization
Also, many mobile users are taking advantage of the hands-free benefits of voice searching, so it’s important to consider the way that people speak when it comes to optimizing mobile content. Pay attention to meta titles, being that they’re short, and ensure that they align with terms that mobile users are likely to search for.
Site Performance
Site performance is another key factor when it comes to mobile SEO marketing. Mobile users want their information fast and will likely be less patient than desktop users when sites do not load as quickly as they need. Consider using an Accelerated Mobile Page (AMP) service so that mobile content loads quickly and mobile pages operate just as fast as desktop pages.
Local Optimization
To really drive mobile SEO forward, try optimizing for your locality. Because mobile devices are so portable, users tend to conduct searches when they’re on the move. If they’re seeking out a service that you provide, they are likely in your area, and they’re looking for a place nearby to frequent.
Avoid Pop-Ups
Pop-up ads can be difficult to navigate through for mobile users, especially when they take up the entire screen and cannot be closed easily. Rather than clicking on the ad, mobile users are more likely to navigate away from the site and search for a page that’s less of a hassle to view. Either avoid using pop-up ads for mobile pages altogether, or make sure your ads are very easy to close.
Mobile SEO marketing is not necessarily a simple process to learn, but by following industry tips and practices, business owners can help improve their sites’ performances to make them more appealing to mobile users.
If your company is struggling to implement mobile SEO strategies that work, feel free to reach out to us anytime. We can help optimize your sites for mobile and desktop users alike so that no matter how individuals are searching for your content, they’re able to view and interact with it as conveniently as possible.