Google's algorithm updates that focus on enhancing mobile optimization for websites are known as Google mobile updates. In 2015, Google introduced mobile-friendliness as a ranking factor for mobile search results.
In a historic move in 2015, Google announced a specific date for an algorithm update, famously known as "mobilegeddon." This update was widely discussed not only in SEO communities and blogs but also gained attention from mainstream media like Forbes.
The term "mobilegeddon," combining "mobile" with "Armageddon," originated in the US online marketing scene to highlight the update's significance. Webmasters worldwide feared a significant drop in rankings for non-mobile-friendly sites, but the impact of the update on rankings was minimal shortly after its implementation on April 21, 2015.
The limited impact was possibly because the update only affected mobile search results. It also drew attention to the importance of mobile optimization.
The primary goal of Google's mobile updates is to enhance the relevance of search results for users. Unlike general algorithm changes affecting all queries, this update focuses solely on mobile search engine results pages (SERPs).
By emphasizing mobile-friendliness, Google aligns with current internet usage trends, as mobile searches surpass desktop queries in many sectors.
The update serves Google's broader objective to maintain high-quality search results. If users find non-optimized sites unsatisfactory, they may shift to other search engines.
Webmasters and businesses that don't adapt their sites for mobile devices risk losing rankings in mobile SERPs. Sites that aren't mobile-friendly may send negative user signals to Google, potentially increasing bounce rates and reducing visit duration.
With the mobile update rollout, webmasters are encouraged to optimize their sites for mobile. Google's recommended approach is responsive design, which adjusts content and layouts to fit any device. Ensuring the correct setting of the viewport tag is crucial in this design.
Another strategy is creating dedicated subdomains for mobile devices, though this requires managing dual versions of the site, affecting elements like canonical tags, rel=alternate, and XML sitemaps.
Different user interactions must be considered for mobile optimization, as touchscreens are used for smartphones, while desktops rely on mouse and keyboard inputs.
Future optimizations might emphasize markups, especially for smartphone use, if voice control becomes more prevalent.