An increasing number of consumers are using mobile devices to browse the internet and shop online. In order to improve the browsing experience of this growing user base, Google announced that it will add a new mobile-friendly ranking factor to its mobile search algorithm, beginning on April 21.

What to Expect

In just a few short weeks, the new ranking system will evaluate how mobile-friendly your dealership’s website is based on several criteria:

  • Is the text too small?
  • Are links too small/difficult to be easily tapped?
  • Do you have to scroll sideways to view all the page’s content?
  • Are you using software that is not common on mobile devices (Flash)?

All of the above are tell-tale signs that your website is not optimized to be easily viewed on mobile phones. If it is, existing, potential, and returning customers will enjoy navigating your website. If it’s not, well, you may be missing out on valuable website traffic. It’s also important to remember that Google’s new guidelines make up merely one aspect of a broad and effective SEO strategy.

Should I Be Concerned?

Despite the impending deadline, there are a number of things you can do to ensure your website is in Google’s good graces in the weeks before the mobile-friendly shoe drops.

First, you can head over to Google’s mobile-friendly test page and enter in your website’s URL. The test will then analyze and report whether or not your site has a mobile-friendly design.

If your website complies with Google’s new guidelines—congrats! Unfortunately, you’re not done quite yet. Google’s new ranking factor runs in real-time and on a page-by-page-basis—meaning it’s not enough for just your homepage to be mobile friendly.

In this case, it’s all or nothing.

So Now What?

If your website isn’t quite up to snuff, there are a number of options available to you, such as creating a mobile version of your site or revamping your entire site with a more responsive design.

Alternatively, if you’re strapped for time, you can pick and choose which pages to focus on. But bear in mind you could potentially miss out on future traffic.

It’s also worth noting that Google’s guidelines will not only affect your main site, but will apply to all of your marketing partner content as well.

It’s a lot to process, but we’re here to help alleviate some of that pressure. We’re the first to offer responsive automotive-focused email templates that not only adhere to Google’s new mobile-friendly criteria, but that will help take away the extra cost of development during this strenuous process.

For more information, we invite you to explore our wide array of marketing solutions and experience what 3 Birds has to offer by scheduling a demo today.