Google Defines the True Meaning of "Mobile-Friendly" Websites

A recent Google survey uncovered that 72 percent of mobile users say that it's important for a website to be mobile friendly. Unfortunately, 96 percent have visited a site that doesn't work well on their device. Furthermore, mobile users are five times more likely to abandon the task they are trying to complete if the site isn't optimized for mobile use, with 79 percent saying they will go back to search and try to find another site that meets their needs.

With mobile Internet usage growing more and more every year, it's no surprise that the term "mobile friendly" has become synonymous with the world of website design. While it may seem like a cut and dry concept to most, the meaning of "mobile friendly" can vary from person to person. Well, Google has officially set their standards for the true meaning of "mobile friendly" and not only does it determine how valuable a website will be for consumers, but it also plays a big part in how high a site will rank within their search results.

According to Google, a website must include the following features to be classified as "mobile friendly" by their Googlebots:

1. It avoids software that is not common on mobile devices (like Flash),
2. Uses text that is readable without zooming,
3. Sizes content to the screen so users don't have to scroll horizontally or zoom,
4. Places links far enough apart so that the correct one can be easily tapped.

Mobile-based searches make up one quarter of all web searches (Mobify), so whether it's being able to easily read content on any screen or having a page that loads at the snap of a finger, it's never been more important to ensure that your website meets these standards. This is especially true now that most homebuyers are starting their search nearly a year in advance (Google), which means you could be losing out on a lot of business if you aren't providing a good user experience from the very beginning.

Now that you know what the world's most popular search engine classifies as "mobile friendly," it's time to find out whether or not your website passes their test. The good news is that Google offers an easy way for you to do this. Simply type in a website's URL and Google will analyze its formatting to highlight exactly what you need to do in order to completely optimize your website for mobile.

Did your site pass the test? Let us know in the comments below.

To view the original article, visit the Homes.com blog.