Welcome to the digital age, where your business's online presence can make or break your success. If you're a local business owner or in the SEO game, you might have felt the tremors of Google's mobile-first index rollout. But did it really shake things up? We surveyed 400 local business owners and SEO pros to dig into the impact. Here’s what we found out.
Key Findings
First off, let’s lay down the basics:
63% of local business websites were mobile-ready before the mobile-first index went live.
14% are still lagging, lacking mobile optimization, while another 13% are in a state of uncertainty.
A promising 22% saw a ranking boost post-rollout, but 14% experienced drops.
42% of respondents faced challenges optimizing their sites for mobile.
As Google has been hinting at mobile-first indexing since 2016, this shouldn't have come as a shock to anyone. Yet here we are, and it’s clear some businesses are still catching up.
Are Your Sites Optimized for Mobile?
When we asked our respondents if their sites were mobile-optimized, 63% said they were good to go before the switch. An additional 10% made the changes once they heard the news. Yet, there remains a segment—14%—who are still clinging to their desktop-only designs, and 13% unsure about their mobile readiness.
As John Mueller of Google famously stated, “Nope. The world has gone mobile already; we’re just catching up.” So if you're unsure about your site's mobile status, check out Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test. It’s a quick way to gauge if your pages are ready to impress on the small screen.
How Have Rankings Changed?
What about the big question—how have rankings shifted?
22% reported improved rankings.
14% saw a decline.
22% experienced no change.
43% were scratching their heads, unsure of any ranking shifts.
It’s tricky to pinpoint exact causes behind ranking fluctuations, especially in the chaotic digital landscape. But if you want to keep tabs on your standings, consider signing up for a free BrightLocal trial.
What we do know is that businesses not prioritizing mobile optimization are risking their visibility. The respondents who reported either increases or stable rankings are likely those adhering to Google’s guidelines.
What’s Holding You Back?
Despite the clear need for mobile optimization, challenges persist:
42% faced hurdles optimizing their sites.
10% weren’t even aware they needed to get mobile-friendly.
13% said budget constraints were a barrier.
Interestingly, 15% didn’t know where to start. If that’s you, don’t sweat it. Google offers a wealth of best practices to kickstart your optimization journey. And if you’re still unsure, experts like Jamie Pitman are always sharing top-notch tips to guide you.
Financial constraints are real, but investing in mobile optimization is crucial. Remember, 27% of consumers are on the hunt for local businesses online daily, and you want to be visible when they’re searching!
A staggering 10% admitted they didn’t think mobile optimization was necessary. Let's be clear: Google prioritizes user-friendly sites in rankings, whether the results are viewed on a mobile or desktop. So, do you really want to take that chance?
The Biggest Challenges with Mobile Optimization
From the feedback we gathered, some common challenges include:
"Getting clients to realize responsive websites need to look good on all devices, not just a desktop."
"Explaining why these changes are important to our clients."
"Getting clients to prioritize this with respect to other matters within the greater marketing budget."
"Achieving a good site speed on mobile."
"Clients not wanting to spend money on site redesign."
Despite the initial fears surrounding the mobile-first index, many local businesses still seem a bit confused. If you’ve felt the effects, drop a comment below and let’s chat!
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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