Google has released its official guidelines for preparing for the mobile-first search index, a transition expected to be more broadly implemented in early 2018.
The mobile-first index has already started to roll out gradually to individual sites that are prepared for this change, as Google has previously confirmed. So, what does it mean to be “ready”?
Google’s Gary Illyes provides insights on how to ensure a site is ready for mobile-first indexing. Sites utilizing responsive web design and dynamic serving do not need to make any changes. Beyond that, here is Google’s official advice:
– Ensure your site displays the same key content on mobile as it does on desktop. Text, images, and videos should be easily crawlable on mobile.
– Structured data should be present on both mobile and desktop versions of a site. If there are separate mobile and desktop URLs, then the structured data should be updated to the mobile version on mobile pages.
– Metadata, such as titles and descriptions, should be present on both versions of a site.
– Sites using separate mobile URLs can keep their link rel=canonical and link rel=alternate attributes the same.
– Hreflang links on separate mobile URLs should be checked. When using link rel=hreflang elements for internationalization, link between mobile and desktop URLs separately. Your mobile URLs’ hreflang should point to the other language/region versions on other mobile URLs, and similarly, link desktop with other desktop URLs using hreflang link elements there.
– Ensure the server hosting a site has the capacity to handle an increased crawl rate from Smartphone Googlebot.
Google will evaluate sites individually to determine if the above criteria are met. Once a site meets the requirements, it can be transitioned to the mobile-first index.
The search giant is making a concerted effort not to rush the rollout of mobile-first indexing. Google believes taking its time will allow more webmasters to prepare and ultimately offer a better experience for mobile search visitors.
There is no specific timeline for when mobile-first indexing will be fully rolled out. Google previously stated it aimed for the transition to be completed in early 2018, but it now appears it might take longer if necessary.
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