Mobile this, mobile that. A year ago mobile device usage for Internet searching surpassed desktop searching for the first time ever as reported by CNN Money. Since then you’ve been made all too aware of how valuable mobile optimization is to your SEO game. You aren’t alone. Everyone from professional writers for hire to daily commuters on subways have picked up on the importance of mobile usage. The thing is, mobile optimization isn’t the right way to increase your visibility on mobile devices.
Mobile Means More
When it comes to stealing the attention of mobile device users searching the Internet, you’ve got to dangle fat stacks of Benjamin’s there way. Just kidding. Mobile optimization is actually volume optimization, because the goal with getting mobile attention is to get your page on the touchscreen of as many users as possible. So how do you make mobile Internet usage bring in the crowds?
Mobile Devices are Mini Computers
Moz CEO Rand Fishkin points out that “Your mobile phone is merely a small laptop [due to responsive design via websites that adjust to user’s screen size]. Mobile has actually become much less of a transformational technology and much more of an enabling technology. It merely means we are much more frequently connected to the Web.” By thinking of mobile devices as Star Trek worthy computers that fit in the palm of your hand you prepare yourself for the next golden notion. You can’t tailor your SEO plan for mobile optimization, because there is no difference between mobile optimization and PC optimization. What you are doing for your desktop users in terms of SEO will translate, albeit somewhat choppily for less responsive mobile devices.
Refocus Your Mobile Goals
If you have been trying to rev up your SEO to reach mobile audiences, stop. No need to waste time taking that route. Look at mobile usage in terms of what people search for when they are clicking away at their iPhone or Nexus 5, or their Kindle Fire. Typically a search is focused, i.e. a person wants directions to a venue or a restaurant menu. The responsive design of mobile devices is not set up to allow extensive research or online searches that would incorporate SEO. What does this mean for you?
- Cut back in your cost-per-clicks (CPCs) as these are not as effective or applicable via mobile usage
- Given PC usage is down, make sure your websites, blogs, social media channels and associated links are shipshape for mobile devices
- Go full steam with social media and related marketing campaigns, as social media is the darling of mobile devices
- QR codes, NFC (Near Field Communication) tags and smart images are your friend. Embed them wherever you can to trace mobile usage
Mobile is fast becoming the way to play online. Get on board this way of thinking, lest you are left with moth-eaten marketing efforts.
Miranda B here, bringing you the news of the future, as she visits from Planet Xarco where beings are actually living in the Internet rather than using it for searching for foreign things like kitties and that human called Kanye.
