Google’s new algorithm will not apply to lager desktop screens but the loss of prized positions on mobile will affect visitor numbers, customers and ultimately money. Google is forcing all websites to become mobile friendly.

And the catch 22 is once a web site loses traffic it will be demoted further making the need to update sites quickly even more critical.

Mobile sites are different to fixed sites. Content must:

• Load quickly – animated gifs, large picture files, java and other content must be stripped out of the mobile version
• Be presented in a continuous format scrolling up and down
• Remove multiple columns
• Replace links and menus with larger, finger friendly tabs or boxes – touchable actions
• Left and right swiping (as characterised by Windows 8.1 and later) are not supported on the home page
• All images and type must scale to the smaller form factor
• The site must be mobile aware and use later code that supports location and other issues

According to comScore 29% of all searches in the US are now mobile with other countries about 30% of that. Google has over 90% of the mobile search market.

Header image courtesy of CIBN

Photo below from MyWork Australia

Update: Google's response.