Today, April 21, 2015, Google is releasing an update that will impact how websites are ranked in mobile search results. This mobile-friendly update is anticipated to have such far-reaching effects that a few industry professionals are referring to it as "mobilegeddon"".

There is a possibility that the April 21st Google update could be a big deal for your organization. Depending on how much traffic your business receives from mobile search, this update could actually impact your bottom line. The April 21st update will use a page-by-page analysis to conclude whether your site is mobile-friendly or not.

Thankfully, Google has provided a mobile-friendly test you can use to determine whether your site is mobile-friendly. (NOTE: The test only checks a single page at a time, so in order to check your entire site, you would need to test each individual URL.)

If your website isn't mobile-friendly, don't panic! There is still time to get your website mobile ready without having to rush. Keep reading for a quick overview of what you need to know – or give us a call at 479 202 8634 and we can review your mobile strategy right now.

1) The Update Will Impact Mobile Search Results Only.

Pages that are mobile-friendly will experience a boost in mobile search rankings. On the other hand, non-mobile-friendly pages will lose visibility in mobile searches, potentially missing out on high-converting mobile traffic. Desktop rankings, however, will not be affected by the update.

2) There's No Middle-Ground for Mobile Friendliness.

There's no partial credit for a well-designed site that isn't up to code. When the Google bots land on a page, it's either mobile-friendly or it's not.

3) Each Page Will Be Reviewed Independently.

While this detail doesn't mean much for sites that are currently mobile friendly, it could be a lifesaver for those who need mobile-friendly updates on a budget. With a bit of digging, web developers can uncover landing pages with high mobile traffic to focus redesign efforts on the most important URLs.

4) Responsive Design is the Preference, But Not Mandatory.

Google representatives say responsive design is the least error-prone of mobile design options, and while this preference may hold more bearing in the future, for the time being, Google is accepting mDot websites and other mobile architectures as mobile-friendly. In the future, we are anticipating that users and Google will favor mobile sites with responsive, adaptive and dynamic features.

The good news is that you don't have to face Mobilegeddon alone. Doc4 is here to help.

We understand that your organization is unique, and we're dedicated to helping you find a mobile solution that won't break the bank. Whether you need a quick fix or a major mobile overhaul, we're ready to help you take your website to the next level. Connect with our strategist Michael White to get a free assessment of your mobile strategy today.