How to use Google's Mobile-First Indexing for news websites

Arif Billah Babu

          

  SEO



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Mobile-first indexing is a method used by Google to primarily use the mobile version of a website for indexing and ranking. This is especially important for news websites, considering the increasing use of mobile devices for accessing information. Here are some general guidelines on how to optimize news websites for mobile-first indexing:

  1. Responsive Design:

    • Ensure your news website is designed responsively so that it works well on both desktop and mobile devices.
    • Use a responsive design framework that adapts the layout based on the screen size.

  2. Mobile-Friendly Content:

    • Make sure that your content is easily readable on smaller screens. This includes text, images, and videos.
    • Avoid using Flash, as it's not supported on most mobile devices. Use HTML5 for multimedia elements.

  3. Structured Data:

    • Implement structured data markup, such as Schema.org, to provide clear information about your articles, including details like headlines, dates, authors, and article body.

  4. Mobile XML Sitemap:

    • Create a separate XML sitemap for the mobile version of your website. Submit this sitemap to Google Search Console.

  5. Page Speed:

    • Optimize your website for fast loading times on mobile devices. This includes compressing images, minimizing HTTP requests, and leveraging browser caching.

  6. Mobile-Friendly URLs:

    • Ensure that the URLs of your mobile pages are mobile-friendly and follow best practices for SEO. Avoid using unnecessary parameters.

  7. Structured Headings:

    • Use structured headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) in your mobile content to help search engines understand the hierarchy and structure of your articles.

  8. Avoid Interstitials:

    • Avoid using intrusive interstitials or pop-ups that can negatively impact the user experience on mobile devices.

  9. Google AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages):

    • Consider implementing Google's AMP for news articles. This framework helps in delivering fast-loading versions of your pages on mobile devices.

  10. Check Mobile Usability in Search Console:

    • Regularly check Google Search Console for mobile usability issues. It provides insights into any problems Google encounters while crawling and indexing your mobile pages.

Please note that Google's guidelines and best practices may evolve, so it's essential to stay updated with the latest information from Google's official documentation and announcements. Always refer to the most recent resources for the most accurate guidance.

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