Since Google switched to mobile-first indexing for all websites from September 2020, it's more crucial than ever to ensure your site is optimised for mobile devices. Join us as we explore the latest insights, best practices, and essential strategies to maintain strong visibility when it comes to Google algorithm mobile and search results. This blog will include the following...
- What is mobile-first indexing?
- Why should we care about mobile-first indexing?
- The latest mobile indexing updates to date
- The top 5 ways to optimise your website for mobile-indexing
- Mobile-first indexing FAQs
What is mobile-first indexing?
Put simply, mobile-first indexing means Google prioritises the mobile version of a website's content when indexing and ranking. This means that the mobile version is the primary source for search results, even if a user is searching from a desktop device.
Why should we care about mobile-first indexing?
In 2021, Statista found that, mobile phones generated 54.25% of web traffic, while desktops accounted for 42.9%. But by 2024, smartinsights, reported that mobile devices accounted for 58% of searches, while desktop searches declined to 40%.
With mobile devices contributing the majority of the market share, it's no wonder that mobile-first indexing is a hot topic right now, one that you need to pay close attention to.
The latest mobile indexing updates to date
Google is always making changes including the way mobile-first indexing works, here are the updates Google has made and factors to consider when optimising your website which will inform how you optimise your website:
- Full mobile-first indexing: Google has completely transitioned to mobile-first indexing, meaning desktop-only sites face significant visibility challenges.
- Page experience signals: Core Web Vitals remain a critical ranking factor, with emphasis on mobile performance metrics like Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS).
- AI powered search enhancements: Google's AI capabilities, such as Multitask Unified Model (MUM), prioritise mobile-friendly and well-structured content.
- Continuous scrolling in mobile SERPs: Google’s search results now support infinite scrolling on mobile, affecting click-through rates (CTR) and visibility.
- Structured data optimisation: Rich snippets and schema markup for mobile pages play an even more significant role in enhancing search visibility.
Top 5 ways to optimise your website for mobile-indexing
- Use a mobile-friendly design
- Use a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes
- Avoid intrusive pop-ups and interstitials
- Implement a mobile-friendly navigation structure
- Optimise page speed and core web vitals
- Compress images and enable lazy loading
- Minimise JavaScript and CSS that may slow down mobile performance
- Utilise a Content Delivery Network (CDN) for faster content delivery
- Maintain consistency between mobile and desktop content
- Ensure mobile and desktop versions of your site contain the same primary content
- Use the same structured data and metadata for both versions
- Ensure internal linking is intact on mobile pages
- Optimise for voice search and AI search algorithms
- Use conversational and long-tail keywords
- Implement FAQ schema markup to increase chances of appearing in voice search results
- Structure content using headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs for better readability
- Monitor and improve mobile usability
- Regularly check Google Search Console for mobile usability issues
- Continuously update content for relevancy and mobile-first indexing standards
That's everything you need to know about mobile-first indexing...
With mobile-first indexing now the norm, optimising your site for mobile devices is essential. At Rawww, we can help you implement these best practices and ensure your website remains competitive, whilst continuing to rank well.
Is your website mobile-first? If you need support with your SEO optimisation, get in touch with us to make your initial enquiry and discover our creative SEO services.
Mobile-first indexing FAQs
When did mobile-first indexing start?
Mobile-first indexing first came around in 2018, when Google started prioritising the mobile version of websites for ranking and indexing. This shift reflected the increasing use of mobile devices for internet browsing and aimed to deliver better search results for mobile users.
What role does responsive design play in optimising for mobile-first indexing?
Responsive design ensures that your website adapts seamlessly to various screen sizes and devices, providing an optimal user experience. Since Google uses the mobile version of sites for indexing, having a responsive design is essential to ensure your content is accessible and user-friendly on all devices, thereby improving your site's ranking.
Why is content optimisation crucial for mobile SEO in 2025?
Content optimisation is crucial because it ensures that your website's information is accessible, engaging, and valuable to users on mobile devices. This includes using concise language, bullet points, and easily navigable layouts. Optimised content enhances user experience, reduces bounce rates, and increases the likelihood of higher rankings in search engine results.
How can I use structured data to enhance my SEO mobile-first indexing?
Implementing structured data, such as schema markup, helps search engines understand your website's content better, leading to enhanced search result listings like rich snippets. This can improve click-through rates and make your site more visible to users, enhancing your mobile SEO efforts.
