Responsive design or mobile website for SEO

[remkoallertz]

Because domains with a mobile version have better rankings in Google then domains with only a deskop version we're considering a mobile website. My web developer says that a m.domain.com is duplicated with the domain.com, and he recommends a responsive design.

What is better for SEO positions in mobiles devices. A m.domain mobile website or a responsive design. What are influential factors?

[simon_realbuzz]

I think the best thing to consider is what is best for your users rather than a search engine. If having a mobile version improves their user experience then great.

Google have expressed a preference for responsive over mobile but again you have to think are your users best served by a mobile (and possibly scaled back version) of your site.

There have been some great blogs on Moz on the whole mobile issue which I think you should check out.

http://moz.com/blog/seo-of-responsive-web-design

http://moz.com/blog/how-to-optimize-a-mobile-site

http://moz.com/blog/mobile-seo-process

[Marcus_Miller]

Hey, I think Simon pretty much nailed this here. Responsive is ideal and the stated preference from Google HQ but with the caveat that you should first consider what is best for the users.

I tend to prefer simplified mobile sites (on the same URL) with some of the content pared back to responsive sites for some of the gaming blogs I read as they are just so image heavy and it provides a simpler, faster and ultimately better experience whilst I am in areas with a less than stellar mobile data connection.

So, responsive if that is suitable but always consider the end user first and tailor your approach to suit.

Hope that helps!
Marcus

[whiteboardanimator]

I am in total agreement with Marcus and Simon, you should be designing your site for the best possible user experience.

Your ranking will be associated with the quality of user experience provided by your website, this a job for google and not us... you should always ensure that user experience is a priority and organic rankings will follow.

[remkoallertz]

Thanks for the respons. Responsive design is probably the best option with the best usability users.