Google has announced a game-changing policy: starting July 5th, 2024, websites that are not accessible on mobile devices will no longer be indexed or ranked. This move solidifies Google’s years-long effort to prioritise the mobile web experience.
The Road to Mobile-First Indexing
Google’s journey towards mobile-first indexing began in 2016, acknowledging the rapidly growing dominance of mobile internet usage. While most of the web has already been crawled with Google’s smartphone user-agent, a small portion remained stuck in the desktop era – until now.
No Mobile Rendering, No Indexing
The message is clear: mobile accessibility is no longer just a suggestion; it’s a mandatory requirement. Google’s John Mueller stated unequivocally, “If your site’s content is not accessible at all with a mobile device, it will no longer be indexable.”
However, responsive desktop designs are still acceptable, as long as they can be accessed on mobile devices. Google’s target is websites with a completely broken mobile experience.
The Mobile-Dominant Web Landscape
Google’s mobile-first stance aligns perfectly with current web usage patterns:
- As of 2022, mobile devices account for 59% of global web traffic
- In the US, 58% of all website visits originate from mobile devices
- User behaviour has significantly shifted towards mobile browsing
Google is simply adapting to the prevailing reality of the modern web. Websites that remain invested in desktop-only architectures will find it challenging to maintain discoverability without a comprehensive mobile upgrade.
Implications for Website Owners
For most website owners with a solid mobile experience already in place, this change shouldn’t cause significant issues. However, for any exceptions, the consequences are severe:
- Non-mobile accessible websites will be completely excluded from Google’s indexes after July 5th, 2024
- This eliminates any chance of ranking or appearing in search results
- Sites must prioritise mobile rendering and accessibility to maintain visibility
Take Action Now
To ensure your website is ready for the mobile-only indexing era, take these steps:
- Test your mobile performance using Google’s URL Inspection tool to identify any issues
- Prioritise mobile rendering and accessibility across your website
- Address any mobile-related problems before they become indexing blockers
Conclusion
Google’s mobile-only indexing deadline marks a significant shift in the web landscape. Website owners must adapt to this new reality or risk being left behind. By prioritizing mobile accessibility and rendering, you can ensure your website remains visible and competitive in the search results.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – start preparing your website for the mobile-only indexing era today. Use Google’s tools to identify and resolve any mobile issues, and stay ahead of the game.
About the author: Michael Masa
Why should you listen to me? With a rich marketing background and a passion for sharing knowledge, I have dedicated the last 9 years of my life to the field. I have worked as Marketing Director and have been instrumental in shaping the marketing strategy of one of Europe’s leading insurers, BAVARIA AG.
Prior to my current role, I spent 12 years as Sales Director, managing a team of 12 dynamic people and applying the latest sales techniques to drive success. This experience allowed me to hone my leadership skills and gain a deep understanding of the sales industry.
I am now at the helm of Dealers League, a marketing agency that not only creates and manages websites for businesses, but also focuses on the importance of effective marketing strategies. Recognising the need for continuous learning in this fast-paced industry, we offer courses on the latest marketing techniques.
My varied experience in sales and marketing gives me a unique insight into how these two crucial areas intersect. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and insights with you through this blog.
