In the mobile-first world of SEO, the usability of your website on a small screen is paramount. One of the most common and frustrating mobile usability issues is a small target size. This refers to the clickable area of an element, such as a button or a link. If a target is too small, it can be difficult for users to tap with their finger, leading to a poor user experience and a negative impact on your SEO. This guide will explore the importance of target size and how to fix it.

Think of your website as a touchscreen kiosk. If the buttons are too small, customers will struggle to make a selection. The same is true for your website. By ensuring that all of your clickable elements are large enough to be easily tapped, you can create a more successful and user-friendly experience for everyone. For a deeper dive into the world of mobile SEO, see our article on the mobile usability category.

An illustration of a large button, symbolizing the importance of fixing target size.

Why Target Size is a Critical Mobile Usability Issue

As explained in Google’s own guide to mobile-first indexing, a positive mobile experience is essential.

  • Mobile-Friendliness is a Ranking Factor: Google uses mobile-friendliness as a direct ranking signal. A site with small tap targets is not mobile-friendly.
  • Improved User Experience: A site that is easy to use on a mobile device will have lower bounce rates and higher engagement, which are also important ranking signals.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Small Tap Targets

The goal is to make all of your clickable elements at least 48×48 pixels in size. For more on this, check out this guide to tap targets from web.dev.

Code Example: The Fix

<!-- Before: Small tap target --> <a href="/page" style="font-size: 12px;">My Link</a> <!-- After: Larger, more tappable target --> <a href="/page" style="font-size: 16px; padding: 10px;">My Link</a>
  1. Identify Small Tap Targets: Use an SEO audit tool like Creeper or Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to identify any pages with small tap targets.
  2. Increase the Size of the Target: You can increase the size of a tap target by increasing the font size, adding padding, or increasing the line height.
  3. Ensure Adequate Spacing: Make sure that there is enough space between your tap targets to prevent users from accidentally tapping the wrong one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is target size?

Target size refers to the clickable area of an element on a webpage, such as a button or a link. It’s a critical aspect of mobile usability, as small tap targets can be difficult for users to interact with on a touchscreen.

Why is target size important for SEO?

Target size is important for SEO because it is a key factor in mobile-friendliness, which is a direct ranking signal for Google. A site with small, difficult-to-click targets will provide a poor user experience, which can lead to higher bounce rates and lower rankings.

How do I fix small target sizes?

The fix for small target sizes is to increase the clickable area of the element. This can be done by increasing the font size, adding padding to the element, or increasing the line height. The goal is to make the target at least 48×48 pixels in size.

Ready to make your buttons bigger? Start your Creeper audit today and see how you can improve your website’s mobile experience.