Mobile devices will eventually (and probably sooner rather than later) surpass traditional computers for consumers. This means that Search Engine Optimization for Mobile Devices – or Mobile SEO – is vital for retailers. Every brand from the biggest big box stores to the smallest retailers can benefit from some mobile optimization.
One of the biggest differences with mobile is clearly that it is mobile. But let’s think about it for a moment. That means that your searches now become instantly localized. Your mobile device can send signals that pinpoint your location. Companies that are closer to you may gain an advantage over their competition – that is as long as they’re optimized for their location.
How can a brand gain mobile advantage?
** Tip #1 – Optimize your mobile website for your location(s).
Another big difference between your home computer and your mobile device is the size. We think about that a little more and you’ll see that a traditional page layout may not work here. The font needs to be readable and you may want to use less words in your content as it’s easy to quickly fill a screen with words and that seems daunting to someone looking for quick answers.
**Tip #2 – Make sure your mobile pages are viewer friendly with legible fonts and quick answers.
Voice commands are quite popular on mobile devices today and, interestingly enough, people do not use the same keywords when they query vocally as they do when they’re typing it on a computer. On the computer they may Google “St. Paul Pizza” but when they voice query they’re more apt to say something like, “Pizza Places in St. Paul, Minnesota”. Interesting isn’t it? It’s as though we feel we’re talking to an actual person and we want to get it right rather than have to repeat ourselves, where on a traditional computer we don’t mind making a few extra clicks.
** Tip #3 – Learn about long tail keywords and use them in your mobile website content.
We’ve all heard that a picture says 1000 words and this may never have been more true than it is with mobile searches. But let’s go one step further and imagine a searcher looking for that St. Paul pizza place. What do you think is going to appeal to them more, a 1000 words describing their pizzas or a picture of a fresh, cheesy pizza loaded with brightly colored toppings?
**Tip #4 – Use high quality images that load quickly on mobile devices.
*** Tip within a tip. Mobile devices mean that brick and mortar stores once again have an advantage over online only retailers as people are apt to visit them. Make sure to include a picture of your store for easy identification and a map to help them get to you.
These few Mobile Search Optimization tips from Filament should get you started and help you identify the benefits and downfalls of mobile searches so you can make the most of your mobile website.
Looking to sharpen your mobile advantage? We’ve got the tools to help!
