Updated 18 September 2026. Originally published in 2016; revised to replace outdated advice and links.
A website that looks tidy on a desktop can still be hard to use on a phone. The small-screen version needs the same care, especially when customers are trying to call, compare services or send an enquiry.
Keep the important content on mobile
Google uses the mobile version of a site’s content for indexing and ranking. Do not remove useful service information, headings or links solely to shorten the mobile layout. Accordions can organise detail, but the underlying content still needs to be accessible.
Use Google’s mobile-first indexing guidance when reviewing content, images, metadata and crawl access.
Test a real customer journey
- Open the menu and reach the service you want.
- Read text without zooming or sideways scrolling.
- Check buttons, telephone links and keyboard focus.
- Complete the form, including validation and confirmation.
- Check that consent controls and pop-ups do not obscure the task.
Measure speed without chasing a single score
Use PageSpeed Insights to investigate loading, responsiveness and layout stability. Laboratory tests help diagnose a problem; real-user data shows how visitors experience it over time.
The old Mobile-Friendly Test and Search Console Mobile Usability report mentioned in our 2016 article have been retired. AMP is not a requirement for good mobile SEO, and a particular technology does not guarantee rankings.
If your mobile site needs attention, explore our website services or ask the team to review the journey.
