Wednesday, 11 January 2012 21:27

Mobile URL's and SEO

Mobile URL's and SEO

When optimizing your websites for mobile devices, it is most important to consider mobile URL's indexed in Google and plan for search engine optimization ("SEO").  There are several options; such as, using a mobile subdomain like "m." or "mobile." or subfolder naming conventions like m/ or mobile/.  In all cases, if you're using Taptheme for Joomla, the best practice is to use an alternative alias from your top-level domain ("TLD").  

Why use mobile urls?

Mobile web usage has increased tremendously in the past few years.  The division between TLD's and mobile url's is significant for user experience.  Another thing to consider is that mobile SEO differs from regular desktop SEO.  Mobile SEO depends on factors such as location, device types, content, style and functionality.  Also, the use of search engines vary from one person to the next just as the use of search engines from one device to the next.  Basically, mobile user activity is completely diverse. 

Mobile factors described:

Location

Imagine if you search for "mexican martini" on your iPhone.  You might expect Google to return results with a map and related links below it.  The experience may be similar from the desktop but you should find mobile links through your mobile device.  If your device is set to your location, you will also find related links closests to your location. 

Device Types

Since device types and search enginges differ, try to make your mobile site functional for all devices.  Not all people are Apple fan boys like us.  On somewhat of the same note and at this time, Taptheme is only available for the iPhone, Android, and iPad.  We are happy to announce it will soon to be revamped for many other devices such as the Blackerry, Palm, Kindle, and others.  Consider these devices as well when you are customizing your website.     

Content

Articles, blogs, and what have you should be minimized and separate from your TLD.  Using no more of 150 words has become a standard practice.  Always include keywords so that content is available to your users and on various platforms.  Mobile keywords are also very helpful.

Style & Functionality

Mobile user experience is a critical factor to attract your target audience.  Mobile users are usually looking for something quick and easy to navigate.  For instance, you may be sitting in traffic and "legally" searching for a restaurant or a store; of course, you want search results to be instant.  Or rather, you may be sitting on the couch shopping for a birthday gift.  Again, you will want to visit a website that is clean and mobile friendly such as m.dillards.com (notice their URL).  Style and functionality is the number one principle for mobile web-devlopment. 

Mobile URL List:

To conclude, here is a list of mobile URL's. 

m."".com

mobile."".com

wap."".com

touch."".com

"".mobi

"".com/m

"".com/mobile

m. seems to be the most popular use in mobile URL's and indexed by Google more often.  Making a decision on a mobile URL is your preference but always do your research.  In general, try to consider all factors in the mobile industry when you plan to customize your site for mobile devices. 

Last modified on Thursday, 12 January 2012 17:07

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