Google Is Shifting to a Mobile-First Index: What Marketers Need to Know to Prepare

We’re living in a mobile-first world. For most of us, that means from the moment you wake up in the morning, your phone becomes a part of your daily routine -- from silencing your alarm, to reviewing the daily news, to checking email, and so on.

And search engines are seeing the result of this trend: search queries on mobile have now surpassed desktop-based queries.

Now you may be thinking, my website is already mobile-friendly … so I’m set, right?

Sure, you are ready for mobile visitors, but your content may not be optimized for the new realities of search. What exactly do we mean by that?

Well, Google recently announced that its search results index is essentially being flipped and will prioritize mobile results first:

This is big, so send us your questions so we know what's not clear & what we need to communicate more about

http://bit.ly/2gKXoGf

— Gary Illyes (@methode) November 5, 2016

With Google currently experimenting with this change, there's a lot you need to know to ensure you're prepared. But don't panic, we'll walk through it all below.

What Is Mobile-First Indexing?

As Google's Gary Illyes said, this is a big change, so let's start by discussing some of the details first. Keep in mind this update is currently in testing so you may not notice any differences at the moment.

1. Mobile-friendly websites matter, regardless of technology. Google has previously stated their preferred method of a mobile-friendly website was responsive design. For this change to mobile-first indexing, Illyes stated that specific mobile site versions and responsive design will work.
2. SERPs will now be primarily based on mobile content. Today, if you have a page that shows some specific content to desktop-based visitors, but excludes content for mobile visitors, you may notice a change in results because of the mobile-specific content. Because results will start to primarily use mobile content first, you should consider what, and how much content, to add to your mobile version.
3. AMP-enabled pages are treated as mobile content. If you have Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) for your website, or blog, these pages will be treated as other mobile pages and will be indexed first.

Again, this update is still being tested and is likely still "months away" so many details are still emerging and being worked out. In the meantime, it's worth starting to prepare for mobile-first indexing.

What About #Mobilegeddon?

One of the primary premises behind the mobile algorithm update, affectionately referred to as Mobilegeddon, was that Google was beginning to establish a separate mobile-index for results.

While it seems that Google may continue to build a separate mobile index, the key part here is that they will flip the indexing from desktop-first to mobile-first.

See the below conversation with Illyes for more:

How You Can Prepare For the Mobile-First World

1) Ensure you have a mobile-friendly website.

Google's preferred technology utilizes responsive design so your website adapts to the screen-size of the visitor, but if you have a dedicated mobile website (m.example.com) that is fine, too.

HubSpot Customers: Any of your content created using the HubSpot software will utilize responsive design and, as a result, you should be prepared for mobile-first content indexing.

2) Consider if content should be adjusted for mobile.

Most content created specifically for mobile is naturally shorter. You should ensure that your page is still seen as the authoritative source on the content topic you’re writing about, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be long-form content.

Don't be afraid to consider other types of content -- like video and audio -- that you can integrate into your strategy. These additional content types can be better for the user experience, and a transcript can be included on the page to ensure the maximum impact for SEO.

Any content you have on pages that is incompatible with mobile devices -- i.e., Flash videos -- should be replaced as soon as possible.

If you do not have a mobile-friendly website, Google will still index your website but the mobile crawler may appear in your Search Console. Not sure if your website is mobile-friendly? Get your website graded to find out.

3) Prioritize the factors that are important in this new mobile-first index.

What are those factors? Here are two you'll want to keep a close eye on:

• Site speed has always been important, but now with a mobile-first index, it's become even more crucial. This also means you need to be aware of the weight of content on a page, which can drastically affect page speed and has a cascading effect on user experience. More on that here.
• User experience and engagement have become increasingly important signals for search engines. If a visitor comes to your page and leaves within a few seconds, it's an indication they didn't quite find what they were looking for. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if the visitor stays on your page and engages with various links and resources, they are likely highly engaged. In a mobile-first world, consider the experience of that one page, but also how users travel between pages and their experience between each step.

Again, these updates are still actively being discussed, but in the meantime, get involved in the discussion and ensure your website is mobile-friendly.

What questions do you have about the mobile-first shift? Share them in the comments below.

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How to Include All Employees in Your Social Media Marketing

Want to expand your business’s reach on social media? Have you thought about involving all of your employees? Your company’s social media reach can grow dramatically if all of your employees are helping to spread your message. In this article, you’ll discover how to involve your entire staff in your social media marketing. Why Involve [...]

