Favicons have been around for a while and by now you probably (aka should) have one for your website. In short, a favicon is that little graphic that appears in the left corner of your browser tab that allows you to quickly identify the site that’s loaded in the tab.
In the example below, you can easily see that the icons represent Gmail, Facebook, Calendar, Skype and Google.
Until recently, these little 16 x 16 images were just part of your favorite web browser. However, in Google’s mobile-first world, favicons are now being displayed in mobile search results:
In the examples above, you can see that both eCommerce and non-eCommerce websites are having their favicons displayed in organic mobile search results.
For sites that do not have a favicon, or they do but it doesn’t meet Google’s favicon standards, a default favicon may be displayed. In the case shown below, a globe is used.
Now, let’s talk about those requirements. First and foremost, Google states that “your favicon should be a visual representation of your website’s brand, in order to help users quickly identify your site when they scan through search results.”
Favicons are small, they are meant to connect the visitor to your site in a visual way that instantly says, “hey that’s the XYZ company.” If you’re a candy seller and your favicon is a graphic that looks like a tree, the connection is lost.
Your favicon should be an extension of your brand such as a part of your company’s logo, or a graphic with your company’s colors. It shouldn’t be overly complex and must be easily identifiable.
There are additional requirements as well, including guidelines for size. “Your favicon should be a multiple of 48px square, for example: 48x48px, 96x96px, 144x144px and so on,” according to Google.
In order for your site’s favicon to show in Google mobile organic search results, all the requirements must be met (the full list can be found here) and some code needs to be added to your header.
How do I know if my favicon will show?
Great question! Of course, we’re one step ahead and have developed a tool that you can use to quickly see if your site is “favicon-ready!” To use it, just click here, enter your website’s URL and click submit. We’ll check your site against all the Google requirements and let you know if you’re good or not.
If I’m good, what do I need to do?
Nothing. Unless you want us to develop you a better-looking favicon! If you do, keep reading.
Uh oh! I’m not good. What now?
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
Put us to work creating and installing your new or updated favicon!
For $79, we will create a favicon in the required sizes that meet all Google requirements. We will install the code and favicons on your store, test, and submit a crawl request. Now, since favicons aren’t meant to be a complex work of art, the price includes one concept and one revision. Trust me on this one, our designers know what works for favicons and what doesn’t.
Ready to go?
Perfect! Just fill out the form below and we’ll get the process started. Once submitted, a member of our team will contact you with additional information and next steps.
For more information feel free to reach out to our support team at support@yourstorewizards.com or check out our FAQ’s here.
Scott Sanfilippo began his eCommerce journey in 1994 by co-founding one of the Internet’s first online retailers, TheFerretStore.com, which was acquired by PetCo in 2006. In 2001, he co-founded the eCommerce design and marketing firm Solid Cactus, which was acquired by web.com in 2009. Today, Scott is the General Manager of Your Store Wizards and lives in Delray Beach, FL. Scott can be contacted at scott@yourstorewizards.com.