Preparing Your WordPress Website for Mobile SEO

Any modern SEO strategy must include optimisations for mobile. Mobile strategy is increasingly becoming more important for generating leads and attracting new business.

Devices like tablets and smartphones are becoming ever more common. Failing to optimise for mobile can leave your site invisible and cost you business.

Recognising how important mobile browsing is, Google has changed its algorithms multiple times to promote websites with better mobile experience in their search results.

So let’s start by understanding mobile SEO and how it can improve your WordPress website.

Why does mobile SEO matter?

Practically every one has a mobile device now. Arguably, mobile is the future. Marketing statistics state that mobile searches have exceeded desktop searches. Mobile devices are so ubiquitous, they’ve become an essential part of our lives. This has led to mobile-first becoming the default position for many internet users. Optimising your site for mobile is a vital task for any business. Good mobile SEO can help win mobile users and attract more leads for your business.

Difference between mobile and desktop SEO

Desktop and mobile SEO are very different. Prepare and enhance your website with EAT for mobile that requires different tactics to bring in more visitors. There are several improvements that you can do to improve your WordPress site and get a slice of that SEO pie. When optimising, thinking like a mobile user can help you anticipate their needs.

Use the following strategies to optimise and bring in more mobile traffic.

#1Prepare for voice search

Voice search is the biggest trend with mobile users right now. Thanks to voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, users can perform searches verbally.

When people use voice search, they tend to use natural terms instead of keywords. Optimise for voice searches by using local terms. Answer potential questions in your content to anticipate your clients’ needs early.

#2Remove pop-ups

Pop-ups are intrusive, and user may find them annoying. When they appear, they normally take up the entire screen. This blocks visitors from seeing your content, which can negatively impact their experience of your website. Google has started penalising sites with intrusive pop-ups. Remove any pop-ups on your site to avoid penalties and make reading easier for mobile users.

#3Focus on headlines

Headlines are important for all types of content, but especially for mobile. Users on mobile devices are likely to focus on the headlines only and skip reading the main body of the article if the headline does not catches their attention. Focus on making interesting headlines to grab readers’ attention. On small screens, long headlines can get cut off. Make your headlines shorter to fit. Short headlines are also snappier and better for gaining attention.

#4Speed up your website

Page loading times are an important factor for mobile users because mobile devices take longer to load pages. Test your site regularly to check the speed and make necessary changes. Commission a Code Review Service from your agency partner to improve page speed of your WordPress site if needed.

#5Optimise for local search

Many mobile users tend to search for products and services in their region. Optimise your content to make it easy for customers to find you. Use local keywords in page titles, headlines, and throughout your content. Using very specific keywords (e.g. country or city names) helps improve your search rankings.

Remember to optimise your offsite content as well. Claim your Google My Business Listing to help you rank with Google. Claiming the listing also makes it easier for customers to locate you on Google Maps. Include all relevant information on your listing. This includes address, working hours and contact details. Ensure all these details are up to date to make reaching you more convenient.

#6Capitalise on responsive design

Use clever responsive design to accommodate visitors’ needs on mobile and improve retention. Don’t just list all of your desktop content one below each other, think about the user experience on mobile devices and what actions are of most benefit to mobile users. Hide any unnecessary desktop content that mobile users won’t find interesting. A well-thought approach to responsive design can provide a positive experience across different screen sizes. This in turn can greatly improve user retention and lead generation.

#7Use social media

Most people user their mobile devices to visit their favourite social media sites. Prioritise your social media marketing strategy to stay visible to mobile-users. Use your Facebook page and other platforms to send people to your website. Remind your mobile customers to visit your social media pages. Social media is a great platform for engaging with clients and maintaining interest. Use platform-specific advertising to reach a wider audience. Post regular content on your pages to help your brand stand out to your customer base.

Conclusion

Mobile users are a significant part of your website audience. Mobile SEO helps optimise your website to attract new leads and improve future retention. Consider mobile users in any SEO strategy to reach that section of the population.

With great mobile SEO, your website can be a viable tool for years to come. Use these strategies to stay up-to-date and make your WordPress site a more effective tool.

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