With the rise in the number of mobile users, marketers have started taking mobile SEO more seriously. The search engine giant “Google” has launched “Mobilegeddon” update which is set to penalize any website which is not optimized for mobile devices. The mobile traffic today has overshadowed the desktop traffic and the need for mobile optimization is at its peak. Mobile SEO is very important for gaining more traffic via mobile.

Though optimizing the website for mobile devices is necessary for better ranking, there are certain misconceptions which are prevalent in the market about mobile SEO. Listed below are some of the most common myths regarding mobile SEO. These myths have been busted so that the real picture of mobile SEO can be revealed.

1. Desktop and mobile SEO are not similar

The most common myth about mobile SEO is that it is completely different from desktop SEO. Usually people believe that desktop SEO has a completely different structure than the mobile SEO. Of course they are different in many ways, they are still the same in more than one way. The basic tactics of SEO like proper coding, site mapping, meta text writing, content optimizing, ongoing content, etc are relevant to both desktop and mobile. Some of the functionality factors might be different but rest all the other elements remain the same.

2. Mobile search is absolutely different from desktop

Another myth about mobile SEO is the belief that visitors search for different keywords on desktop and mobile. People say that the mobile queries are shorter and more conversational due to voice-based search. Though the voice-based search and apps have changed the way visitor search on the internet but these have been done for both. The mobile and desktop layouts might be different but the recent switch of Google to a local 3-pack ranking system for local results has witnessed that these two are getting closer in form and function.

3. Mobile-specific URLs are essential

The separation of desktop and mobile SEO is the reason for this misconception being cropped in. Earlier mobile-specific URLs were considered as the best and the most efficient element for creating a mobile website. The mobile sites were not accessed much and the mobile URLs were considered to be an easy way to make sure that the site was optimized for mobile. The easy implementation and flexible parameters have made responsive design to be a popular mean of optimizing mobile in today’s world.

4. Responsive sites are mandatory

There is no doubt that responsive website is better in functionality and looks as it adjusts itself according to the devices but it not essential for mobile SEO. You can go for a mobile-specific URL or subdomain and manage to escape from being penalized by search engines. The search engines will not spot the difference if it goes unnoticed by the users. You can go for a responsive website because it is easily manageable and less time-consuming but mobile SEO is possible without it as well.

5. Mobile-only is better than a separate desktop and mobile version

Though there is no need of having a desktop website before launching a mobile-only website, it is always recommended that it should be there. The mobile website will not attract any penalty from the search engines but at the same time it is tolerated and not loved. The mobile-only website is not better in any way as compared to the desktop website. It will always be better to consider the UX design if you are generating desktop traffic. You can go for both while focussing on mobile SEO to increase your ranking and generate more traffic.