Latest update: July 15, 2024
Google needs to be able to see all the webpage external resources like javascript, CSS, and images to fully understand your page.
In the past search engines were mainly interested in the text of your page, not the other bits. Now it is different. The more information a search engine has about your webpage the more it can understand it.
The Importance of Unlocking Resources for Mobile SEO
If Google cannot access your CSS, it may not recognize your website as mobile-friendly. For instance, if a mobile user searches for “green widgets” and Google finds your page relevant but not optimized for mobile, it may present another webpage instead. Failure to appear in Google’s mobile results could occur if your CSS remains inaccessible.
Does Google only show mobile results on mobile devices?
No, it does not. Nevertheless, it’s prudent to bear in mind that Google aims to deliver the best, most helpful, and most accurate search results possible. Therefore, it’s our responsibility to strive to be that desired result.
How to make sure you are not blocking resources?
You can utilize our complimentary mobile SEO tool available here to assess whether your resources are obstructed. It’s essential to thoroughly review your robots.txt file to confirm that none of your primary JavaScript or CSS files are being restricted. Be vigilant for directives such as…
Disallow: /css
Disallow: /jsIf you find the aforementioned directives in your robots.txt file, it’s probable that certain resources are being obstructed. Know what your page loads, and make sure these elements are not blocked by search engines or Googlebot.
Blocked Resources for WordPress Sites
For WordPress users blocked resources often stem from restricted access to the wp-content and wp-includes directories. Rectifying this involves modifying your robots.txt to remove such restrictions, thereby enhancing Google’s ability to fully understand your site.
It looks like this in your robots.txt file..
Disallow: /wp-content
Disallow: /wp-includesTo resolve the problem, you should delete those lines from your robots.txt file if they exist.
Conclusion
For effective SEO, it’s crucial to ensure that Google can access all webpage resources, including JavaScript, CSS, and images. Mobile optimization is particularly vital, as Google may prioritize mobile-friendly sites in search results. Use tools to check for blocked resources, and review and modify your robots.txt file accordingly, especially for WordPress sites, to enhance visibility and user experience.
