Definition: Mobile-first indexing

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Mobile-first indexing is a strategy used by search engines to prioritize the mobile version of a website for indexing and ranking in search results. The idea behind mobile-first indexing is that, with the increasing prevalence of mobile devices and the growth of mobile web usage, it is becoming increasingly important for websites to provide a good user experience on mobile devices.

Under mobile-first indexing, search engines will primarily use the content, structure, and links of the mobile version of a website to determine its relevance and ranking in search results. If a website does not have a mobile version or if the mobile version of the site is significantly different from the desktop version, search engines may have difficulty accurately determining its relevance and ranking, which can negatively impact its visibility in search results.

Mobile-first indexing is a significant shift in the way that search engines evaluate and rank websites, and it has important implications for website owners and webmasters. To prepare for mobile-first indexing, it is important to ensure that your website is optimized for mobile devices, providing a good user experience, fast loading speeds, and relevant, high-quality content.

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