Google is set to split its index of search results into separate versions for mobile and desktop, a transformation expected to occur in the coming months.
The division will result in Google’s index being separated into a rapidly updated mobile version and a desktop version that will not be updated as frequently.
Gary Illyes from Google announced this news at Pubcon in Las Vegas and later reconfirmed it on Twitter following his keynote.
Mobile will become the primary index, while desktop will be a secondary, less frequently updated index. This strategic move underscores Google’s ongoing effort to enhance the mobile search experience.
This shift towards a mobile-first approach aligns with Google’s long-standing recommendation for site owners to prioritize mobile optimization, a push that gained momentum during the Mobilegeddon event in April 2015. The split of Google’s search index further signifies the evolving trend where mobile search is overtaking desktop search.
Creating a distinct mobile index allows Googlebot to exclusively crawl and index the responsive/mobile versions of web pages. Consequently, Google can deliver better mobile-optimized content to users searching on smartphones. Additionally, this rapid indexing could facilitate quicker dissemination of breaking news to users.
### What Does This Mean for Site Owners and SEOs?
The forthcoming split of Google’s search index signals the heightened importance of mobile search over desktop search.
For SEOs and site owners, this emphasizes the critical need to prioritize mobile optimization. At a minimum, this involves ensuring your website has a mobile or responsive version. However, this is merely the starting point.
Optimizing a website for mobile isn’t just about compatibility; speed is crucial too. Both Google’s ranking algorithm and users demand speedy load times. Research by Google indicates that 53% of users will abandon a site if it doesn’t load within 3 seconds.
To optimize for speed, utilizing Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) technology is highly recommended. If you’re not yet using AMP, it’s advisable to regularly check your mobile page speed. Aim to keep load times to a minimum.
For those who frequently publish industry news, getting listed in Google News is essential. This not only accelerates the indexing of your content but also enhances its visibility in search results.
Ideally, site owners should address these elements before Google implements its search index split. While no specific timeline was provided for when this split will occur, staying proactive is always advantageous in this industry.
