Mobile SEO differs a lot from desktop SEO by factors we are going to present in this article.
How geography, operating systems, screen size, and other factors affect mobile search engine optimization.
People engage with the web in a variety of ways using their mobile devices. But even when you use a smartphone or tablet similarly to a desktop computer, there are numerous distinctions between the two, including how search engines operate.
To reach users on all platforms, you can optimise your website not only for desktop search engines, but also for mobile. Unlike desktop, mobile search engine optimization (SEO) is affected by the user’s location, screen size, operating system, and other factors. Understanding these distinctions enables you to enhance your rankings across devices and expand your business.
How Mobile SEO is Different
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Mobile SEO involves many of the same best practices as desktop SEO . However, mobile search results are significantly more unpredictable than desktop search results due to an extra set of criteria.
Factors such as page organisation, user location, operating system, and screen size influence which material obtains the highest position. Due to the interaction of these elements, the crawling, indexing, and ranking operations of search engines vary between devices. Mobile SEO offers a foundation for success on any device. But first, it’s essential to understand the distinctions between desktop and mobile and how they affect search results.
The most significant difference between desktop and mobile SEO is the structure of search engine results pages (SERP). Because mobile phone screens are smaller than desktop screens, Google cannot accommodate two columns. This means that anything on the right side of a desktop search result will stack above or below the organic search results, and there will be fewer results on the first page, especially paid listings (pay-per-click results). In addition, the Knowledge Graph panel is presented at the top of mobile SERPs; this is the block of text that summarises the results of a web query so that you do not need to click on any links. Similarly, Google My Business, Landmarks, and Things to Do listings appear at the top of mobile SERPs. This engaging, highly interactive content pushes down search results. On the desktop, however, it is to the right of results.
Location
Location
The majority of contemporary mobile phones are equipped with a global positioning system (GPS), which offers search engines with more precise location data than desktop PCs. Even if a device lacks a GPS, mobile phones nevertheless provide search engines with location information, which influences search results. This is one of the key reasons why mobile search results are significantly more varied than desktop search results; if you conduct a search in Bangkok, the results are likely to be very different than if you conduct the same search in New York City. However, desktop searches are also affected by the actual location of your mobile device if you have a Google account on both your desktop and mobile device. Some argue that the weighting of location information in mobile searches is greater, suggesting that it has a greater impact on the results. When searching for a restaurant, you may be more likely to receive a map result on a mobile device than on a desktop. However, it can also alter which pay-per-click advertisements are displayed, as Google’s ad platform enables advertisers to geo-target advertisements depending on zip code or postcode.
System software for cellular phones
Phone operating systems can also affect mobile search results. This is especially true if Google believes that the query may be app-oriented. In this situation, search engines are more likely to display an app pack, which consists of colourful grids of app icons that link straight to an app in the app store. Keywords such as “run tracker,” “fun game,” and “picture editor” tend to rank apps higher because they are connected with frequently used and downloaded apps. Google will only display app packs that are compatible with your phone’s operating system, which is often iOS or Android. As the majority of apps do not function on desktop, app packs are often not displayed in desktop search results.
Screen size
Google optimises search results for the device you are using to conduct a search. This affects the number of results displayed on the page. As tablets swamped the market, SERP layouts became even more diverse.
Other variables
Google has introduced additional search capabilities, some of which are mobile-specific. For instance, Google now offers augmented reality search (AR). This technology enables Google to deliver search results based on what is captured by your mobile device’s camera. If you open your mobile device’s camera with your golden retriever dog in the frame, Google will detect the dog’s breed and display relevant search results. Experts in mobile SEO believe that search capabilities on mobile devices will continue to become increasingly engaging.