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A Brief History of Social Advertising [Infographic]

Social advertising is a big business.

Over the past two years, social media advertising budgets have doubled worldwide, from $16 billion U.S. in 2014 to $31 billion in 2016.

While Facebook currently claims nearly 70% of the social advertising market, it's starting to get some serious competition from younger networks. Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Snapchat are all vying for their piece of the social ads pie, and advertisers today have more options than ever before to promote their brands on social.

From mobile to live video and everything in between, we've documented some of the most significant milestones for both these top networks as well as social advertising in general.

Check out the below infographic on the history of social advertising and consider: What opportunities and challenges will brands face in the next 10 years?

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30 Secret Santa Gift Ideas Your Coworkers Will Love

They see you when you're slacking. They know when you come in late. They know if you've been bad or good so be good for your work's Secret Santa exchange.

But that's not how the song -- or the Secret Santa exchange -- really goes ...

You spend all day with your coworkers, but come time for your annual gift exchange, you're stuck trying to figure out exactly what Suzie will want that's also in your price range.

We want to help. We've compiled a list of awesome Secret Santa gift ideas that are bound to meet all different budgets and personality types. From hot sauce kits to leather mouse pads, this roundup should take some of the stress out of your shopping experience.

30 Secret Santa Gift Ideas for Your Coworkers

$10 and Under

1) Engraved Pencil Set

Price: $8.00

Whether you type your notes or take them by hand, these hand stamped pencils are just plain cool. The sets come in a variety of different themes -- from motivational words to Harry Potter references -- and they're guaranteed to make putting together a to-do list a lot more fun.

Willing to chip in a few extra bucks? Pair a set of these pencils with a journal for a thoughtful and practical gift.

2) Toaster Grilled Cheese Bags

Price: $9.99

While almost every office has a toaster, few have a stovetop. This rules fresh, delicious grilled cheese off the list of lunch options ... or does it? When you give the gift of toaster grilled cheese bags, your recipient can toast up the perfect sandwich in minutes. The reusable, Teflon-coated bags can also be used for heating up other foods like pastries and leftover pizza.

Got a gluten-free coworker? They can even protect their food from cross contamination using these handy bags.

3) Printed Socks

Price: $8.00

Nothing beats a great pair of socks, am I right? Not only does everyone need them, but there's also such a wide variety of options available online that you're bound to find a pair for any and every personality.

Know of a few pizza lovers in the office? This pepperoni-clad pair would make the perfect gift.

4) Sushi Pushpins

Price: $9.00

Shopping for the office sushi addict? Look no further than this trendy desk trinket.

Stuck in a maki cushion, each pearl-shaped fish egg is a pushpin in disguise. Pin up your favorite notes, photos, and menus using these handy tacks -- or just admire the holder on your desk.

5) Waterproof Notepad

Price: $7.00

You never know when your next great idea is going to strike. In fact, it might even be the shower.

With a waterproof notepad from AquaNotes, you can jot down important shower notes before they slip your mind -- perfect for whipping up impromptu grocery or to-do lists.

6) Tech Cloth

Price: $9.99

Between oil, dust, spills, and smudges, our devices take a beating. But with a Smart Cloth on hand, you can polish up the screen on your smartphone, tablet, camera, or computer without having to worry about scratching the surface. No liquids or sprays needed.

You can even toss The Smart Cloth in the wash, making it easy to keep germ-free.

7) Reusable To Go Box

Price: $9.99

There's no shame in brown bagging your lunch at work, but why opt for a brown bag when you can reheat last night's homemade Pad Thai in style?

This eco-friendly container is reusable, microwavable, and dishwasher safe. What more could you want?

8) Portable Hot Sauce

Price: $9.99

Coming from a hot sauce addict, there's nothing worse than suffering through a bland meal without access to your favorite spicy condiment.

Thanks to this convenient set of Sriracha2Go key chains, you can carry a personal stash of the good stuff around with you at all times. Simply toss it in your purse or attach it to your keys to ensure you've got access to heat when you need it most.

9) Dry Erase Sheets

Price: $6.16

Use these sheets as an impromptu discussion tool, a place to post motivational quotes, or a home for your to-do list. Each sheet has a full-adhesive backing that leaves behind no residue, making them easy and convenient to tack up in the office or at home.

10) Cord Keeper

Price: $9.99

While the world of technology continues to push us in the direction of a more wireless world, we've all got a pair of standard headphones we keep holding on to -- no matter how tangled the cord gets.

