Whether you’re team iPhone or team Samsung, mobile is definitely making its mark and impact on search. In fact, 82% of mobile users reported spending time browsing the web on their smartphones. Likewise, 1/3 of all Internet searches in 2013 expect to be done on a mobile phone.
In the evolving multi-screen world, mobile SEO matters more and more with each passing day. Browsing and searching on your smartphone offers a different user experience compared to using a computer. Common mobile issues include the smaller screen requiring more scrolling, images not always fitting within the screen, and Internet speeds greatly varying on a smartphone. Optimizing for mobile SEO is similar to traditional SEO in many ways. However, there are a number of different ways to optimize your mobile site for SEO to help improve your mobile SEO visibility.
The Perfect View with Mobile SEO
Your first step to optimizing your mobile site for mobile SEO starts with viewing it with a mobile emulator, such as Mobile Phone Emulator. This tool allows you to see how your site shows up on a smartphone. Double check that your content displays and functions correctly. For many, your mobile site may be the only time a user visits your site. The key to repeat visitors and an overall successful visit starts with creating a memorable and great mobile experience.
Whether the goal is a conversion or a click, speed and convenience remain the main reasons for mobile search. Likewise, mobile search has become a key part of the decision-making process. By optimizing your mobile site with mobile SEO opportunities, your site can be a greater influence in that decision. That being said, your mobile site should be fast loading, regardless of your users’ Internet speed. Google’s recent PageSpeed Beta for Nginx update automatically rewrites your website and its assets to make them faster. Faster loading times factor into your mobile SEO ranking, and can also help improve bounce rates and exit percentages. For a list of mobile best practices, Google provides mobile site recommendations, which is full of details and tips.
Think like A Smartphone User
Take a step back and look at what you site’s current mobile users search for. Understanding what a mobile user wants out of your site may differ greatly from a desktop user. This factor is a mobile SEO opportunity that your site can take immediate advantage of. Google Analytics offers easy access to your mobile site’s current search queries. Also, Google Keywords allows you to search relevant keywords that target a mobile audience. Mobile searches often target keywords that may be more time sensitive and require a sense of urgency. In other words, mobile users want their information now and plan to use it shortly after. By employing mobile SEO strategies, you ensure that your site will be seen among the competition.
Likewise, mobile searches create new opportunities for your business. It may be a new marketing angle or way to position your brand. For instance, a hotel may use mobile search to target last minute travelers or a restaurant may optimize its menu. In addition, check out how your competitors use their mobile sites. This may provide insights into how your business or brand should be targeting mobiles users and help identify new areas for your mobile SEO goals. Using these target mobile SEO keywords across your mobile site’s foundational elements will also help your mobile search engine visibility. Again, these mobile SEO keywords may differ from your desktop counterpart.
In the mobile world, it’s all about convenience. Mobile SEO offers an opportunity to bring your site directly in front of your targeted audience. By taking advantage of mobile SEO strategies, your site’s search engine prominence will reap the benefits.