In 2016 Mobile Apps Will Be Ranked Higher Than Mobile Websites!

Google is Now Ranking Mobile Apps Above Mobile Websites

As you know when it comes to how people find what they want Google reigns supreme and when Google changes how businesses are found we all have to listen. Coming in 2016, Google will be changing how apps rank in their app indexing. It was recently announced app only content within Android apps could now be organized and ranked when searches are conducted from a mobile device.  

Since 2013 Google has been pushing the idea of mobile apps and they are increasingly finding ways to emphasize them.  Recently they changed the algorithm to favor mobile websites over then traditional non-mobile websites.  Those that did not have Mobile Websites saw there Google Search Rankings drop in favor of competitors with Mobile Websites.  While thousands of businesses are still scrambling to make this change over they need to also be looking at developing mobile apps and not be left behind.  

How will Google's App Indexing work?

If you were looking for a restaurant and typed in San Diego Micro Brews in the Google search bar, Google would suggest those Micro Brews with mobile websites first. What is changing is now with Google’s App Indexing it will suggest a Micro Brew with a Mobile app first over one with just a mobile website.  Furthermore, if you're on a website for a hotel and the company has a mobile app, Google will push the user towards the mobile app itself.

How Long is Too Long

Not only will the change in Google’s App indexing API share how long users are in the app, but also the amount of time spent within a specific page or section of the app.  You can be sure that with this kind of information Google will begin to rank the value of the app page or section based off the amount of time spent or frequency of visits.

Google Apps Maybe First

Being that Google has more access to the content of Android apps compared to that of iOS apps, Android apps may benefit more initially.   Google’s App indexing API will still be able to integrate directly with iOS app users so long as the developer makes sure to include this option for direct integration and communication.

Be Proactive, Stay Relevant

Short of it is that Google knows and believes Apps are preferred by users and therefore will suggest them first.  As a mobile app development company here in San Diego we have been preaching this for some time and now it is coming to fruition.   At UPG Mobile Marketing Group we can help you stay ahead of the curve with your own mobile app and keep your business rankings high and in front of those that matter most, your customers. 

The World's Mobile Are You?

Ron's Pro Shop at The Coronado Golf Course just released!

Customers are now searching for and viewing their favorite businesses on their phones much more often than their desktops computers. Mobile devices are the go to source for research, shopping and interacting with companies and conduct business. The need for mobile marketing is higher than ever and brands have to quickly meet this changing landscape if they want to succeed.

The first thing you need to do optimize your web presence for mobile, especially given Google’s latest announcement that takes place this month. Make sure your website, email platform and blog are optimized for mobile. Develop and release an app. You need to get involved in the mobile market if you want to stay relevant in your industry.

 A few statistics to consider:

• 99% of users are accessing mobile for content and information;
• 63% of internet access is from mobile
• 62% access email from mobile;
• 15% make purchases from mobile.

These numbers are only going to surge higher. 15% might seem low for online purchasing but you must remember that 78% of users are using mobile to research sales that then turn into in-person sales. Without the web and more specifically, mobile, you might not have made that sale. Mobile users are actually more likely to convert to actual sales than any other type of user.

This shift has far reaching implications for both B2B and B2C business. B2C has had a slight edge when it comes to being mobile friendly but B2B is catching up fast. No matter what type of goods and services your business offers, having a mobile-friendly experience for your customer is imperative.

 Make sure your business is optimized for local search. Secondly, make sure it is also optimized for mobile access. Lastly, think about providing advantages or incentives for the user who uses mobile and helps you generate leads.

So you just got an app for your business, now what?

Congratulations, you just got an app for your business. Now what? “If you build it they will come” may have worked for Kevin Costner, but it wont work for apps; you have to promote it, the good news is, its fun, easy, inexpensive and can prove to be very effective.

Here are 5 quick tips on how you can promote your app, build your audience and start to see some ROI.

1)   Share you app – this may seem like a no brainer, but so many businesses make the mistake of forgetting to share their app. A mobile app is the most consistent connection between you and your customers, and they’ll always want a convenient way to access your deals. Use your Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn profiles to promote your app as often as possible.

2)   Write your local Press- Neil Patel says: "Press is the best way to kick start your startup, and the best way to get it is to manually reach out to journalists."

3)   Dedicate a page – Make your app a big deal on your web site by dedicating one page to it. This page should have a few app screen shots, some quick benefit information and a link so they can download it. And you’re done!

4)   Run a contest- For example; if you own a food truck, have your customers take a selfie with your food. The best picture can win a prize of you choice

5)   Cross promote- Get other businesses involved by promoting their coupons in your app. If you’re a real estate agent, invite a local contractors or electricians to promote their businesses with you. By doing that you’ll gain two businesses promoting your services and your app becomes a needed resource.

Start putting these practices into action and you’ll see your downloads jump right away.