Google is to start indexing content inside apps, meaning that users will see installed app content appear on their search results for relevant keywords. The move will see Google’s bots crawling and indexing content within Android apps, meaning that searches from mobile devices can point users directly to relevant content in apps, as opposed to […]
Google is to start indexing content inside apps, meaning that users will see installed app content appear on their search results for relevant keywords.
The move will see Google’s bots crawling and indexing content within Android apps, meaning that searches from mobile devices can point users directly to relevant content in apps, as opposed to the firm’s website, when it makes sense to do so.
“Searchers on smartphones experience many speed bumps that can slow them down,” writes product manager Lawrence Chang in a blog post. “For example, any time they need to change context from a web page to an app, or vice versa, users are likely to encounter redirects, pop-up dialogs, and extra swipes and taps. Wouldn’t it be cool if you could give your users the choice of viewing your content either on the website or via your app, both straight from Google’s search results?”
“If both the webpage and the app contents are successfully indexed, Google will then try to show deep links to your app straight in our search results when we think they’re relevant for the user’s query and if the user has the app installed,” Chang explains. “When users tap on these deep links, your app will launch and take them directly to the content they need.”
The change will roll out in the US over the next few weeks, starting with the Google Search App 2.8+ and Android 4.1+.
App indexing is still in the testing phase, however, and Google is starting out with apps from Allthecooks, AllTrails, Beautylish, Etsy, Expedia, Flixster, Healthtap, IMDB, Moviefone, Newegg, OpenTable, and Trulia.
Developers can start the process by filling in a request form to Google to join in the test phase.
Developers will also need to provide Google with information about alternate URLs, either within their sitemap or in a link element within the pages of the website.
Google says app indexing will not impact ranking. In a Q&A, the company says, “App indexing does not impact on your website’s ranking in the search results page. It does affect how a search result of your website is displayed, namely by adding a button to open the content in your app if the user has the app installed.”
Google did not indicate when it will extend the feature to non-Android platforms such iPhone or Windows apps.
Read the official blog announcement here
