Technically not actual penalties but they will definitely feel like it. As we’ve been saying for a while, Google will start to favour sites that are mobile friendly in mobile search. Back in January we told you about the mobile friendly warnings which is always a sure sign that Google is about to whack you. Google made an announcement overnight that basically means if you are not mobile friendly by the 21st of April you’re going to have a hard time appearing in search.
Over the last 3- 4 months Google has been telling us very subtlety to get your house in order for mobile
Jan 2015 mobile friendly warnings
Dec 2014 mobile usability launch
June 2014 mobile sites should be responsive
I hear that a lot but here is a simple way to work what it will cost you if you DON’T do it.
Go to Google analytics Audience/Mobile/Devices and click add segment and choose organic traffic.
For the client above they stand to lose nearly $40,000 / month in revenue.
So how much does it really cost?
UPDATE: A little bit more detail on why I think this is a big SEO change.
Jim’s been here for a while, you know who he is.