What can be the cause for difference in local rankings between mobile and desktop?

[johanisk]

I have a site that ranks differently for the same search term on mobile and desktop computer.

I'm based in Glasgow, and the search term is (I've replaced the term with X's)  XXXXXX XXXXX Glasgow

Searching from a location in Glasgow:

Desktop:  Snackpack : 2, Organic : 6
Mobile: Snackpack: 1, Organic : 10

I'm keen to improve on the Organic positions as this term is a lead generating one for me.  My site is mobile friendly and scores 69/100 on the speed test.  Do you think bumping the pagespeed well "into the green" would help improve it's position?

Is there anything else I should look at?

[PatrickDelehanty]

Hi there

This isn't a bad thing - you're eating up some good real estate it sounds like! Good for you! Based on an article from Moz, local snackpacks tend to get more clicks than organic results. So I would bask in that glory for a minute.

When it comes to the differentiation in rankings from desktop to mobile, remember that these are two different ranking systems with different approaches based on the device the user is using and what we tend to use those devices for. Rankings will be different for both, so your strategy has to be different for both.

There's a great article from Smart Insights that breaks down the mobile ranking factors in the Searchmetrics 2015 ranking study. I would make sure you review this for some great tips and pointers, and also make sure your mobile experience is upto snuff by reviewing Google's Mobile SEO best practices. While you do have a decent mobile score, there seems to be a lot of opportunity there. Review the resources Google passes along and being to prioritize!

Lastly, be sure to give your business a good local SEO audit. Make sure your NAPWs are up to date and correct and that you are providing relevant information that's properly categorized. This should be an ongoing task!

Hope this helps - let me know if you have any questions or comments! Good luck!
Patrick

[johanisk]

Thanks Patrick, that's really helpful.