Lucky for all of us, these handmade cord "wontons" exist to help keep our headphones, USB cords, and other accessory wires nice and neat. They come in a pack of three, so you can throw one in your car, keep one on your desk, and toss one in your bag.

$25 and Under

11) Salsa Grow Kit

Price: $12.00

Got a coworker with a green thumb? Gift them this awesome salsa growing kit, complete with six seed packets for Roma tomatoes, jalapeños, verde tomatillos, cilantro, scallions, and beefsteak tomatoes.

Once the seeds sprout in the recycled egg carton planter, transfer them into larger pots until they're ready for picking.

Not sold on salsa? There are kits available for pizza and cocktails, too.

12) Wine Infused Coffee

Price: $19.95

Gift hunting for a coffee drinker who also loves wines? Why not pick up a bag of Merlot-infused coffee beans.

This brew is made with 100% Arabica beans that are aged in oak wine barrels. Serving as the perfect post-meal treat, this unique gift will be a hit with any adventurous coffee enthusiast.

13) Plant Nanny

Price: $16.95

Don't let the burden of watering plants keep your coworker from taking time off to relax and recharge. With the help of these terracotta watering stakes, they can throw on their OOO message and hit the road without having to hire a plant sitter.

How does it work? It's simple: The stakes house a recycled bottle that's designed to release just enough water to keep plants alive and well.  

14) Smartphone Card Game

Price: $19.99

The name of the game is "Game of Phones." And the rules are pretty straightforward: Grab your smartphone and have one player (the judge for the round) draw a card. Everyone else gets 60 seconds to dig up a funny response to the prompt on the card using their phone. It's like a digital scavenger hunt -- and it's bound to be hilarious.

This one's perfect for anyone that loves to host friends or family for game night.

15) Travel Cup

Price: $14.99–$19.99 (+$3.99 for travel lid)

There are a ton of travel mugs out there to choose from, but Tervis tumblers seem to offer it all: customization, portable cooling, self-warming system, dishwasher armor, and a lifetime guarantee.

Whether you're buying a gift for an avid golfer, shopper, foodie, or Patriots super fan, there's bound to be a Tervis that lines up with their interests and personality.

16) Adult Coloring Book

Price: $12.18 (Paperback)

Coloring isn't just for kids anymore. Believe it or not, this trendy hobby offers more than a dose of nostalgia -- adult coloring books are actually believed to relieve stress, too. In fact, while The American Art Association doesn't think these books are enough to replace therapy for those who need it, it does support the use of coloring books for "pleasure and self care."

There are a wide variety of books to choose from, but we recommend "Color Me Calm" by Lacy Mucklow: a Zen coloring book that supports meditation and relaxation. Trust us, your stressed out deskmate will thank you.

17) Fruit Infuser Water Bottle

Price: $18.65

Stay hydrated and enjoy the sweet taste of your favorite fruits with this handy water bottle from Fruitzola.

Fill the inside tube with fruit or a combination of your choice -- strawberries, lemons, kiwis, watermelon, and mint all work well -- and enjoy the taste of fresh, flavored H₂0 all day.

18) Musical Pillow

Price: $19.19

For many, listening to music, a meditation app, or a podcast before bed can make it easier to drift off to sleep. Trouble is, it's tough to get comfortable with a pair of headphones in.

Enter: The Sound Asleep Pillow.

Deep inside this unique pillow lies a built-in speaker that connects to your phone or music player via a headphone jack. The coolest part? The sound from the speaker is only audible to the person resting their head on it, which is great if you don't want to disturb your spouse or significant other.

19) Espresso Sampler

Price: $23.00

Treat your coworker to this four-part specialty espresso sampler from Seattle's world-renowned roasters. Each sampler comes with tasting notes, roaster profiles, and brewing tips. (If you're lucky, maybe they'll share.)

$50 and Under

20) Smartphone Projector

Price: $31.95

Transform your smartphone into a big screen projector with this retro-inspired cardboard structure. Simply slide your device into the compartment for an instant cinema-like feel.

You can make this gift even better by throwing in a box of popcorn to complete the viewing experience.

21) Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit

Price: $34.95

Whether you're making chili for a rainy day, wings for the big game, or tacos for Tuesday's dinner, a little homemade hot sauce can make all the difference.

With this awesome kit, recipients can whip up six signature sauces that are seasoned to their exact liking. The kit even includes customizable labels for a fun, personalized touch.

