The Difference between Mobile and Desktop Search Results
Do you know that over 1.2 billion people use their mobile to connect to the web? Interesting, right! This statement proves that most people are now using their phones to search for information. Since so much traffic is happening on mobile phones, it is a smart move to make the best use of it.
But before that, there are a few things to know!
Most of the business owners think that the techniques they use desktop SEO will also work for mobile SEO. However, that is not the case, as both of them are two different entities. Mobile SEO is a bit more specialized compared to desktop SEO. Some separate standards and practices are used to get the desired results in mobile SEO.
So, what makes it so different? Here we have listed a few things that prove mobile SEO different from desktop SEO.
Search Behavior
Think about the time when you use a desktop computer for searches compared to the times when you use a mobile device for a search. Both of them differ in search behavior. Mobile search engines use their mobile devices to search at various times rather than a desktop computer. This generally shows different contexts on searches. Mobile search results focus on showing local results that are relevant for people who move. Context is considered as the king.
Engagement
The engagement has the potential to make a big difference in the SERPs between a mobile user and a desktop user. Results in mobile search engines are a lot more engaging compared to desktop searches, as mobile users are usually not interested in scrolling down the search results or dig down the result pages. Since they are on the move, they need quick information. Also, it is reported that moving from the first position to fourth in mobile SEO can reduce your CTR by 90 percent. Therefore, if you are a small business owner, being in the first place in mobile SEO is a lot more desirable than in desktop SEO.
Ranking Algorithm
Ranking algorithm is one of the biggest differences between desktop and mobile SEO, as both of them have different ranking algorithms. But do you know why Google finds the need to have completely separate algorithms for mobile SEO?
The answer to this question is that they focus on providing a hassle-free experience to mobile users. Google has stated that they want to provide mobile users with the same experience, if not better than they provide to their desktop users. So, this is not possible without any major changes in their algorithm.
The conclusion
As we have seen earlier, there is a huge gap between mobile and desktop search results. Wider gaps mean you need to change your strategies also to take advantage of new situations!