On April 21st, 2015, Google updated their mobile website ranking algorithms to favor websites that are mobile friendly. That means that your business’ website is easy to view and use on a smartphone. The algorithm only affects searches conducted on smartphones. It does not affect search result rankings on either personal computers or other mobile devices.
Is It Really a Concern for Home Improvement Lead Generation?
In the long run, yes. Short term, probably not so much. However, the generic problem with long-term concerns of any kind is putting them on a back burner and leaving there until they become short-term (as in “emergency”) concerns. To that extent, it is, indeed, important to understand that, as time passes, left unaddressed, mobile friendliness may become a major problem for businesses hoping to be more visible for lead generation.
No one can predict exactly when mobile will reach the tipping point at which its use for searching for home improvement businesses will effectively out strip the use of PCs. The important matter right now is to understand that the move to the predominant use of mobile is trending steadily, if not rapidly upward.
Do You Wait Until It Rains To Buy an Umbrella?
Some people do. The reason they do is because they failed to prepare for what they should have known was inevitable, if not imminent. The point is that it appears inevitable that mobile will become the dominant search engine tool. Just like it will rain. Maybe not today, but it will inevitably rain sometime.
The Immediate Need Is To Prepare.
Preparation includes situational assessment. Assessment asks and answers the following questions at a minimum.
- How much is my business being affected right now?
- How long will it be before I should expect it to begin to affect my business?
- What will I have to get done before my business is affected?
- What steps will I have to take to get from where I am to where I will need to be?
Think of becoming mobile friendly like planning a trip.
- This is where I am.
- How long will it take me to get where I am going?
- What should I pack?
- Which route should I take?
At this point in time, for the purpose of home improvement lead generation, you’ve got time to take the scenic route and be able to enjoy the trip.
Tip: Start by checking Google’s Webmaster Tools. It’s free, and it will tell you where you really stand.
Don’t Ignore the Inevitable
If your competitors prepare, your business will be lost in mobile searches. If you prepare and they don’t, you can be right up at the front of the pack.
Don’t forget that, until further notice, content is still king. The businesses with the most compelling content in each category will still be at the top, even in mobile searches. Google gives preference to mobile-friendliness, but content is still the top priority. Keyword Connects specializes in keeping home improvement businesses abreast of important trends and in generating quality leads for your business. We’ve got the expertise and the tools to help you while you focus on your business. Don’t fret about the internet. Contact us. We’ll be glad to help.
