Is Your Site Prepared for Google’s Update?

 Posted on April 03,2015 in OVC Lawyer Marketing

Ready or not, here it comes! Later this month, Google is expected to roll out a new system for ranking search results which will bring significant changes to the way in which websites may increase their visibility. The change creating the most buzz among marketing experts throughout the world can be summed up in a single word: mobile.

Search Engine Algorithms

Search engines like Google and Bing are designed to help users meet their informational needs by providing access to the sites that will best address the purpose of the search. Most do not simply match the specific search terms, but instead, analyze millions of sites in an attempt to calculate which pages may best answer underlying questions and provide the most accurate information. To do so, developers must provide the search program with the appropriate factors upon which to consider each site, compiled in a weighted list known as an algorithm.

Mobile-Friendly Algorithm Update

On April 21, Google will begin implementation of a new search algorithm which will heighten the importance of a site’s mobile-optimization. As users continue to increase their web-related activity on smartphones or other mobile devices, it is understandable that search engines would adapt to meet evolving trends in internet use. As a more strongly-weighted factor, a site’s mobile-friendly status can drastically affect its ranking among similar search results.

The new search system is also expected to provide instant rankings-boosts to sites that become mobile friendly. Experts have noted that if the search engine finds a page that was not previously mobile-friendly, but is now mobile-friendly, the page will get an immediate improvement in ranking.

How to Become Mobile-Friendly

There are a variety of back-end web design tools that allow developers to help a site work well on mobile devices. Responsive website design, which is recommended by Google, can be used to create a single site that is rolled out with equal efficiency across any platform used to access it. Several other options exist, as well, which often involve significantly more maintenance, but if implemented incorrectly, could lead to decreases in search result ranking.

As a successful business professional, you need a website designed to keep your firm visible in the highly-competitive online marketplace. The web-design team at OVC, INC. understands that need and has the experience necessary to meet your expectations. Since 2008, our qualified professionals have been providing effective marketing solutions to attorneys looking to grow their practices. Let us show you how we can help create the mobile-optimized website that will help transform potential customers into loyal clients. Call OVC, INC. at 630-635-8000 to schedule a consultation today.

About the Author: Greg Wildman is the President of OVC, INC. Since 1999, Greg has developed hundreds of websites for attorneys from his company's inception as Online Video Concepts, LLC to the modern era's OVC, INC. Greg's knowledge of law firm marketing has helped many attorneys establish online presences through custom website development, Search Engine Optimization, legal directory partnerships, social media marketing, content writing and more.