Introduction
As mobile devices gain popularity, optimizing websites for mobile users becomes crucial for SEO. With an estimated 5 billion mobile users by 2020, of which 3.7 billion are expected to use smartphones, it’s essential to provide a seamless mobile experience to increase visibility and accessibility for potential customers using Google search on their phones or tablets.
The Significance of Mobile UX in SEO
Mobile users are more likely to use search engines, purchase products and services, read and share content, and engage with it. An exceptional mobile UX can increase your site’s visibility in search results, catering to the growing number of smartphone users, as seen in Pew Research Center data from 2018.
Mobile commerce sales grow at twice the rate of e-commerce sales and are expected to reach $1 trillion by 2022. As a result, Google may give a higher ranking to mobile-friendly websites that provide a better user experience.
Optimizing for Mobile UX to Improve SEO
To be seen by as many people as possible, your website must be optimized for mobile users, which starts with good UX design. Consider these practical tips for optimizing your site for mobile:
- Ensure content is readable and easily navigable, allowing users to quickly find what they’re looking for, increasing the likelihood of longer visits and return visits (source).
- Optimize for speed and size, making the most of limited screen real estate by optimizing content and images for smaller screens. Cache large files locally before requesting them from a remote server or downloading them over a cellular connection (source).
- Optimize content for users who may not have access to all their fingers at once, such as those holding their phone with one hand while walking down stairs.
The Relationship Between Mobile UX and SEO
A good mobile user experience benefits SEO by increasing your website’s chances of ranking higher in search engines like Google or Bing. A prime example of this is Amazon’s Kindle app, which has optimized its user experience across all devices, including desktops, mobile phones, and tablets, to encourage users to buy products from Amazon rather than competitors (source).
Conclusion
Mobile user experience and SEO are closely connected. To gain an advantage over competitors, consider optimizing your site for mobile users. This can range from ensuring your site is responsive and easily accessible on any device to minimizing distractions for users browsing on their phones or tablet. By designing for mobile first, you’ll improve user experience and stay ahead of other businesses yet to capitalize on these opportunities.
