The Lowdown on Google’s New Mobile-Friendly Algorithm

Did you hear? Google recently announced a change in their mobile-friendly algorithm that signals a big shift in the way the search results work. For those in the business of recruiting truck drivers, Google’s planned update is extremely important.

So what did Google have to say? Well, the company announced that it will change their algorithm that controls websites’ SEO-based rankings on mobile devices. In English, they’re planning to adjust their software in a way that will affect where your website ranks when driver prospects search for things like “truck driving jobs” on their mobile device.

Recruiting truck drivers? Listen up!

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What’s An Algorithm?

First, let’s cover algorithms. They’re the mathematical formulas that make the Internet go round. Much like your GPS guides your car through the world, algorithms use computer coding to guide web searchers to the appropriate content. One of the ways search engines do this is by identifying and grouping key terms.

You can take advantage of this with search engine optimization (SEO). SEO basically consists of embedding keywords in your site that will attract the attention of these search algorithms. The more matches your site produces, the higher up you’ll sit in search results.

garyillyes2Google’s Gary Illyes Q&A on Upcoming Change

What’s This Change?

We know more and more people are surfing the web with a phone or tablet. Google appreciates this fact and has decided that sites which display properly on mobile devices will be rewarded by better positions in search results. Making sure your site is mobile-friendly is now more important than ever.

The new mobile-friendly algorithm is launching on April 21, 2015. A few high points:

  • Google’s mobile ranking factors will be labeling your site as mobile-friendly. They will also use that to determine if your site should rank higher in search results.
  • This algorithmic change will have a serious impact in search results.
  • It will be on a real-time basis. As soon as Google picks up on the change, your mobile site will start to benefit.
  • You are either mobile-friendly or not — there are no degrees of mobile-friendliness in this algorithm.

The Money Quote:

“Starting April 21, we will be expanding our use of mobile-friendliness as a ranking signal. This change will affect mobile searches in all languages worldwide and will have a significant impact in our search results.” See here.

What If I’m Not Mobile-Friendly?

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Now before you start panicking that you will lose your position in search results, know that there is hope. If your website was designed using a tool like WordPress or other regularly updated programs, the change should be pretty easy. Many modern programs offer fairly simple options for configuring a mobile-friendly display.

However, if your site was designed several years ago, it’s time for an overhaul. Luckily, there’s a simple test to find out if your website is mobile friendly or not. Just head on over to Google’s Mobile Friendly Test page.

Once you know, either 1) rest easy 2) or get truckin’!

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Need a mobile-friendly site? The Hightower Agency has you covered! We’re a full-service advertising agency, and we’ve been doing this for 25 years. Hightower is proud to be one of the top recruitment advertising agencies in the transportation industry.

We are happy to help you with professional advice and expertise on truck driver recruitment. Let’s talk!

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