If you’ve been monitoring your site’s performance in Google Search Console (GSC), you might have encountered the “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” status for some of your pages. This status means that Googlebot has crawled the page but hasn't indexed it yet. While this isn't necessarily a red flag, it can impact your site's visibility in search results. Here’s a comprehensive guide to address this issue and enhance your SEO strategy.
Identify the Causes Behind “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed”
One common reason for this status is that the content on the page may not meet Google’s quality standards. Google aims to index pages that offer valuable and relevant information to users. If your content is thin, lacks depth, or doesn’t provide a unique value, it might be deprioritized for indexing.
Technical Issues
Technical problems on your site can also prevent pages from being indexed. These issues can include incorrect meta tags, broken links, or server errors. Ensuring that your website is technically sound is crucial for effective indexing.
Update Your Sitemap
An updated sitemap is essential for guiding search engines through your site’s content. If your sitemap is outdated or doesn’t include new pages, Google might struggle to index them. Regularly updating your sitemap and submitting it to Google Search Console can help ensure that all relevant pages are considered for indexing.
Improve Internal Linking
Internal linking helps Google understand the structure and importance of pages on your site. If a page is not well-linked from other parts of your site, Google might not prioritize it for indexing. Enhance your internal linking strategy by connecting relevant pages and ensuring that important content is easily accessible.
Enhance Page Quality
To increase the likelihood of indexing, ensure your content is comprehensive and valuable. Detailed, well-researched content that addresses user queries and provides in-depth insights is more likely to be indexed. Consider expanding your existing content to cover topics in greater detail and improve its overall quality.
Optimize for User Experience
User experience plays a significant role in indexing decisions. Pages that offer a positive user experience, with fast load times, mobile optimization, and intuitive navigation, are more likely to be indexed. Review your site’s performance metrics and make necessary adjustments to enhance user experience.
Check for Manual Actions
In some cases, Google may apply manual actions to your site, which can affect indexing. Manual actions are penalties imposed by Google for violations of its guidelines. Check Google Search Console for any manual action notifications and address any issues promptly to restore indexing.
Resolve Crawl Errors
Crawl errors can prevent pages from being indexed. Regularly review the Crawl Errors report in Google Search Console and fix any issues that arise. Common crawl errors include 404 errors, server errors, and redirect issues. By resolving these errors, you can improve the chances of your pages being indexed.
Submit a Request for Indexing
If you've made significant updates to a page that was previously “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed,” you can request Google to re-crawl and index it. Use the URL Inspection tool in Google Search Console to submit a request for indexing. This tool allows you to check the status of a page and request re-crawling to expedite the indexing process.
Monitor Your Progress
Track Changes in Google Search Console
After implementing the steps to fix the “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” issue, monitor your progress using Google Search Console. Check if the status of your pages changes from “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” to “Indexed” and review any new indexing issues that may arise.
Analyze Performance Metrics
Evaluate the performance of your pages through analytics tools to ensure that they are gaining visibility and traffic. Improved indexing should lead to better search engine rankings and increased organic traffic. Analyze key metrics such as page views, bounce rates, and conversion rates to gauge the effectiveness of your changes.
Continuously Optimize Your SEO Strategy
SEO is an ongoing process, and regular optimization is crucial for maintaining and improving your site’s performance. Continuously review and refine your SEO strategy to keep up with evolving search engine algorithms and user expectations. Stay informed about industry trends and best practices to ensure that your site remains competitive in search results.
Addressing the “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” issue in Google Search Console requires a multifaceted approach. By understanding the causes behind this status and taking proactive steps to resolve them, you can enhance your site’s visibility and improve your SEO performance. Focus on content quality, technical accuracy, and user experience to increase the likelihood of your pages being indexed. Regular monitoring and optimization will help you maintain a strong online presence and achieve better search engine rankings.
FAQs: Fixing the “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” Issue in Google Search Console
What does “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” mean?
The “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” status in Google Search Console indicates that Googlebot has crawled the page but hasn’t yet included it in the index. This means the page is in Google's database but not yet available in search results.
Why is my page showing as “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed”?
Several factors could cause this status, including low content quality, technical issues, insufficient internal linking, or manual actions. It can also occur if your page doesn’t meet Google’s guidelines for indexing.
How can I improve the chances of my page being indexed?
To improve indexing chances, ensure your content is high-quality, comprehensive, and relevant. Fix any technical issues on your site, enhance internal linking, and improve the user experience. Regularly update your sitemap and resolve any crawl errors.
What should I do if my content is high-quality but still not indexed?
Even if your content is high-quality, technical issues or site errors could prevent indexing. Check for crawl errors, review your sitemap, and ensure your site’s technical aspects are functioning correctly. Also, use the URL Inspection tool in Google Search Console to request re-crawling and indexing of the page.
How can I check if there are manual actions affecting my site?
Manual actions are listed in Google Search Console under the “Manual Actions” report. If you find any manual actions, review the details and follow Google’s guidelines to address the issues. Once resolved, you can request a reconsideration of your site.
How do I update my sitemap in Google Search Console?
To update your sitemap, ensure it includes all relevant pages and submit it through Google Search Console. Go to the “Sitemaps” section, enter the URL of your updated sitemap, and click “Submit.” Regularly updating your sitemap helps Google crawl and index your pages more efficiently.
What are some common crawl errors I should look for?
Common crawl errors include 404 errors (page not found), server errors (5xx errors), and redirect issues. Regularly check the “Coverage” report in Google Search Console for these errors and resolve them to improve indexing.
How can I improve my page’s user experience for better indexing?
Enhance user experience by ensuring fast load times, optimizing for mobile devices, and providing easy navigation. A positive user experience increases the likelihood of your page being indexed and ranking well in search results.
Can I request Google to re-crawl my page?
Yes, you can request Google to re-crawl your page using the URL Inspection tool in Google Search Console. Enter the URL of the page you want to re-crawl, and click “Request Indexing” to expedite the process.
How long does it take for changes to be reflected in Google Search Console?
The time it takes for changes to be reflected in Google Search Console can vary. It may take a few days to several weeks for Google to crawl and index updated pages. Regularly monitor the status in Google Search Console to track progress.
What should I do if my page remains “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” despite all efforts?
If your page continues to show “Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” despite efforts to resolve the issue, consider seeking advice from SEO professionals or checking for any new site-wide issues that could affect indexing. Continuous optimization and monitoring are key to addressing persistent issues.
