Mobile-first indexing is a method used by search engines to prioritize the mobile versions of webpages when crawling and indexing content. Traditionally, search engines such as Google have crawled desktop versions of websites first, and any mobile-friendly versions of those pages were indexed after. Mobile-first indexing means that when Google crawls sites, it will first look at the mobile version of the page, giving it higher priority than the desktop version. This change is important for businesses and organizations that want to ensure their content is being organically seen in search engine results pages (SERPs) on all devices.
Google recommends having a responsive website design—one that automatically adjusts to fit any device—to ensure that all users have access to the content they’re looking for. This can be beneficial for both SEO and user experience, as it allows pages to load quickly and appropriately on any device.
Additionally, businesses should make sure their mobile sites are properly optimized for search engine crawlers. This includes having good page titles and meta descriptions, as well as making sure content is crawlable and indexable.
Lastly, it’s important to keep up with Google’s algorithm updates, such as the mobile-first indexing change. This will help businesses stay ahead of the curve and make sure their content is visible in search engine results pages. My favorite place to reach the updates and stay in the loop is the Search Engine Journal.
The mobile-first indexing change is part of Google's larger push towards a more mobile-friendly internet. By putting an emphasis on the mobile versions of websites, it ensures that users are getting the best experience possible when they search on their phones or other devices. I always recommend to my clients to ensure their website is mobile-friendly to ensure increased visibility and improved organic search engine ranks. After all, mobile-first indexing with a responsive design is a welcome change, as it makes your content equitable to all users on all devices.