Mobile SERP is a Small Business Reality Check

Search engine result page (SERP) ranking is possibly the most discussed topic among internet marketers. Changes in search algorithms since April 2015 have sent many businesses scrambling for mobile optimization of their websites. With ever-increasing searches on mobile devices, Google and Bing are understandably favoring mobile-optimized sites on their SERPs. Keep in mind search engines obsessively focus on improving user experience, providing fast and relevant information, now delivering it right to the user’s fingertip.

The typical layout of the Google mobile result page for commercially interpreted searches are stacked with four ads on top (previously three), followed by the local map, with three (previously four) organic listings last. (Bing’s mobile SERP layout is similar.) Obviously, phone screen width dictates a vertical arrangement, and the change to four ads gives more real estate to promoted websites, and enforces the importance of placing in the top three organic listings.

How to Become the Big Fish in a Small Pond

So where does this leave us, the small fish in the ocean that is the internet? We know internet marketing is a never-ending mission and consistently needs adjustments; certainly not something we can set and forget. It continually forces us to do business reality checks. And we must face the reality for small business – internet marketing may be the only game in town, but it is unquestionably the best value for advertising.

Cincinnati WebTec can help you effectively administer your internet advertising dollars. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising can be a money pit, or it can be extremely productive when managed properly. We can help you understand PPC advertising. We can help you define your strategy and effectively utilize your budget with Google My Business and AdWords. Our expert competitor analysis and keyword research will yield the highest return on your investment for Google and Bing PPC campaigns, especially for local search queries. Remember, Google and Bing want your advertising dollars – you will get placement in the top four results and occasionally become the big fish on the small search engine result page.