Google Search announced significant changes to its indexing requirements for large websites today, emphasizing the need for complete link parity between mobile and desktop versions. The update, released on November 1, 2024, specifically targets websites with separate HTML versions for mobile and desktop experiences.
The search giant stated in its latest documentation that the discovery of new pages could be significantly slower if mobile versions do not include all links present on desktop versions. This change particularly affects websites with over one million unique pages or those with more than 10,000 pages that update content daily.
"For large websites with separate HTML on mobile and desktop versions, the discovery of new pages can be slower if the mobile version does not include all the links that are present on the desktop version," according to Google's updated crawl budget documentation.
The modification comes as part of Google's ongoing effort to improve its crawling efficiency. According to the documentation, the change aims to address issues where important content might be missed or delayed in the indexing process due to link disparities between mobile and desktop versions.
For webmasters and SEO professionals, the update introduces several key requirements:
- Mobile versions must contain all links present on desktop versions
- Sitemap files should include comprehensive URL listings
- Proper mobile-to-desktop URL mapping must be maintained
Industry experts note that this update reflects Google's continued commitment to mobile-first indexing, which began several years ago. The change particularly impacts news websites, e-commerce platforms, and large corporate sites that maintain separate mobile and desktop experiences.
The updated guidelines appear in Google's crawl budget documentation, which provides technical specifications for large website management. According to Google, the changes take effect immediately, though existing websites will likely need time to implement the necessary updates.
Website owners can verify their compliance through Google Search Console, which provides tools for monitoring mobile usability and indexing status. The documentation emphasizes that while these changes are mandatory for optimal indexing, they primarily affect sites with separate HTML versions for mobile and desktop experiences.
Google's documentation also clarifies that this update does not affect websites using responsive design, as these automatically maintain link parity across all device types.
Key Facts:
- Released: November 1, 2024
- Target: Websites with 1M+ pages or 10K+ daily updated pages
- Requirement: Complete mobile-desktop link parity
- Implementation: Immediate effect
- Tools: Verifiable through Google Search Console