What steps would you take to fix mobile usability errors in GSC, like 'Text too small to read' or 'Clickable elements too close together'?
To fix mobile usability errors in Google Search Console (GSC) like:
-
“Text too small to read”
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“Clickable elements too close together”
you’ll want to focus on responsive design best practices and proper spacing in your CSS. Here's a practical step-by-step guide:
๐ 1. Identify Affected Pages
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Go to GSC → Mobile Usability report.
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Click on each error type to view specific URLs affected.
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Test the pages using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test or Chrome DevTools (Inspect → Toggle device toolbar) to replicate the issues.
๐ 2. Fix “Text Too Small to Read”
This means the font size is too small on mobile screens. Here’s how to address it:
✅ What to Do:
-
Set base font size to at least 16px (on mobile).
-
Use responsive units like
em
,rem
,%
, orvw
instead of fixedpx
values. -
Ensure viewport is correctly configured.
๐ก Example Fixes:
๐ 3. Fix “Clickable Elements Too Close Together”
This refers to links or buttons being too tightly packed on small screens, making them hard to tap.
✅ What to Do:
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Ensure minimum spacing of at least 48px by 48px around interactive elements (per Google’s recommendations).
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Use padding and margin to space elements.
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Don’t stack links or buttons too close on mobile layouts.
๐ก Example Fixes:
๐งช 4. Test Your Fixes
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Use Chrome DevTools to test responsiveness.
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Run the Mobile-Friendly Test again after changes.
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Revalidate in GSC under the Mobile Usability report after pushing updates.
✅ 5. Use Responsive Design Frameworks
If your site is outdated or not responsive:
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Consider using a framework like Bootstrap, Tailwind CSS, or Foundation to speed up mobile-friendly development.
๐ 6. Continuous Monitoring
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Set up regular audits using tools like:
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Google Lighthouse
-
PageSpeed Insights
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Semrush or Ahrefs Site Audit (for more detail)
-
Final Note
These issues often arise from legacy CSS, lack of viewport meta tags, or desktop-only design assumptions. Addressing them improves not only SEO but also user experience and conversion rates on mobile.