Preparing For Google Algorithm Changes In 2018+
Preparing For Google Algorithm Changes In 2018+
Looking at Google search trends for 2018 and beyond
> “Contrary to popular belief, we actually are trying to reduce the amount of time that users spend on our search results page. We want them to find the information they are looking for quickly; which means less time on the search results page” – **_Illya Grigorik, Google Webmaster Team_**
More specifically, they are emphasizing **how they can deliver better results to these users faster and more efficiently**. This includes a very strict focus on security as well.
You know the future is mobile, right?
Google is actually going to make speed a ranking factor
WTF is a progressive web app?
When is mobile-first going to be _a thing_?
For those unfamiliar with the upcoming shift for Google to move their entire search index to _mobile-first_, here are the cliff notes:
- Google currently has two search indexes (mobile and desktop)
- They are going to combine them into one index soon
- This index will crawl the mobile version of a page first
- This means the mobile version of your site will be the one crawled, not desktop
1. Have a mobile site no matter what
2. Don’t let the site be a dumbed down version of your desktop site
3. Make sure all elements of your site are crawlable on mobile (Google mentioned this was an issue they were seeing)
4. Make sure that [structured data](https://blog.ezoic.com/4-structured-data-markup-examples-can-win-traffic/), meta descriptions, tags, etc. are all setup the same on mobile as they are on desktop (some sites only have this on the desktop version of their site right now)
In many ways, mobile-first is not a major change that should be feared. However, **all publishers should be making sure their I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed** in the next 6-9 months; as having a mobile version of your site that is unequal to the desktop version in any way could be damaging.
[I wrote an in-depth article on how to take advantage of mobile-first indexing here.](https://blog.ezoic.com/3-new-ways-improve-google-mobile-results-post-mobile-first-index/)
Speaking of things enhanced elements like structured data markup…
User experience will drive innovations in Google algorithm changes
Google is super serious about speed
Google is going to make sites convert to HTTPS
Making this information actionable
So what should you do in light of all this new information? Good question. As a publisher there a couple of key takeaways…
1. Emphasize your mobile development (content, UX, everything)
2. Cross check your site — and ongoing efforts — against parameters for the mobile-first index
3. Add more — or start adding — structured data to your site’s pages and images
4. Make sure your content actually loads fast for visitors
5. Move your site to HTTPS if it’s not already
Hopefully, some of those items can put you in a position to stay ahead of Google algorithm shifts and changes for the next 12-18 months. Interested in learning more about what was discussed at **_Pubtelligence_**? Check out the article below that feature content from other sessions during the day…
Catch up on all Pubtelligence topics and videos
https://blog.ezoic.com/data-reveals-value-visitor-engagement-publishers/
https://blog.ezoic.com/publishers-fighting-stay-ahead-trends/