Google's New Algorithm

[davehurst]

Hi,
I understand Google will, as of April 21st 2015 implement new search engine criteria regarding websites being Mobile Friendly (cell phones). Has anyone got any input as to what is needed to avoid bad rankings?. I just tested my website on https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly/ with the following problems highlighted.


Text size too small to read
Mobile viewport not set
Links too close together
Content wider than screen.

I'm very unsure what i need to do next. I made the links further apart and the text bigger but i still get the same results.

Any help would be great.

[davehurst]

Re: Mobile friendly website and Google

Text size seems to be a minimum of 20. Got that bit sorted.

[Vasili]

Re: Mobile friendly website and Google

The new algorithm simply (1) opens new standards regarding "responsive" formats (those web pages that "re-size" according to the device) and how they are read and rated (by the Search Engines) without ignoring earlier Standards of proper design (Relevance, Build, and optimization - including H-Metadata being now required rather than optional even on 'abbreviated' Textual Content that is included in responsive themes), and (2) greater definitions and ability to include developed Metadata on video and audio files than before.

The new 'Mobile Criteria' simply is means to apply the same principles of proper development of "static" websites to the growing use of Responsive themes that are trying to do the end-run around applying the same stringent standards the rest of us have been dealing with all along (building cogent Relevancy, optimizing without exaggeration or use of Black Hat, and presenting Content, Images, and media files that have been properly prepared within obvious Relevance). Of course, in applying greater methodology upon sites that now encompasses Mobile/Responsive means that the same litmus will be increasingly applied to Static sites, and thus the aspect of whether or not Static sites pass the same muster in comparative compliance (meaning Static sites are now being evaluated on the degree to which they are similar to optimal Mobile viewability -- the "lowest" common denominator).

* The new algorithm was originally prompted by the complaints of media files being inconsequential with regard to metadata valuation, and the persistent false valuation of PHP sites, in particular Blogs Like Wordpress that were all beginning to promote responsive Themes and applications of the VERTEX framework (which was originally promoted as a "drag and drop" Wordpress "pagemaker tool" for consumers only later to discover it also had the ability to "order" the display of page modules within a responsive organization, allowing Webmasters to select in what order Visitors would see Content in a single column as an App would present) that were being exploited to minimize the need for developing an App simply for optimal viewability. Thus, the new Algorithm applies the same Standards (Relevancy, Content Optimization, etc.) to not just static websites, but now also to the Responsive formats that have become the "preferred" format for websites overall (in lieu of website having a Mobile Detect and Direct script that seamlessly forwards those visitors to a 'compliant' MOBI site).

There is no need to over-react or to freak out .... your static site will not be "de-valued" from where it was previously Ranked --- it is just a "heads-up" that the site is not 100% universally viewable -- according to Google's definition of "universal" and "optimal". And, it is not completely the most compelling justification to re-design your site to a Responsive formatting .... there is no agreement that the majority of Users are viewing websites exclusively on cell phones (not all phones are SmartPhones with advanced dynamic displays, remember). In fact, the growing use of 5-7" Smartphones and Tablets that both render web pages in acceptable real-time views project that although there is continued advisement that sites should be 'scaled' for better rendition to reduce scrolling and enlargement, cell phones will still be the minority device (and view) that need addressing by website owners in lieu of developing an App.

The parameters for universal Mobile views have always remained the same, and can be reviewed HERE. Apply them if you wish, switch to a responsive Theme, or simply "clean up" your site in a manner you deem appropriate.
No matter how you choose to respond, the new algorithm simply remains a "suggestion" tool, as in advising of the optimal, boiler-plate view as a convenience to Users, not as a demand or compliance issue: Just that the 10-25% of Viewers may have to use enlargement and scrolling to fully appreciate your site ...


For most, opting to "comply" by adding a seamless functionality via creating a MOBI site (as described in this thread) will still prove an easier and cheaper solution than: A) trying to re-design an already robust and Content-laden static website, only to end up with a ridiculous layout; B) migrating to a fully Responsive-themed CMS (like Wordpress, Joomla, Drupal, or Mambo); C) creating a new Responsive site (in HTML5, ASPX, etc.); or D) independently funding, creating, and distributing a custom APP (rather than subscribing to a inferior - and expensive - online APP creation tool and hosting service).

[davehurst]

Re: Mobile friendly website and Google

Hi Vasili,
Are you simply saying there is a lot of scaremongering going on and we have nothing to worry about? and do we now get 2 different search engine results, one for a desktop site and another for a mobile site ? .

[Vasili]

Re: Mobile friendly website and Google

Above, I simply defined the algorithm in easy-to-understand terms. You are free to do whatever you want to do, based on whatever interpretation you choose to believe.

1. There are a lot of "Web Design" companies totally exploiting the implementation of the newer algorithm metrics by spreading innuendo and by using "fear intimidation" in order to gain new business, but that is beyond the control of either Google or myself. The Bottom Line IS that sites will not be "devalued" but that other "responsive' and/or 'compliant' sites may be awarded increased value, thus appearing elevated in Rank compared to sites that have not changed values, giving the adding to the appearance of "devaluation" of those sites that remain unchanged. A real "half glass full or half empty" kind of thing ...

2. One Domain = One SE Rank ... always ... and now with the added aspect of viewability.

In your case, however, there is a "hidden element" in that your site is a ".com" but with 100% of your Relevance dedicated around a UK-only audience: thus, your ".com" Global SE Valuation will fare much poorer than were it simply a ".co.uk" Domain that competes with strictly Local Hub Domains.
You might be more concerned with the overall aspects of the new algorithm in this regard, in order to demonstrate a greater cogence and compliance in order to score more on par with the greater ".com" sphere ... even though your Content is Relevant for a smaller overall audience.

For most, opting to "comply" by adding a seamless functionality via creating a MOBI site (as described in this thread) will still prove an easier and cheaper solution than: A) trying to re-design an already robust and Content-laden static website, only to end up with a ridiculous layout; B) migrating to a fully Responsive-themed CMS (like Wordpress, Joomla, Drupal, or Mambo); C) creating a new Responsive site (in HTML5, ASPX, etc.); or D) independently funding, creating, and distributing a custom APP (rather than subscribing to a inferior - and expensive - online APP creation tool and hosting service).