Attention website owners! Google’s mobile-first indexing initiative, launched in 2016, reaches a new milestone on July 5th, 2024.

While many websites have already transitioned, Google will now exclusively crawl and index all sites using its mobile Googlebot after July 5th 2024. This means websites inaccessible on mobile devices will be removed from Google’s search results.

What this means for you

• Mobile accessibility is crucial: Google will no longer index websites that don’t render or load on mobile devices. Having a mobile-friendly website is no longer optional; it’s essential for search visibility.
• Desktop version can still work: If your website uses a desktop-only template, that’s okay as long as the desktop version functions properly on mobile devices.
• Limited desktop crawling: Google may still use its desktop crawler for specific purposes, such as product listings and job postings. You might still see Googlebot Desktop in your logs.

Why you should care

Websites that fail the mobile test after July 5th risk disappearing from search results. This could cause organic traffic to your website to plummet and is a clear indication that Google sees the future of browsing being dominated by mobile devices. Therefore, the sooner you can future-proof your business, the better.

Here’s what to do:

1. Test mobile accessibility: Use Google Search Console’s URL Inspection tool to verify your website’s mobile rendering.
2. Ensure mobile friendliness: If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, prioritise making it accessible and user-friendly on mobile devices.

By taking these steps, you can ensure your websites remain discoverable in Google searches and not lose new customers to more responsive competitor websites.

What if my website isn’t mobile friendly?

Well, fortunately, you’re already in the right place. It might be time to upgrade your website with a mobile-first design strategy, unlock your full potential and avoid being penalised by Google. Mobile responsiveness is just one part of the UX-centric web design we implement across 100% of our websites.

Our specialist B2B web agency can help you create a responsive website that delivers all your business goals. Contact us now to discuss your options for a new website.