Today, more people are using their mobile devices to browse the web than their desktop computers. Google has already caught up with the trend and has recently released a new Mobile First Index. The search giant will start to rank its results based on the mobile version of the content. In other words, Google will favor mobile site as opposed to desktop ones.

It should go without saying that if you want to remain relevant in this mobile-first world, you need to make your website mobile-friendly. But, where do you start?

Here are a few tips to get you prepared.

1. Make Your Website Responsive

First of all, don’t create one version of your site for mobile devices and one for desktop computers. You need to have one unified website that will look and work well on any device, regardless of the screen size.

If you’re still not there with your website, hurry up and fix it!

2. Work on Your Website’s Load Time

Users nowadays expect to have the same on-site experience on their mobile devices as they do on their computers and laptops. If a page takes more than three seconds to load, they will bounce.

The page load time is one of the factors Google uses to rank sites in its search engine results, so you better give up on all the bells and whistles and prioritize functionality over aesthetics. Users will appreciate more if they can navigate your site with ease than all the plugins and scripts you’ve installed.

So, run a quick test and solve any issues you may have.

3. Take the Mobile-Friendly Test

If you’re not sure whether your website complies with Google’s guidelines, then you should take the Mobile-Friendly Test.

All you have to do is enter your URL and then wait a few moments for an assessment that tells you how well your web page performs on mobile devices. The tool will show you how your page looks like on a small screen device and will list the problems it found.

4. Use Semantic SEO, Rather than Individual Keywords

In the past, all you had to do was find the right keywords and use them heavily across your content to ensure your site gets picked up by web crawlers.

But, starting with the Hummingbird update of 2013, Google introduced a new way of generating results, known as semantic search. Semantic search meant that Google started to pay more attention to the context in which a search was being performed rather than to individual keywords.

If you want to keep pace with the Mobile First Index, then you should focus your content around micro-moments and think about the context in which prospects are more likely to look for information related to your business.

5. Upgrade Your Local SEO

Search results based on location will become the norm, so make sure you are out there for the world to see. If someone’s looking for something you’re offering and you’re located within their range (especially if you have a brick and mortar business), then you better make sure you show up in SERPs.

List your website both on Google and other search engines and make sure you have pictures and reviews prospects can see.

Technology is moving faster and faster and so should you, if you want to stay in the game. If there’s one thing you can do right now for your business, it’s working on improving your mobile SEO.

However, we know how hard it can be to keep pace with all the changes. So, if you need help keeping your site in Google’s graces, then don’t hesitate to call Sprout Media Lab at (800) 617-6795 for a free consultation.