😱Is Desktop SEO Dead? Google answers!

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Read time: 5 minutesHello SEO professionals and enthusiasts!In the ever-evolving world of SEO, staying ahead means keeping up with the latest developments. This week, we’re tackling a question buzzing around the SEO community: “Is desktop SEO still needed?”Plus, discover our featured tool of the week, vidIQ, and how it can supercharge your YouTube strategy.What you’ll find in this week’s newsletter:

• Is desktop SEO still needed?

• The featured tool of the week

• New on the blog

Did you know that you can get your product featured in this newsletter? Elevate your brand or feature your products with sponsored ads in our newsletter!

Is Desktop SEO Still Needed?

Google’s John Mueller recently responded to a question about the relevance of desktop SEO in light of Google’s shift to mobile-first indexing. A post on 3 June 2024 on Google Search Central revealed that their final steps in migrating to mobile-first indexing will finish on July 5, 2024.

It means that from July 5th onwards, websites will only be crawled with Google’s smartphone crawler. So if you’re mobile version of your website still isn’t up to scratch, it could result in a loss of SERPs.John Mueller was responding to a question asked by a Redditor.

Here's what John had to say:

Mueller notes that while mobile optimization is crucial, desktop SEO remains important for several reasons:

1. Other search engines and crawlers: Not all search engines use mobile-first indexing. Bing, Yahoo, and others still rely heavily on desktop versions.2. Desktop user base: Around 40% of the global internet users still browse via desktops. Ignoring this segment can result in missed opportunities.3. Business functions beyond SEO: Websites serve various purposes beyond ranking. Ensuring a seamless experience for all users is critical.With that in mind, if you’re still struggling to optimize your website for mobile users, the next section of my newsletter is for you!

Shane's Tips for Mobile Optimization

1. Optimize the Performance of Your Mobile Website

Slow loading speeds frustrate users. A study found that 53% of users leave if a mobile site takes more than 3 seconds to load. Improve performance by reducing server requests, compressing images, and using tools like Mobile-Friendly Test, Google Analytics, and WebPageTest.

2. Allow the Use of Digital WalletsHaving to type payment information on mobile devices leads to poor user experiences. Integrate digital wallets like Amazon Pay, PayPal, or Apple Pay to provide a secure and convenient payment method.

3. Adopt a Responsive DesignA responsive design adjusts to various screen sizes, improving credibility and trust. Look at how clean and responsive sites like Etsy are to understand this.

4. Improve Site Navigation

Ensure easy navigation with clear images, pricing information, and prominent CTA buttons. An uncluttered page improves user experience and boosts conversion rates.

5. Remove Autoplay Videos and Pop-UpsPop-ups and autoplay videos can be annoying on mobile. Removing these can significantly reduce bounce rates and enhance the mobile experience.

6. Create Clear Product Category PagesDesign category pages to be easy to navigate with logical divisions and visible important categories. This helps users find what they need quickly.

7. Provide a Seamless and Easy Checkout Process

Simplify the checkout process by minimizing fields, avoiding mandatory account creation, and displaying total costs prominently. Use easy payment methods like Amazon Pay for a better user experience.

8. Focus on Mobile SEOWith mobile-first indexing, prioritize mobile SEO. Use responsive design, improve navigation, enhance user experience, and optimize titles and meta descriptions for better visibility.

Maintaining desktop SEO is still essential despite the shift to mobile-first indexing. Balancing mobile and desktop optimization ensures you capture traffic from all users, enhancing your site's performance. Stay updated with SEO trends and adapt your strategies for comprehensive success.For more SEO insights and tips, click the button below.