Did you know Google updated their search engine to favor mobile-friendly websites?

Why? That’s a great question. The answer is simple: searches made on mobile devices like laptops, smartphones and tablets now outnumber searches performed on desktop PCs. As of May 2015, Google confirmed that, “…more Google searches take place on mobile devices than on computers in 10 countries including the US and Japan.” Learn More…

Organic search engines like Google, Bing & Yahoo account for as much as 64% of all website visits, according to estimates from recent industry research. Knowing that, there is not a business online that can afford to ignore the value of organic search engine traffic.

A website needs to be mobile-friendly (aka responsive) if it wants to appear in search results on mobile devices. Most people are now using their preferred mobile devices to browse the web.  Desktop internet browsers are quickly becoming a minority among internet users. Your potential customers are on their mobile devices using Google to try and find you. If you don’t appear in search results for your most relevant keyword targets, they will find your rivals first.

How do you know if you are targeting relevant keywords? Keyword research.

More importantly, when did you last check to see if your website was mobile-friendly? If you haven’t checked, now is a good time. It’s easy. Just pull out your smartphone or tablet and visit your website. Does it work? How does it look? If you can see the site and navigate it easily from your smartphone, you’re in good shape.  Next, try and Google your website from a mobile device. Does the search result list your website as “mobile-friendly?” If not, you might have mobile-friendliness issues with your site. , You can use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to find out more about your site’s mobile-friendliness issues. It shows how Googlebot is seeing your page from a mobile perspective.

Businesses need to take the lead on building mobile-friendly websites. Most of your potential customers are using mobile devices on a daily basis to help them discover information and make purchase decisions. Google’s search helps people find businesses they are looking for;  that could be you or your rivals.

Your customers need to be able to reach your business online. Today’s consumer relationships start digitally, with a great website.  For consumers, a website is no different from a retail store. Location matters.

What better location for your business than your customers’ pocket?

But if visitors dislike your website, they will find an alternative. Once someone gets a bad impression of your business, changing their opinion is tough. The benefits of a mobile-friendly website can have a direct impact on your business’ bottom line. Mobile website receive more traffic from mobile devices. That includes traffic from e-mails and social media, not just search engines. A mobile-friendly website also converts traffic into customers more effectively. When your site is easy to use, customers will use it. Ultimately, a mobile friendly website retains customers by offering a better user experience. It’s as simple as, saying “Check out this website,” and pulling out a smartphone.

“My current website works fine.”

It may today. But mobile devices and the responsive web continue to evolve. This technological evolution directly affects your business. Businesses choose to ignore the value of a mobile-friendly website at their own peril. Your competitors are building mobile friendly websites. Don’t let them get ahead of you; avoid the uphill battle. Your audience uses mobile devices, and a mobile site will be easier for them to find.

Most of all, remember that search engines are systematically disregarding websites that are not mobile friendly. Google deployed their mobile-friendliness update on April 21,2015. You may already be affected.

Like the benevolent Loch Ness Monster, all Bigfoot websites are friendly to people and mobile devices.

Without a mobile-friendly website, your business could become as elusive as Nessie while your rivals reap the rewards.  Mobile device market share has grown to a point where no business can disregard its value. Any business that skips over regular website updates will be deemed archaic and frustrating by today’s consumers.

A Bigfoot website is designed to be mobile-friendly and easy to use for you and your audience. A memorable user experience cultivates a memorable brand identity. Quality content turns your traffic into your audience. Great user experience converts your audience into customers. Let Bigfoot make your business a local legend like Nessie with a mobile-friendly website.