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Google has said it – more searches are now generated through mobile devices than desktop computers in 10 countries, including major markets such as the United States and Japan. In fact, the search engine giant is not alone in observing this trend. A recent study by the Global Web Index shows 91{7763190c2940bc922582f128c4646ce172bb5ab5f2af15fda6a3585effc19535} of internet users personally own a smartphone, accounting for more than a third of daily online time.
With these staggering numbers, it is no wonder that Google is aiming to pave the way for a smoother transition from desktop to mobile web, and it is even encouraging businesses to create a mobile presence online. In this blog, we will explore some of the most recent mobile SEO features that Google has been experimenting on in a bid to make searches more mobile-friendly and enhance user experience for mobile users.
Click-to-Call
The click-to-call function is a simple and user-friendly tool that allows people to call a business provider straightaway. How does it work? Whereas individuals would need to navigate search results and websites to locate contact numbers before, a click-to-call function embedded in organic search results enables users to immediately see and call the number from the SERP listing.
Though the click-to-call feature is already available in AdWords, bringing it to organic search means businesses can convert customers faster and more efficiently. By presenting the phone numbers in the search results, Google prompts potential customers to take immediate action and eliminates any middle steps.
Mobile-friendly Analysis Tool
Google has revamped its mobile-friendly testing tool to better assess the mobile readiness of websites. Simply provide the URL of your website and this testing tool will rate your website against certain criteria and produce a report of common errors that you can improve on. The more errors your website has, the less mobile-friendly it is. Of course, to remain true to their cause, Google has made the tool readily accessible through hand-held devices.
Android Pay
Android Pay is fast becoming one of the most preferred mobile payment methods today, more so as Google unveiled its plans to make it available to third-party developers. Previously used exclusively in Google’s native applications, Android Pay can now be used by businesses and integrate it into their mobile payment platforms. For consumers, this means they are now able to link their credit or debit cards to their mobile phones and implement secure payments to numerous merchant providers.
Be on the lookout for more
It is safe to say that this is just the start for Google’s mobile-intended innovations. As the number of people who own smartphones increases – as well as the number of mobile searches – expect the search giant to innovate more mobile-friendly features to cater to consumers’ changing needs.FacebookTwitterLinkedInEmail