22) Bottle Loft

Price: $38.00

Seriously, how cool is this? These handy storage strips adhere to the ceiling of your refrigerator and can hold up to a six pack of bottles of your choice. Plus, the magnets are super strong: they can hold over 3X the weight of an average 12 oz. bottle.

With all the space you'll save, you'll have plenty of room for snacks. It's the perfect gift for your office beer enthusiast.

23) Leather Mouse Pad

Price: $36.00

Looking for a sophisticated, practical gift option? Grab a leather mouse pad from Ugmonk's shop.

Not only does this sleek pad provide a smooth surface for your mouse, but the leather is also known to weather and darken slowly over time to take on a one-of-a-kind look. How cool.

24) Gourmet Marshmallows

Price: $30.00

Step your hot chocolate game up with a box of gourmet marshmallows. From boozy flavors like bourbon to sweet flavors like eggnog, these handcrafted marshmallows are good enough to eat straight from the box.

25) Streaming Stick

Price: $49.99

The Roku Streaming Stick works with any television that has an HDMI port, and offers over 1,200 apps, including Netflix, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Pandora, and many more. It's a perfect gift for nearly any coworker.

26) Tea Drops

Price: $34.00

Enjoy hot and fresh tea on the go thanks to these dissolvable, pressed tea drops. Made from just a few simple ingredients -- finely-sourced tea, sugar, and spices -- these tiny morsels are perfect for a busy coworker looking for an easy, healthy beverage to sip on.

This particular sampler set includes five drops of each of the following flavors: citrus ginger, vanilla white, rose earl grey, sweet peppermint, and matcha green tea.

27) Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Price: $35.00 (17 oz.) / $45.00 (25 oz.)

We'll admit it, we actually have a crush on this water bottle from S'well. Yes, a water bottle crush. Not only is it sleek and stylish -- it comes in tons of colors and prints -- but it's non-toxic, non-leaching, vacuum sealed, and BPA free.

What's more, it keeps your drinks cold for 24 hours, and hot for 12.

28) Wireless Speaker

Price: $39.99

Wireless speakers are the perfect gift for anyone in your office. Whether they use it to listen to podcasts while they cook, bring tunes to the beach, or create a custom surround sound movie experience, this little Jam Plus speaker packs a big punch. (Full disclosure: I love this speaker so much I bought another one ... and one for my brother.)

29) Cacti Coasters

Price: $31.00

Help your coworkers keep their desk nice and neat with this buildable set of cacti coasters.

The set comes complete with six green leaf coasters that you can mix and match to create different landscapes within the pot. Build them up or stack them close, they're there when you need a place to put your drink -- and still look really cool when you don't.

30) Mobile Lens Kit

Price: $26.00

If you pulled your social media manager's name out of the Secret Santa hat, we've got just the thing: Help them up their Instagram game with this handy mobile lens kit. The kit includes fisheye, wide angle, and macro lenses, complete with a universal clip that's compatible with most smartphones and tablets.

What are your go-to gift ideas? Share them with us in the comments section below.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in December 2015 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.

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How to Use Offline Events Ads From Facebook

Do you use Facebook ads to promote your physical store or event? Want to know if your ads are driving foot traffic? Facebook now lets you track in-store or live event visits that occur after people see or engage with your Facebook ads. In this article, you’ll discover how to track conversions on Facebook ads [...]

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How the Brain Processes Different Types of Content [Infographic]

Sometimes, the movie adaptation of a book is better than the book itself. Maybe it's the acting, maybe it's the special effects or the soundtrack, or maybe the story is simply better told on the big screen than in our imaginations.

The reason? Different stories are better told in different formats depending on the message they're trying to convey.

The folks at Main Path Marketing created an infographic to break down common types of content marketing formats and how they communicate information to your audience. And some of their insights may surprise you. For example, did you know that the human brain processes videos 60,000X faster than text? That's part of what makes how-to videos so popular in online search habits.

Check out the full infographic below for helpful takeaways about how to tailor your content strategy according to how your audience interprets information.

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5 Ways to Use Periscope to Connect With Customers

Looking for new ways to connect with your customers? Have you considered live video via Periscope? Broadcasting live on Periscope lets you build meaningful relationships with your customers and prospects. In this article, you’ll discover five ways to use Periscope to improve customer engagement. #1: Host a Live Help Desk Yes, Periscope is a good marketing [...]

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