In November of 2014 Google came out with a mobile site check and validation tool. Many businesses scrambled to get their business website mobile aware. Many still two years later fail at mobility in many ways. This week Google released an updated Mobile Friendly Testing tool. This updated tool allows for greater growth, shows blocked files, and better explains where faults might lie.
Where is the new tool located?
We'll start everyone off with the location of the new tool as we know that is why you are here and that you want to know what is working, what isn't, and what you might need to fix on your business website. You can access the new tool at https://search.google.com/search-console/mobile-friendly.
What has changed in the new tool?
There is a lot that is changed but there are more items coming and we will do our best here to outline them for you.
Cleaner Design
As the internet progresses and Google continues its rebranding process with its logo and updated color palette the new layout of the new mobility checker brings a new improved look-and-feel to the entire tool.
Faster
Google is always touting how important speed is and this new tool is no slouch. It is fast in finding results and giving you feedback quickly.
Better Results
With the new tool you will be shown a list of blocked resources. These resources you can expand and see why an item is truly blocked. In the case of our site it's due to our MailChimp integration. This doesn't affect the mobility of our site but something we should be aware of.
Security
The old mobile checker used https as Google continues to state how important security is to a website. With this latest update https security is still important. It is important to have security on your website as even if you are not taking money there is nothing preventing your customers from sending credit card information, private information, or sensitive information through any contact form on your website.
Future Growth
The new tool is a more modular style of design that looking at the overall interface shows that they have plenty of room for new validation checks as well as providing additional feedback so that we can make the entire Internet a more mobile friendly place.
What about the old mobile checker?
It's still there. Although we are no longer going to use it in favor of the new and updated version as it allows us a lot more control and valuable information than the old.
Conclusion
Mobile is important as more and more people get online with their smart phone and tablet devices. Don't be left behind not knowing what is working and what is not working for you. Take a test of the new Google mobility checker and see where you stand. Did you pass? Awesome. Did you check EVERY page of your website or just your home page? Many web developers we've found make certain your home page passes to let you know you've received a mobile site but the rest of your site may fail or falter. With our monthly maintenance plans for our customers we check every page of their website for mobility. Whether it is just a few pages, hundreds, or even thousands of pages. We check them all. Your website is your first impression to many customers and a returning platform for your returning customers. Make it do you proud by having it work on all devices. If you need help in finding out let the entire team at JM2 Webdesigners in Cullman (Valpo) Alabama help your business grow and succeed online. You can reach us at 256-258-8593, email at sales@FawkesDM.com, or use our online contact form here.